Autumn Animal Tracking with Julie Seyfert-Lillis | Saturday, October 1, 10 AM **2016**

Posted by Wendell George

wlclogoIt is one thing to see an animal in the wild, but it’s something very different to experience an animal through the clues it leaves behind. Julie Seyfert-Lillis would argue it engages parts of us that we often neglect. This ancient art blends scientific thinking and imagination and brings a sense of well-being from the feeling of connectedness to the creatures that roam the earth when we’re sleeping. Tracking captured Julie’s imagination a few years ago when she attended a Women’s Tracking workshop in Rowe, MA. Ever since she’s been honing her skills, both in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem as well as the Hudson Valley. Her greatest wish is to bring others to tracking so they can experience the joy of discovery too.

During this tracking workshop we will look for signs of animals ranging from bears to otters. On previous hikes we’ve seen evidence of both! We’ll start by looking at pelts and skulls of local animals. You will see what goes into a basic tracking kit so you can make one yourself that you can use at home or on vacation. Together we’ll examine clues we find to piece together a story about the animals and their lives. Was the animal hunting? Marking its territory? Escaping a predator? If there’s a good track we’ll make a plaster mold of it. The best footwear are waterproof/muck boots but they’re not required.

Sponsored by:  Woodstock Land Conservancy.

Event Duration:  2 miles, 2 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Easy

Registration not required.

Fee:  No

Dogs allowed:  No

Additional Information:  The best footwear are waterproof/muck boots, but they’re not required. Will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain.

Questions about this event can be directed to:  Karine Dutell at karined.wlc@gmail.com or (646) 271-0821

Driving Directions:  Thorn Preserve in Woodstock, NY: From Highway 87 , take exit 19 Kingston, take NY 28 West Direction Pine Hill, in 5 miles make a right at the traffic light onto Zena Road. In 2 miles at the intersection, go straight into John Joy Road. The Thorn Preserve is located at 55 John Joy Road in Woodstock, NY 12498.