Animal Tracking

We can gather a lot of information from the imprints an animal leaves on an area: the speed of his movements, the direction she is headed, his age, sex, and, of course, species. In this class, we’ll leverage our five senses and pattern recognition skills to read an animal’s activities on the land. We’ll focus on three distinct areas of pattern language: tracking (footprints), trailing (disturbances), and signage like hair, bone, and scat.

Animal tracking is not just a skill for the hunter and trapper. By attuning ourselves to the dynamics of wild spaces and recognizing the stories behind disturbances, we can better appreciate our other-than-human neighbors and make evidence-based judgements about the health of an ecosystem.

This class is part of the Horn Farm Center's new Windows to Wild Lands series, taking place from 1 to 3pm on the first Sunday of every month. Each class, we'll offer an entry-level, hands-on lesson in an age-old primitive skill that reconnects with the land while giving us a glimpse into the nature-based lives of our human ancestry. 

About the Instructor: Wilson Alvarez

Wilson Alvarez is a certified permaculture designer, inventor, gardener, skilled tracker, bowyer, nature-awareness instructor, and writer from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Since 2004, he has taught classes and workshops on bio-intensive agriculture, regenerative technology, foraging, hunting, trapping, tracking, and wilderness survival. Wilson studied at the Wilderness Awareness School via the Kamana program, and he received his Permaculture Design Certificate through Susquehanna Permaculture.

Program Notes:

Space is limited to 12 participants due to the hands-on nature of this class. Not recommended for children under 15. Children accompanying a parent or guardian who is taking the class may attend without charge. 

This class will take place outdoors. Please check the weather in advance and dress accordingly. Be prepared for walking on uneven terrain and potentially snowy and/or muddy conditions. 

All programs are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather. Participants will receive an email in the days preceding the program for any changes or cancellations. You can review our current Cancellation and Refund Policy here. 

Parking takes place in the field above the farmhouse. 

The cost for this program is $25/person.