Two new Track and Sign Professionals here in the Pacific Northwest

A few weeks ago the Methow Conservancy hosted an evaluation on the eastside of the North Cascades and Carolyn Marquardt earned a professional certificate, identifying wolves, mountain lions, moose, and mice along the way. Carolyn started tracking as a way of becoming more connected with wildlife and the great outdoors. She is grateful for the mentorship and tracking adventures as part of the local Methow Valley tracking community. She is a Home Range Wildlife board member and tracking volunteer for their Lynx and Wildfire project.

The following weekend Conservation Northwest hosted an evaluation for volunteers in their ongoing Community Wildlife Monitoring Program in the central Washington Cascades. Volunteers have been using snow tracking to monitor wildlife interactions with Interstate 90 for the past 17 years. Project Team Leader Keith Albrecht earned a professional certificate, identifying and interpreting wildlife in the same areas where he leads data collection. Species we encountered featured bobcats, coyotes, and a beautiful set of woodpecker tracks.

Keith shares: “My journey as an avid enthusiast of wildlife tracking began about three years ago towards the tail end of Wilderness Awareness School’s (WAS) adult program, sparking a deep passion for uncovering the mysteries of wildlife track and sign. Since then, I have participated in and assisted with evaluations and the WAS’s Tracking Intensive as well as volunteering with Conservation Northwest’s CWMP snow tracking program. The challenge of tracking has captivated me as a never-ending puzzle that not only fuels my curiosity but also provides intriguing insights into the lives and behaviors of the animals around us. Driven by this passion and ongoing learning, I am committed to promoting wildlife conservation and fostering a deeper appreciation for our natural world among the broader community.”

Big shout out of congrats to both individuals and thank yous for the important conservation work they are both carrying on.