Cutthroat Climb trail photo by Matt Lloyd USFW
Join the Friends of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge for two free educational and fun events celebrating nature on Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9.
The fun starts on Friday at the Salt Hotel and Pub located at 147 Howerton Ave, Ilwaco, WA. At 6:30 PM Kristi Freese, a Professional Level IV Tracker, will present “A Wildlife Tracking Journey: Willapa and Beyond.” Kristi's journey as a tracker began locally on the shores of Willapa Bay and has led all the way to South Africa and back.
Her presentation covers the basics of how to learn the skill of tracking, both individually and through a variety of mentors, courses, and other resources. She will share the international standards for tracker skill evaluation and its history beginning in southern Africa. Throughout the presentation, Kristi will delight audiences with stories she has gathered during her journey to become a Level IV Wildlife Tracker. She will also provide some basic information on track identification to prepare for a field trip the next morning.
There will be a cash bar and options for ordering appetizers or dinner at this event graciously hosted by the Salt Hotel and Pub. Please arrive early if you plan on ordering appetizers or dinner, doors open at 5:30 PM.
The next morning Kristi will lead a field trip at Willapa National Wildlife Refuge along the shoreline of Willapa Bay at Leadbetter Point to identify tracks of birds and mammals such as sanderlings, great blue herons, racoons, deer, and many more. Sign up for that separately on our event page below.
Space is limited, please register at https://friendsofwillapanationalwildliferefuge.wildapricot.org/Events. For questions contact info@friendsofwillaparefuge.org. Coming from out of town? Check out lodging options at The Salt Hotel and Pub, our hosts for the Friday evening event at www.salt-hotel.com. Other lodging, restaurants and activity options are available at the Pacific Count Tourism Bureau at www.visitlongbeachpeninsula.com.
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