Nature’s Clues: A workshop in Animal Tracking and Signs
Animals tell stories with the signs they leave behind. In this workshop, we will practice our observation skills and curiosity to learn more about the world around us. Using our senses we will learn how to navigate using cues from nature, and we will study tracks and signs animals leave behind to learn how to answer these questions: What animal has left this track? Why was this animal here: was it hunting, frightened, or at ease? Is it male or female? Is it pregnant, or injured? Does it have a large set of antlers or horns? And more!
Timeline & Details
📍 Location: Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center
🗓️ Date: Saturday, March 1
⏰ Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Important: This event may be canceled due to inclement weather, with updates provided as late as the night before.
Workshop Schedule:
First 1-2 hours Inside the Visitor Center
- Light the Spark! Introduce the topic, set the foundation
- Allow participants time to ask questions and practice skills
Last 2 hours Outside, Trail TBD
- Participants use skills and foundations built in the first part of class and put them to use while on a guided nature hike with instructors
- Expand on participants’ curiosities, give them the tools to learn more on their own, and to continue their interest in the subject
Register below! BHPFA member? Don’t forget your discount code at checkout!
FAQ’s & Other Event Information
What to Bring:
● Hiking boots/shoes
● Backpack
● Rain/Winter Jacket
● Layers (thermal base layers, insulating layer (fleece/puffy coat)
● Hat/Gloves
● Water bottle
Suggested:
● Journal/Pen
● Binoculars
and your curiosity!
Parking and getting to the event: The first part of the workshop will take place inside the Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center. Then we will caravan to a trail in the park. Be prepared to spend about 2 hours outside.
Facility information: The visitor center has restrooms and a water bottle filling station. For the field portion there will be no restrooms available. Please bring snacks and sack lunch.
Accessibility information: The trail is not ADA accessible. We will be hiking about 3 miles on an uneven dirt trail, with rocks and roots. There will be about 300 ft of elevation gain.
We want to support all participants in enjoying this event to the fullest. Please let us know if you have any accommodation requests ahead of the event or during checkout and we will provide accommodations as we are able to.
Questions? Contact Andrea at bhpf@blackhillsparks.org
Why should you attend?
- Connect with Nature: Deepen your relationship with the natural world by learning to observe and interpret animal tracks and signs while enhancing your sensory awareness and observation skills to navigate and understand cues from nature.
- Engage Your Sense of Wonder: Uncover the hidden stories animals leave behind, and how to interpret their behavior
- Hands-On Experience: Participate in an interactive and immersive workshop perfect for nature enthusiasts, outdoor photographers, hunters, and families! You will walk away with valuable skills to use on your next outdoor adventure!
BHPFA Nature Connection Workshops
Connect with nature while learning valuable hands-on skills to further your exploration! Our workshops are perfect for beginners and families to seasoned outdoors people including naturalists, photographers, hikers, and hunters.
Looking to build comradery among your team? Our workshops are a great way to build communication, collaboration, teamwork, and trust within a workplace or group. Our instructors would be glad to schedule an experience with your group today! Reach out to bhpf@blackhillsparks.org
