Find out more about wildlife tracks

Learn more about the wildlife you share space with at this free workshop. Explore part of the Bow Valley with an experienced wildlife tracker and scientist and learn about the different signs animals and birds of all sizes leave. From paw prints and fur to scat and trails, you can learn to speak the language of the woods.  

This engaging small group class with Joseph Litke from Fiera Biological will prepare you to find and identify tracks and signs of wildlife, hear about opportunities for conservation and learn a bit more about the Rocky Mountains and importance of wildlife corridors.  

Location and details

No prior training is required to participate. This workshop is for beginners interested in learning how to identify wildlife tracks in snow. Participants will work towards advancing their abilities to identify and interpret wildlife tracks and signs, thus deepening their connection with nature. 

Space is limited, just 10 spots per session. The classes will be outdoors and Covid protocol for outdoor gatherings will be followed. Proof of vaccination will be required. We will meet near the Larch Island ice rink. Please arrive 5 minutes before the workshop start time, we will have waivers to review and sign. 

This class is best suited for those 16 and older. We welcome all to attend. Y2Y is particularly committed to making this an accessible, inclusive event and supports and encourages members of the BIPOC community and other minoritized and racialized groups in the Bow Valley to sign up. Please contact Kelly with any questions: [email protected] 

Join us in January for a workshop now:

Please only register for one workshop. The material covered will be the same at all four sessions. If you are RSVPing for more than one person, please register each person individually. 

All classes are now full. If you would like to be added to a waitlist, please email [email protected] with the time you are hoping to attend. We will update wait list people for Friday classes Thursday evening and for Saturday classes on Friday evening. 

• Session 1: Friday, January 21 from 9-11 a.m. (FULL)
• Session 2: Friday, January 21 from 1-3 p.m. (FULL)
• Session 3: Saturday, January 22 from 9-11 a.m. (FULL)
• Session 4: Saturday, January 22 from 1-3 p.m. (FULL)
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will we meet? 

• We will meet at the Larch Island ice rink. There are outhouses and a parking lot, as well as street parking. Participants are expected to provide/arrange their own transportation to the field site. Both Roam bus routes 3 and 5 will get you to the nearest bus stop at Canmore Collegiate about 10 minutes walk away. 

How should I dress?

• You will be walking and standing around in the cold. Wearing layers is recommended, as is wearing sturdy boots for ankle deep snow.

What should I bring?  

• A wide range of species will be covered in some detail, you may wish to take notes, please bring your own pen and notebook. 

• You may wish to bring a camera and a tape measure if you have them. 

What about the weather?  

• Barring major snowstorms or temperatures below -25 degrees Celsius, this class will proceed.  

What about Covid precautions?

• No more than 10 participants, plus the instructor and support staff will be present. Due to the rapid spread of the omicron variant in Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise, we ask attendees for proof of vaccination and that they wear surgical or N-95 or KN-95 masks even if they are wearing a balaclava or face covering. We provide these for attendees.
• We ask attendees to sign a waiver at the workshop. 

We are grateful for the financial support for this series of workshops provided by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's Outdoor Fund, Alberta Ecotrust, TD Friends of the Environment, and The Calgary Foundation