Winter
February 21-22, 2015
Learn how to recognize animals by track, gait pattern, habitat selection, behavior and other sign. Explore Swan Valley in winter. Develop your awareness of natural history.
Course Description
This is a two-day introductory tracking class based out of Northwest Connections' historic Swan Valley homestead. Participants will learn how to recognize animals by track, gait pattern, habitat selection and behavior. This course has been taught for 12 years by local outfitters, naturalists, and conservationists with more than 50 years of tracking experience. Due to the wildness of the valley and the experience of the instructors, participants can expect to learn a variety of tracks from voles and squirrels to mountain lions and wolves.
Summer
July 11-12, 2015
Learn to interpret animal behavior through tracks and sign in the absence of snow. Refine your interpretation of natural history. Track elusive wildlife from wolves to grizzly bears to shrews.
Course Description
This is a two day intermediate to advanced tracking course based out of Northwest Connections' historic Swan Valley homestead. Enhance your ability to observe and correctly interpret the subtle signs that our elusive wildlife species leave behind in the absence of snow. Participants will build upon skills developed in our introductory winter Animal Track & Sign Clinic to recognize animals by track, scat, feeding behavior, gait pattern, habitat selection, marking behavior, and other sign in the summer landscape. While this course is designed to provide continuing education to alumni of our winter tracking courses, we welcome new participants to register.
Registration Fee*
Workshops: $250 per person
Lodging at the homestead is available upon request; $15 per person, per night.
Limited scholarships are available for Seeley/Swan residents with financial need. for more information.
If you prefer to remit course payment by check or money order, download the Registration Form below and mail to us at Northwest Connections, P.O. Box 1309, Swan Valley, MT 59826.
Download the Registration and Waiver Forms in Word →
Download the Registration and Waiver Forms in PDF →
Advanced Animal Tracks & Sign Clinics are limited to 12 participants per course date. Registrations are accepted on a first come, first serve basis. The majority of this class is taught in the field, so participants can expect a hands-on approach to learning tracks and ecology. Participants should EXPECT TO HIKE between 1 and 3 miles each day. Your registration will be secured once we have received the following:
- A completed Registration Form
- Course Fee (and lodging, if applicable)
- Health and Acknowledgement of Risks & Liability Waiver Form (one per participant) to be completed and returned to NwC one (1) week after registration.
*Fee Includes:
Lectures, guided field sessions, and transportation around the valley. Participants must provide their own meals. Lodging at the homestead is available upon request; the fee is $15 per person, per night.
Cancellation Policy
No refunds can be made for cancellations unless another participant from our waiting list can fill your space. Northwest Connections cannot make exceptions to this cancellation policy for any reason, including, but not limited to, illness, travel delays, personal or family situations, emergencies or weather. NwC reserves the right to cancel the course due to insufficient enrollment. In the unlikely event of such a cancellation, NwC will forward a full refund of all monies paid.
IMAGE CREDIT: Top - Faith Bernstein
