Mammal Tracking Class At Audubon Center

SOUTHBURY — The Audubon Center at Bent of the River is offering its popular Mammal Tracking Class again this winter for those interested in learning how to identify animal signs. On Saturday, January 27, Nick and Valerie Major Wisniewski will spend a full day leading participants through the fields and forests of the center, following the tracks of deer, fox, weasels, fishers, coyotes, and other animals. 

As founders and owners of Walnut Hill Tracking and Nature Center in Orange, Mass., Ms Major and Mr Wisniewski have been teaching outdoor skills to youth and adults for many years. They have been long-term students and apprentices of master tracker Paul Rezendes and believe that animal tracking can be a unifying method for nature study and exploration.

The class is limited to 12 people. Participants must be at least 15 years old and in good physical condition as hiking will be moderate to strenuous.  It is best to dress in layers and wear waterproof, warm boots. If there is snow on the ground, skis or snowshoes may be used.

Register by Wednesday, January 24, by calling The Audubon Center at 264-5098. The fee is $75 for a full day (10 am to 4 pm) of tracking, and participants will need to bring their own lunch and a hot drink.  The program will run regardless of rain, snow or sun.

Bent of the River is at 185 East Flat Hill Road in South Britain, about a half mile from Route 172.