The world is full of the signs of animals who live there and we will work on interpreting some of the things we find. We will be practicing techniques to help us expand our awareness and sensory information. We will be observing and analyzing tracks, scat, feeding sign, nests, burrows, digs, and runs, trails, animal gaits, bird movement and calls, and how all of this fits into the context of where we are on the landscape.

We will meet at Bear Valley Visitor Center, and depending on weather conditions, will wander the Bear Valley basin observing the wide variety of animal signs in the fields and woods, or drive to a coastal location to work with tracks and signs in a sand location.

Recommended Reading: The Heart of Tracking available via Point Reyes Tracking School or other vendors. (optional)

Richard Vacha is the author of “The Heart of Tracking”, an inquiry into aspects, inner and outer, of tracking and nature awareness. He is founder of the Marin Tracking Club which offers free tracking wanders every month and head of the Point Reyes Tracking School, hosting classes and workshops all year.

Photo Credit: Galen Leeds

Details

-We will be meeting at the Bear Valley Visitor Center

– Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in

– Refunds available for all classes 7 days in advance of the start date, after 7 days and before 2 days, participants can credit their class for a future date. All requests before 48 hours in advance will be declined. For COVID cancellation policy, see below.

– Please follow the parking instructions for the facility used that day

– Please provide an email you check regularly for updates and reminders about your class

– Registration is required online prior to the event in order to maintain class sizes

– Sales end 48 hours before the start date.

– Waitlists are available when the class sells out

What to Bring

Reading glasses if needed; binoculars highly recommended

Day Pack

Lunch

Warm Variable Weather Clothing

Hiking Shoes

Water Bottle

Notebook and Pen/Field Journal

Eventbrite Confirmation Email

Camera (Optional)

About the PRNSA Field Institute

The PRNSA Field Institute offers hands-on environmental education classes throughout the year that foster enjoyment of Point Reyes National Seashore. Our classes are led by expert instructors, who take you out of your everyday life and into the natural world. We host a variety of classes about the arts and sciences and have something for everyone. You can reach the Field Institute at (415) 663-1200 x304 or by email at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Interested in becoming a member of PRNSA? Click Here!

Interested in becoming a PRNSA Field Institute volunteer facilitator, or are you an outdoor educator or artist who would like to teach a PRNSA Field Institute class? Send an Email!

For any questions, please email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

COVID-19 Field Institute Guidelines

Please respect the following COVID-19 procedures:

· Perform a health self-check before coming to class using the CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus as a guide

· Do not attend class if you are experiencing COVID symptoms, know that you have had a close exposure, or are suffering from any flu-like or respiratory illness

· Contact the Field Institute if you will not be able to attend due to COVID. You may be eligible to receive a full or partial refund

· Participants exhibiting signs of respiratory illness may be asked to leave class

· Masks are optional at your discretion

· Please bring your own food and water

All guidelines are subject to change pursuant to State or County Health order updates.

Thank you for your cooperation in following these guidelines to help keep everyone safe.