READING WILDLIFE TRACK & SIGN WORKSHOPS

READING WILDLIFE TRACK & SIGN WORKSHOPS

Monday, October 6, 2023 

8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Instructor: Daniel Hansche
Location: Napeague State Park & Walking Dunes, Amagansett, NY
Fee: $125

This is a unique opportunity to expand your competence in identifying and interpreting the tracks and signs of Long Island’s wildlife and to experience a novel field teaching technique with the option of obtaining a Track & Sign Level I certification. As we move along in the field, a series of 3-5 track or sign questions will be asked as they are found. After all participants have submitted answers, the instructor leads a Q&A discussion about each question and its correct answer. Though we focus heavily on the learning available throughout the day, participants scoring a 69% or higher will earn an internationally recognized certification through CyberTracker Conservation. This workshop has great application for field biologists, environmental educators, schoolteachers and volunteer naturalists.

Our instructor, Daniel Hansche, is one of 14 CyberTracker Conservation Track & Sign Evaluators in North America and one of Mike Bottini’s track & sign apprenticeship mentors. CyberTracker Conservation is a globally recognized non-profit that established the international standard for assessing wildlife tracking and sign skills. Dan has over 25 years’ experience teaching in the field. His work in conservation and education has included surveying wolf dens in the Rockies, training lynx survey teams in Maine, leading tours of Europe’s oldest forest and following the trails of African megafauna. Whether in the deep wilds or on the outskirts of the urban landscape, Daniel has a passion for becoming ever more familiar with wildlife habits, movements, tracks, sign and trails and for sharing this specialty with others. 

In wildlife research and monitoring, wildlife sign surveys are an effective means of collecting data on the presence, range and distribution of animal species. However, there are concerns about the integrity of the data from these types of surveys. In response to these concerns, the CyberTracker Conservation Evaluation System was designed to establish reliable, standardized track and sign skills. For more information about CyberTracker Conservation visit: https://trackercertification.com/

"I enjoyed the course a very great deal. It opened my eyes to the richness of information that tracks and signs can reveal--if you know how to read them. I look forward to learning more."  Betty Borowsky, PhD.    Associate Professor of Biology, Nassau Community College

For more information or questions contact Mike Bottini at [email protected]

or 631-267-5228