WILDLIFE TRACKING CERTIFICATION WITH CYBERTRACKER CONSERVATION — June 10 - 11, 2023
WILDLIFE TRACKING CERTIFICATION WITH CYBERTRACKER CONSERVATION — June 10 - 11, 2023
(IN PERSON)
SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2023
AND
SUNDAY, JUNE 11, 2023
EVALUATOR:
MARCUS REYNERSON
LOCATION:
Exact location(s) will be announced closer to Tracking Certification dates.
Every time we step outside of our door, there are myriad stories to be told of the comings-and-goings of life in the world, and one of the oldest human practices is to read and interpret these stories. The art and science of tracking offers a holistic ecological window into the happenings of the living world around us. Learning this practice not only connects us to the natural world in a meaningful way, but it also increases our ecological literacy, giving us a capacity to advocate for the natural communities in which we live. Come and join expert wildlife tracker, naturalist, and tracking evaluator, Marcus Reynerson, for an intensive weekend learning and exploring the art and science of wildlife tracking.
The Format:
This learning experience is facilitated as a field assessment.
This unique evaluation is 100% field-based and is sure to be engaging for all. This is a rigorous tracking experience designed to give honest reflection and feedback around each person’s unique skillset. While the evaluation helps us notice and be honest with our blind spots in knowledge and experience, the evaluators always emphasize learning and skills development. Whether an experienced or beginning tracker and naturalist, participants will leave this experience looking at the ground in a completely different way with new tools to continue to develop themselves as naturalists.
Note: To attain a certificate, one must achieve a certain score threshold. Whether or not one attains a certificate does not have any bearing on the rich educational experience of the evaluation.
What to bring:
- Comfortable/weather appropriate clothing
- Water-proof/Water-resistant hiking shoes
- Notebook/Journal and Pen for notes
- Water
- Food for the weekend (food is not provided)
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS: We are no longer requiring masks for instructors and participants at our outdoor programs. This may change depending on the state of the pandemic. As we have throughout the pandemic, we closely follow the specific guidance for our programs.
TUITION: $325 - $375 SLIDING SCALE (plus processing fees)
TCNA (Tracker Certification North America) has limited funds to provide financial access, particularly to participants from historically marginalized communities (e.g., BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, women) and anyone who needs financial support. Participants can apply for financial access here.
What is Cybertracker Conservation?
This system started off as a software program designed to help South African indigenous trackers, who could not read or write, gather wildlife data for conservation efforts. While the evaluation is an excellent measure of observer reliability, what’s more, it is an unparalleled training tool in the field of wildlife tracking and natural history. It is the international tracking gold standard certifying people in Africa, Europe, and North America, with thousands of people having been certified in the United States alone. Learn more at www.trackercertification.com.
“Cybertracker has tested my skills and taught me how to interpret the stories written on the landscape by wildlife. I highly reccommend this process to anyone wanting to deepend their skills in this area.”
Sarah Spaeth
Jefferson Land Trust Conservation Director
“This was one of the best, and maybe the absolute best, field training exercise I’ve ever been to during my 24 year career. I strongly encourage you to consider this kind of training... it will not be forgotten.”
Ruben Cantu
Texas Parks and Widlife Regional Director
“The evaluations have provided me opportunities to expand my knowledge and ability to see new patterns in the world. The evaluators are exceptional educators as well as naturalists. I highly reccommend this experience to any eager learners.”
Laura Gunion
Wilderness Awareness School Adult Programs Instructor
About the instructor:
Marcus has had an affinity for the living world since childhood. He is a naturalist, educator, and photographer. He has worked in wilderness education, outdoor leadership, and conservation for numerous organizations and communities across North America. He is engaged in telling stories that bring to light and life, the complexity of humans living in the 21st century. Originally from Louisville, Marcus currently lives in the Snoqualmie Valley in Washington State, just east of Seattle, where he is the Lead Instructor for an internationally renowned environmental leadership immersion program for adults at the Wilderness Awareness School in Duvall, WA.