About the Course

In partnership with Tracker Certification North America, this 2-day immersive learning experience introduces you to the world of wildlife track and sign as seen through the eyes of a professional tracker and educator, in a safe and inclusive space that is held by and for the LGBTQ community.

Learn to recognize the tracks and countless other forms of sign left by mammals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates and to interpret the movement and behavior of the diverse community of creatures we share the earth with. The art and science of wildlife tracking often reveals a world that is seemingly hidden in plain sight, and can offer innumerable insights into the who, what, why, when and how of the living and breathing ecosystems that sustain us. With time, this practice can help us nurture a deeper sense of connectivity and belonging within our watersheds, and can awaken us to new questions and considerations about the wild worlds both around us and within. 

Structured to facilitate careful and quiet consideration of wildlife sign, paired with clear, thoughtful, and evidence-based exposition by the instructor, this program is designed to help improve the wildlife tracking and ecology skills of participants ranging from beginner through advanced levels, and will result in an internationally recognized certification for those who qualify.

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LOCATION

With the exception of our expedition programs, most of our courses are hosted within a 30 mile radius of Charlottesville, VA. The diverse nature of our programs is best served by a constellation of sites that includes both public and private land. To protect the safety and privacy of our host site partners as well as the safety of our participants, we do not disclose the addresses or coordinates of our sites online. Upon registering for a course — or no later than 2 weeks prior to its start date — all participants will receive details and directions to the public, pre-course meetup location, from which we will caravan to the host site. 

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Tracking Courses & Certifications: Our tracking courses and TCNA certifications utilize multiple locations during a single program, but operate out of an easily accessible basecamp where camping is available, and which is close lodging for those who are interested. We will carpool and caravan to the various tracking sites based on advanced scouting of tracking conditions, which vary greatly based on season and weather. For questions and concerns about travel, accommodations, accessibility, and disability support, please feel free to reach out using our contact form. Additionally, registered participants will receive email communication from us no later than two weeks prior to the course, which is likely to include answers to common questions. 

Instructor(s)

A wildlife tracker & mentor with over 25 years of field experience, Daniel’s work in conservation & education has taken them to wolf dens, elk herds, rhino encounters, & lion trails. They are a Track & Sign Evaluator with Tracker Certification North America and are certified in Eurasia & Africa as well. Daniel has intensively mentored well over 100 wildlife trackers and taught many hundreds through workshops & trainings. Brimming with creativity, their approach to mentoring is unlike any other. Everyone has unique gifts, needs, & styles. One of Daniel’s virtues is in learning, respecting, and serving each student’s needs while tending to a group’s cohesion.