Unlock the secret lives of your wild animal neighbors—join certified Specialist tracker Jonathan Shapiro of the Fox Paw School for a weekend of wildlife tracking at Turtle Island Preserve.

This field-based course will cover track ID, animal gaits and movement, awareness and perception, animal feeding and communication sign, and natural history, and provide a unique and captivating look into the wild world that surrounds us.

“I’ve been learning from the natural world for the better part of two decades. After growing up in New England, I spent my early adulthood wandering the US southwest, always with a field guide in my backpack, searching to make connection to the landscape by learning about the non-human beings who lived there. After a decade of exploration, I moved to Central Vermont, a couple hours north of my childhood home. Since then, I’ve focused intently on building a mutualistic relationship with the natural world, primarily through tracking, hunting, and studying the landscape. I also have a deep passion for making traditional crafts with wild-harvested materials. I hold a Cybertracker Level III certification in Track and Sign.”

I am certified as a Specialist in track and sign by Tracker Certification North America, and teach natural history at Sterling College. My other interests include hunting, fishing, running, and reading books by the woodstove.

Take a deep dive into the art and science of wildlife tracking!

Learn to identify animal track and sign, and interpret the behavior of animals on the landscape. Tracking is a practice that allows us an unprecedented view into the lives of animals around us, builds our awareness and observation skills, and creates deep connection to the places we live.

Beginners and experienced trackers welcome—no matter your skill level, there is something here for you.​ Mature teens ages 13-15 may attend with a parent. 16 and above young adults may attend solo if mature & interested in the subject, and only attending during the day.

Most of our time will be spent in the field, and we'll be outside in almost all weather, walking up to a mile over varied and sometimes challenging terrain. Please consider your level of fitness when registering.

Hot, delicious and signature meals from our wood burning fires are included as well as primitive Adirondack shelter accommodations.

Once we have your registration, additional information will be sent to you.

1/2 the course fee will be retained for all cancellations. No refund for cancellations made 7 days prior to the event. NO EXCEPTIONS

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Attention All Camp Visitors - Please Note:

WARNING: Under North Carolina Law, There Is No Liability For An Injury To Or Death Of A Participant In An Agritourism Activity Conducted At This Agritourism Location If Such Injury Or Death Results From The Inherent Risks Of The Agritourism Activity. Inherent Risks Of Agritourism Activities Include, Among Others, Risks Of Injury Inherent To Land, Equipment, And Animals, As Well As The Potential For You To Act In A Negligent Manner That May Contribute To Your Injury Or Death. You Are Assuming The Risk Of Participating In This Agritourism Activity.

WARNING: Under North Carolina Law, A Farm Animal Activity Sponsor Or Farm Animal Professional Is Not Liable For An Injury To Or The Death Of A Participant In Farm Animal Activities Resulting Exclusively From The Inherent Risks Of Farm Animal Activities. Chapter 99E Of The North Carolina General Statutes.

Topics include:

- Clear track ID

- Animal anatomy and foot morphology

- Sign ID, including feeding, beds, scent marking, etc

- Skull, feather, and track cast ID

- Gaits and animal biomechanics

- Landscape-scale natural history and reading the terrain

- Interpreting stories on the land

- And much more!