Join us for the 2007 Tracking Workshop!
The Wildlife Linkages Program is now accepting applications for it 2007 Tracking Workshop in northern Sonora, Mexico October 26, 27, 28 and December 1 and 2.
Sky Island Alliance, is seeking dedicated “citizen scientists” who can commit to an exciting conservation program on a long-term basis. This fall we will be traveling to Rancho El Aribabi* in northern Sonora for the first leg of our tracking workshop, October 26, 27 and 28. The second session will be located at a yet-to-be-determined site in southern Arizona.
Rancho El Aribabi
ABOUT THE WILDLIFE LINKAGES PROGRAM
Our tracking volunteers monitor the presence of large mammals, such as mountain lion, black bear, jaguar, and Mexican gray wolf between the mountain ranges of the Sky Island region. Volunteers collect data by conducting “track surveys” where they search for and document signs left by wildlife. Volunteers follow strict guidelines and adhere to a six-week survey interval to ensure the scientific viability of our data. Collected data strengthen our efforts to advocate for protection of important wildlife corridors.
ABOUT THE TRAINING WORKSHOP
During the workshop, regional wildlife experts join Sky Island Alliance staff to teach tracking techniques and wildlife sign recognition – such as the difference between canine and feline tracks. Workshop participants learn where to look for sign and about the ecology and behavior of local mammal species. Classroom instruction is supplemented with field trips. Overnight accommodations and food are provided. There is a $100 workshop fee to cover materials.
After completing the training workshop, volunteers adopt tracking transects in one of our expanding project areas
1) Cienega Creek Watershed
2) Tumacacori-Santa Rita Corridor
3) Dragoon-Whetstone Corridor
4) Peloncillo Mountains
5) the Tortolita Linkages
2006 Workshop participants track mountain lions, black bears, coatis and more in the Santa Rita mountains.
TO QUALIFY for the program volunteers must:
1) Call or email for an application.
2) Submit complete application by deadline (Oct 3)
3) Attend ALL five days of the training workshop
4) Commit to a full day of transect monitoring every six weeks after completion of training
(Volunteers form permanent teams of 3-4 volunteers. To accommodate team members' busy lives, a two-week window cushions the every six-week survey schedule.)
Don't miss this exciting opportunity to use your skills toward accomplishing critical conservation goals. As a “citizen scientist,” you will be helping Sky Island Alliance fulfill its mission of protecting and restoring the native biodiversity of our region.
To request an application please contact:
Janice Przybyl, Wildlife Linkages Program Coordinator
or call 520-624-7080 x15
APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 3, 2007
* WORKSHOP SITE:
Located in the heart of the Sonoran Sky Islands, just 30 miles south of the border, Rancho El Aribabi boosts high biological diversity within its canyons, high mountains and clear-water streams, and is one of the best preserved and studied cattle ranches in the region. Owned the Robles family, this beautiful sky island contains habitat for species such as mountain lions, black bears, bobcats, coati, deer and javelina, several species of reptiles, and an incredible array of migrating birds.
The ranch has a beautiful main house, with individual rooms and bathrooms; a kitchen and all facilities for a comfortable stay. Sleeping accommodations can be inside or outside of the house, where a tent or a cot would make great sleeping under the spectacular and dark night-sky.
At this time PASSPORTS are NOT needed for United States citizens, but you MUST have valid identification with photo. Non-US residents and foreign visitors need passports, visa, etc. We will carpool and travel as a group to the site. Mexican vehicular insurance is required for all vehicles crossing the border. More logistical details to follow complete workshop registration.
