Western Women's Tracking Conference 2019

At this time we are sold out. If you are interested in being placed on our waiting list, please email Meghan Walla-Murphy by clicking here. Thank you and take good care!

Welcome! We are excited to invite you to gather with extraordinary women to track wildlife, ecology, and your internal landscape. For thousands of years, the forests, grasslands, and coastlines of Sonoma County have supported rich diversity, both biologically and culturally. Over four days we will delve into the signs that both non-human and human animals leave upon this landscape. Rather than only focusing on clear and obvious footprints, we will learn to read the stories imprinted on the trees, shrubs, and grasses. We will track movement across the landscape, subtle signs in the forest duff, and obscure animal roadmaps that inform us of the myriad ways other species communicate.

This skill of tracking the sublime allows us to quiet our minds and receive important messages that can often be muffled by louder voices. And this applies to both our internal and external landscapes. Come camp with us amongst the fir trees, bear beds, starry nights and bats flying overhead. Come track those things that are not immediately obvious to the casual observer.

Lodging and Meals:

2019 finds us camping at a private ranch in Stewart’s Points on Sonoma County's coastline where we can explore over a 1,000 acres from river bottom to grassland ridgetop, and all the habitats in between. This year is a tent camping excursion, with all outdoor facilities. You will need to bring a tent and camping gear, but we will provide the outdoor kitchen, warm meals, and a campfire to share our stories around. A packing list will be provided upon registration.

Our meals will be prepared by Jamie Shulander, chef and baker extraordinaire. We are committed to local and regenerative practices that work for the health of both humans and all the other species we share our space with. We can provide gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options, but let us know well ahead of time so we can try to accommodate your needs.

Instructors:

Caitlin Williams- Wildlife Tracker and Educator

Eden Kellner- Movement and Body Awareness

Kate Lundquist- Director of OAEC Water Institute

Meghan Walla-Murphy- Wildlife Ecologist and Tracker, Author, Environmental and Social Justice

Michelle Vesser- Master gardener and Spiritual Counselor with Everything Sacred

Cost of Program and Cancellation Policy:

Early Registration before June 6th- $500

After June 6th- $550

Upon Registration, Required Deposit- $175

This cost includes all lodging, meals, and instruction- this cost may seem high, but we are dedicated to honoring our instructors who have spent decades honing their craft by paying them a living wage for the Bay Area. In addition, we do our best to support local farmers and ranchers by providing local, fresh, regenerative, and healthy food for you all weekend.

However, we do not want cost to be the reason you do not join our gathering. Please contact Meghan Walla-Murphy, regarding payment plan and work trade options. If we reach a minimum of 15 people, we will offer two work trade positions at half price. Those work trade folks will help Jamie in the kitchen.

Thank you for your support as we strive to diversify and strengthen our local economies.

How to Pay:

1- Register directly with Meghan and pay deposit or total amount via check- Please make check out to Meghan Walla-Murphy and to 17027 Fitzpatrick Ln, Occidental, CA 95465

2- PayPal- using friends and family option

3- For your convenience you can also pay on EventBrite, but you will be charged an additional percentage fee from Eventbrite.

Cancellation Policy:

1- Registration will not be completed and space will not be held until your deposit is received via check, PayPal, or EventBrite.

2- Final Payment must be received two weeks before the beginning of the course- by July 18th- or your place in the course may be forfeited.

3- Your full payment and deposit will be returned if you cancel before June 20th.

4- Any cancellation after June 20th and your deposit will not be returned.

5- If you cancel after July 18th, you will forfeit your full payment unless you are able to fill your place in our gathering.

6- This may seem like a strict policy, but we are small group of independent women carrying this budget. This cancellation helps to ensure that our instructors, chef, and facilities are paid their full amount without anyone going into debt. Thank you for your understanding.