Wildlife Tracking & Plaster Cast-Making Workshop

Join Oxbow's resident wildlife tracker, Shard Milne, to learn about the art of wildlife tracking and making plaster casts! Together we will take an exploratory walk to one of Oxbow's wildlife hotspots and learn about our wild neighbors through the marks they leave behind. We will examine and identify tracks together, and participants will have the opportunity to make a plaster track cast to take home. You never know what we might find - coyotes, deer, beavers, raccoons, otters, and more! This class is an introductory, curiosity-driven tracking experience, intended to open the senses, develop basic tracking skills, and build confidence in interpreting signs. Knowing how to find and interpret animal tracks and sign can open the door to a richer and more fulfilling experience of the outdoors. Come explore with us!

This workshop is intended for those age 13+.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Shard Milne is a restoration specialist on Oxbow's conservation team. During their day job, they restore damaged floodplains and forests in the Snoqualmie Valley, help grow native plants, and study how wildlife like amphibians and birds are using Oxbow's habitats. Shard has been learning wildlife tracking since 2019 with Conservation Northwest, Wilderness Awareness School, and Cedar Root Folk School, and sharing these skills at Oxbow since 2021. In their free time, Shard can often be found mending clothes, cold-water swimming, or wandering in the forest.

PRICING

We strive to create accessible learning and connection opportunities for our whole community.

Community Supported Price: $ 5

Standard Price: $10

Community Supporter Price: $15 (Helps provide reduced-price tickets and contributes to the overall success of our workshop program)

All workshop participants are required to register.

__________________________________________________________________________

Oxbow is open rain or shine, except in cases of extreme weather (lightning, high winds, wildfire smoke, or flooding conditions that make it unsafe for visitors).

We are currently in fire season and may have increased levels of smoke. If the smoke reaches a point of being unsafe for staff and visitors we will close our site. All closures will be posted on our website and social media, please check daily for updates during severe weather.

*Note to registrants: If we cancel an event you will be notified via email when the decision to close is made.

Accessibility

This workshop entails walking 1.5 miles at a leisurely pace on gravel and unpaved trails with minimal incline, though the ground may be uneven and/or muddy. There is one short, steep descent to the activity space. This activity is not wheelchair accessible and may be difficult for those with limited mobility. If you'd like to discuss accessibility concerns, please contact Shard directly (shard@oxbow.org).

Oxbow offers accessible parking and restroom facilities.

What to wear and bring

The terrain around Oxbow is uneven; we recommend wearing sturdy shoes or boots. Dress for the weather and be prepared to walk and explore! For food, beverage, and Farm Stand purchases, we accept all major credit cards, cash and Apple Pay.

Come camera-ready for all the opportunities to document your memories at Oxbow and use the gorgeous backdrop scenery of an organic farm in the Snoqualmie Valley.

Health & Safety information

• Smoking, vaping, and alcohol are prohibited.
• With the exception of service animals, dogs are not permitted anywhere on Oxbow grounds, including in the parking area. Please leave your furry friends at home!
• Observe all posted signage indicating which areas are for visitors. If you come across an unmarked area, please, do not enter.
• Do not enter tunnels or harvest anywhere unless invited to by Oxbow staff.
• Be mindful that we have Honey Buckets for visitor bathroom use. We will have hand washing stations and hand sanitizer available.

>> Learn more about Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center

>> Get Directions and Visitor Info