We could wax poetic about tracking and trailing, but we do that enough on social media!

The other side of tracking that we want to invite you in to is the magic that happens in the field.

We envision this course as slow naturalist wanders through beautiful landscapes and as more of a casual "tracking club" atmosphere rather than a very formal class. Not much planned or highly structured other than seeing what has been written on the earth by the feet of other beings. Learning from them, seeing where that takes us. Helping each other notice things. A small, intimate group of queer folks, responsive to each other and to the journey, and up for a little adventure -- a fantastic way to teach and learn tracking!

We are excited for you to join us. Please read the below thoroughly before signing up.

Location and Logistics: Location TBA but will likely be in the Moses Lake area of Grant County, Washington, or possibly by the Columbia river in Kittitas County as a secondary option. We will be at or near a campground of some kind, so you are invited to tent camp, but there will also be motel(s) in the area for people who do not wish to camp for any reason. If you need to know the exact location for accommodations/access reasons prior to registering, please contact us to ask, but know that we will be providing the location to folks once they register.

Time: The course consists of two evenings, one full day, and a half-to-3/4ths day on the last day, depending on group energy and decisions. Please do try to arrive between 4 and 5 pm the evening before so you can meet us, settle in, and be comfortable for the evening.

Folks will need to bring or plan for their own food and water for the duration of the time. Typically, this involves bringing a camp stove, coffee and tea, cookware, a cooler, etc. although for a short course like this some people are able to prepare most of their food in advance or bring food that does not take much preparation/cooking. When water is not guaranteed at a certain campsite (which it may not be), folks usually purchase plastic gallon jugs to the appropriate quantity they expect to use and leave extras in a vehicle until use, while filling personal water bottles as needed.

All wheel drive or 4WD recommended but not required. As long as some people have it, it'll be ok.

Discover Pass required (you can print temporary copies)

Accessibility: We could be on our feet for up to 6 to 8 hours total on the full day (depends on whether people will choose to wander/walk by themselves on their own time) but we will be moving at a slow pace with many stops and a long lunch break. The terrain will likely be sandy and slightly hilly. Camping will be close to vehicle parking and within a short walk of pit toilets.

Finances: This is a donation-only class so only give what you want to and are able to. Please let us know if you have any issues registering!

Wildlife Tracking & Trailing in the Shrub Steppe