Upcoming Programs At A Glance - Summer 2010
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July 10 Black Bear Research Project - New Salem, Massachusetts
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July 11 Black Bear Research Project - Petersham, Massachusetts
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July 17 Black Bear Research Project - Charlemont, Massachusetts
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July 18 Black Bear Research Project - Florida, Massachusetts
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July 24 Black Bear Research Project - East Hartland, Connecticut
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July 25 Black Bear Research Project - Granville, Massachusetts
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July 31 Black Bear Research Project - Heath, Massachusetts
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Summer 2010 Black Bear Research Project
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This field study course will be a unique opportunity for in-depth study of bear ecology through the observation of bear communication as exhibited in their marking behavior. Participants will work as research assistants, collecting and recording data and mapping the locations. We will be visiting seven sites in Massachusetts and northern Connecticut. These sites have been the location of intense bear activity for a number of years, including what we have come to call "Bear Ritual Trails." These sites hold intentional marking by Black Bears, including rubbing, biting, clawing, straddling, and whammying of trees. In addition, there are ritualized patterns of walking that have left footfalls of bears for years, sometimes even generations. On the way to and from these unique sites we will explore for new bear sign to add to our knowledge and understanding of these amazing animals. This is a unique opportunity for you to learn about bear sign, while assisting us in collecting data that will help educate the public about these intelligent creatures.
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Participants must be sensitive to the natural environment, and must be respectful of the animals whose sign we are studying. We are very conscious of our own intrusions into these sites, and we strictly limit our visits.
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with Valerie & Nick Wisniewski
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Fee:$50/session. Students may participate in one or more sessions. $200 covers the cost of all seven sessions, allowing you to pick as many as fit into your schedule.
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| Walnut Hill Tracking & Nature Center |
| Nick Wisniewski and Valerie Major, co-founders |
| Valerie Major began her life-long study of nature accompanying her father in the forests of Arkansas. She continued her training as a fifteen-year student and three-year apprentice with Paul Rezendes. She has taught outdoor skills to youth and adults for twenty-five years. Valerie keeps a link with her native heritage as a board member and teacher at the Eastern American Indian Cultural Center. Valerie encourages the spirit of inquiry and exploration through her primitive, experiential, teaching method. |
| Nick Wisniewski is an expert on animal tracks and sign. He was a long-term student and three-year apprentice of master tracker Paul Rezendes, with whom he maintains close personal ties. His on-going tracking projects include animal surveys for wildlife sanctuaries, and a multi-year effort to document Mountain Lion track and sign in southern New England. A life-long naturalist, he became fascinated by tracking in 1984 after encountering fresh Wolf scat and tracks while on an extended solo trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area in Minnesota. His passion is using animal tracking as a unifying method for nature study and exploration. |
| Special Guest Teachers |
| John McCarter was the senior staff instructor for Paul Rezendes Nature Programs, and has taught for many organizations throughout New England. He has been tracking wildlife for more than twenty years and is among the region's leading authorities on animal tracks and sign. John made the discovery of a lifetime when he found a Mountain Lion scat in the Quabbin Reservoir reservation in 1997, which has been dna-verified by two independent labs. |
| Bob Leverett is the East's premier interpreter of old growth forests and is credited with discovering many of the previously unrecognized ancient sites here in the northeast. Bob's expertise is unparalled and his opinion is highly sought by professional forest experts, conservation organizations, and the general public. His encyclopedic knowledge of trees and the forest is matched only by his infectious enthusiasm. He has discovered many places of majestic beauty in his search for "the monarchs of the forest." |
| Alcott Smith is an ecologist of the highest caliber and conducts research and leads field trips for many conservation organizations in New England. From his childhood he has maintained a lifelong commitment and unwavering allegiance to the indigenous fauna of northern New England. Beyond an active role in the perpetuity of endangered species, he revels in sharing his passion with others and excels in his ability to bring to life the relationship between our wild fauna and its habitat. |
| Kent Hicks uses his tracking skills to assist local and state authorities and search and rescue teams in locating lost and missing persons. He has trained Royal Canadian Mounted Police, FBI agents and other law enforcement personnel. Kent's tracking knowledge of humans and animals is unexcelled. An "un-sung" talent, he is considered by many trackers to be the region's leading expert on aging of tracks and sign. |
| Rob Leverett is a recognized expert in "primitive" tool making. Of Cherokee-Choctaw ancestry, he has taught many classes in schools throughout New England, as well as at Native American events. Rob possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of American indigenous people and their cultures and history. He has amazing skill in working with natural materials, and the objects he produces are literally beautiful works of art. He is an inspiring teacher, and his enthusiasm is contagious. |
| Bob Tremblay has been working as a professional outdoor guide since 1982, and has a B.A. and M.A. in Outdoor Adventure Education and Leadership. During his 20 years as an outdoor leader he has guided thousands of people on diverse outdoor adventures including backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, rock and ice climbing, and dog sledding. Bob loves to share his passion for the outdoors with others. |
| John Green is a reknowned naturalist and professional photographer. He has lived in Western Massachusetts for over thirty years and travels widely exploring and documenting nature with his awe-inspiring photography. We are honored to have him join our teaching staff! |
Tracking & Nature Center 
