We are thrilled to start hosting Track and sign evaluations here in Bend OR. This is a high level evaluation of a persons tracking knowledge. Regardless of your experience level this will change how you view nature. If you have no experience in tracking please consider doing the Wildlife Track and Sign Identification course first.

Through this experience, you will grow a skillset in exploring the vast world of wildlife tracking. While we will certainly cover some of key fundamental themes, every tracking experience is unique, and we will go where the tracks take us. Topics that will likely be explored:

• Basic wildlife foot physiology and morphology
• The Natural History of Landscapes
• Clear print identification
• Concepts in behavior and wildlife sign interpretation
• How wildlife interacts with landscapes
• Thinking about how to age tracks and sign on the landscape Whether an experienced or beginning tracker and naturalist, participants will leave this experience looking at the ground in a completely different way with new tools to continue to develop themselves as naturalists

Location: Bend, OR (After booking we will send you directions)

Date: September 28-29th. Ages 15 and older. 11 person max.

Time: 8-5pm each day

What to bring: Drinking water, warm clothing, lunch, notepad and pencil

Every time we step outside of our door, there are myriad stories to be told of the comings-and-goings of animals in the world, and one of the oldest human capacities is to read and interpret these stories. The art and science of tracking offers an ecological window into the happenings of the living world around us. Check out more about the CyberTracker South African Indigenous origins and Tracker Certification here.

Your evaluator Marcus has had an affinity for the living world since childhood. He is a naturalist, educator, and photographer. He has worked in wilderness education, outdoor leadership, and conservation for numerous organizations and communities across North America. He is engaged in telling stories that bring to light and life, the complexity of humans living in the 21st century. Originally from Louisville, Marcus currently lives in the Snoqualmie Valley in Washington State, just east of Seattle, where he is the Lead Instructor for an internationally renowned environmental leadership immersion program for adults at the Wilderness Awareness School in Duvall, WA.

Whether beginner or advanced, every participant will walk away with a lot more knowledge and “search images” for the subtle patterns left behind by life on the landscape, ultimately feeling a stronger connection to the natural world.

This unique evaluation is 100% field-based and is sure to be engaging for all. This is a rigorous tracking experience designed to give honest reflection and feedback around each person’s unique skillset.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Payment required in full to secure spot. If cancellation is at least 30 days prior to the course start date 97% of course cost is refunded. If cancellation is within 14 to 30 days prior to course start date 75% of course cost is refunded. If cancellation is within 14 days of course start date 50% of course cost will be refunded. Due to minimum class size requirements we might need to cancel a course, if so we will provide a full refund or offer an alternative course date.