Wolverine Tracking Project: Tracking Survey Classroom Training

We are looking for volunteers to join our Winter Wildlife Tracking Survey this Winter (November 2019-April 2020).  

The winter tracking survey is part of the Wolverine Tracking Project, a long-term community science project studying rare carnivores in Mt Hood National Forest.

Learn to identify animals based on their tracks and signs.
Learn about and help protect our local wildlife!
Help search for wolverine and wolves, study the distribution of rare montane red fox, and document other resident carnivores.

Tracking encompasses knowledge of animal behavior, awareness, ecology, and more, and is an important skill for any one looking to get into conservation, wildlife biology, environmental science and resource management, forestry, or for anyone looking to develop a deeper connection and understanding with the natural world. The more you study tracking, the more you realize that everything, in fact, leaves a track of some sort.

Tracking teams leave for Mt Hood from Portland almost every weekend throughout winter. Surveys are completed by snowshoe in groups of up to 10, led by 1-2 Tracking Leaders.

To volunteer, we ask that you first attend a training with us: one classroom training (offered weekday evenings in NE Portland) and one field-based training (offered weekends at Oxbow Park). Training will run throughout October and November. After training, you will be able to register for tracking trips.

In addition to developing valuable tracking skills, gaining field-work experience, and learning about animal behavior, ecology and more, volunteers also receive weekly updates with all the best photos and project news, and you will have access to all of the season's photos. Volunteers are also eligible to receive discounts on Cascadia Wild classes, programs, and workshops.

TRAINING COST: $65 - this fee covers both trainings and gives you a full season of mentorship.
We ask that trackers complete a minimum of two surveys.

More information: http://www.cascadiawild.org/winter-tracking.html

Registration: http://www.cascadiawild.org/join-a-tracking-team.html

We hope to see you on the mountain this winter!

Registration

Participation in a two-part training - one classroom training and one field training - is required prior to joining a tracking team. *Physical Requirements: Everyone is welcome to participate, no experience is necessary. However, you must be in good enough physical condition to snowshoe up to 2 miles. This is the equivalent of hiking around 5 miles. If you have never been on snowshoes before, be aware that it uses different muscles than you might be used to! Children are welcome as long as they can meet the physical requirements and are accompanied by a parent or guardian.