Programs
Education
Wildlife Track and Sign Certification
Instructor: David Moskowitz
October 27-28, 2012
Join CyberTracker Conservation, the Mount St. Helens Institute and the Mount Adams Institute for a Tracker Certification weekend.
In wildlife research, natural sign surveys are an effective means of collecting wildlife monitoring data because they are low-cost, non-invasive, quick to conduct and can easily provide a broader set of ecological data. There are concerns, however, about the integrity of the data that comes from these types of surveys. In response to this need for certainty about data accuracy and to the increasing call to reintegrate field skills into conservation training, CyberTracker Conservation is making its Track & Sign Certification available as an inspiring and rigorous training tool to improve your skill level, whether you are a park ranger, biologist, naturalist, citizen scientist, student, or outfitter.
The Tracking Evaluation is a two-day practical field test that emphasizes open, honest dialogue and real learning. The tracks and sign of any and all species encountered in the field are asked, whether big or small, clear or obscure. After participants give their answers, a dialogue ensues to provide the opportunity for participants to internalize the field marks for identification. Initiating the use of Evaluations not only gives biologists and research teams an edge in identifying and relaying biodiversity but also facilitates viable contribution from the public, or “local experts.” North American Tracker Evaluations emphasize practical tracking and the development of reliable field skills. Click here for more information: CT_brochure.pdf
The evaluation will be based out of the Mt. Adams Institute’s base camp located at the USFS Mt. Adams Ranger Station in Trout Lake, WA. Included in the cost are lunch and dinner Saturday, breakfast and lunch on Sunday and bunkhouse accommodations on Saturday night. If Friday or Sunday night accomodations are needed, please contact Ray Yurkewycz via email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or by phone at (360) 891-5069.
Make-or-Break Date: October 5
Meeting Time: 8:00 am
Meeting Place: the Mt. Adams Institute’s base camp located at the USFS Mt. Adams Ranger Station in Trout Lake, WA
Hike Level: Medium
Requirements: Participants should be in good shape and able to hike several miles over rough terrain. Gear Requirements
Fee: $300 (includes lunch and dinner on Saturday, breakfast and lunch on Sunday and lodging Saturday night)
Limit: 10
Details will be e-mailed to participants on the “make-or-break” date.
