December 3-5, 2004
Tracking is more than finding prints on the ground; it can be a powerful tool for changing our lives. Human beings often feel isolated and disconnected from the natural world and from each other. Tracking is the art of observing and seeing that enables us to rediscover the connections that exist in the web of life. We’ll explore the world of wild animals in the forest, looking for subtle clues, such signs of feeding, mating, tracks and other behavior. Using all of our senses and being aware of the present moment, we’ll begin to understand the interaction of animals with each other and with their environments. Seeing the forest through the eyes of the animals can help us conquer our fears of the unknown and begin to feel at home in the wild. This newfound understanding can lead to greater appreciation of the sacred link between all living beings. During the daytime, we’ll be in the woods, and in the evenings, we’ll see slides and have time to reflect on what we’ve seen and have a chance to share our insights. By Sunday we’ll be ready to try our newly discovered skills in a relaxed and supportive environment. This program is limited to 18 people in order to provide hands-on instruction, so please register early!
Valerie Major began her life-long study of nature accompanying her father in the forests of Arkansas. She was a student with Paul Rezendes for 15 years, then an apprentice for three. She’s taught outdoor skills to youth and adults for 25 years and keeps a link with her native heritage as a board member and teacher at the Eastern American Indian Cultural Center. Nick Wisniewski, a life-long naturalist and expert on animal tracks and sign, was a long-term student and 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. His passion is using animal tracking as a unifying method for nature study and exploration. As a married couple, Nick and Valerie bring a unique perspective to the art of tracking. They founded Walnut Hill Tracking & Nature Center upon the retirement of Paul Rezendes. Their Center is an outgrowth of their desire to share the excitement and wonder they experience in the natural world. They teach in the primitive, experiential, teaching tradition. We welcome their first visit to Rowe.