Animal Tracks (1.5 hours)

Learn to identify animal tracks through slides and first hand observation on the trails at the Preserve.  The maximum number of classes that can be scheduled is two.

 Upon arrival to the preserve, groups will be formed and oriented in the parking lot.  Students will then enter the Orchard House for a brief introduction about the animals that inhabit the 280-acre Preserve. Then the groups will divide one staying inside the second outdoors for a trail walk. Indoors, students will learn the differences in animal prints, size, shape, (triangular, oval, circular), number of toes, (two, four, five and combinations of four on the front foot and five on the hind foot). By viewing mounted Connecticut mammals students will be able to differentiate these physical traits. Track patterns (straight line, imperfect, bounding and hopping/ leaping) will be illustrated, as well as the mammals that posses these patterns. Tracking terminology such as stride, straddle and gait will be discussed to familiarize students with the other track features. A slide presentation featuring a winter time tale of predator /prey relationships and the tracks, trails, and traces of various woodland animals will ready the students for a trailside search for animal signs.   

One group rotation will be indoor study and slide show to outdoor trail walk; a second group will go on the outdoor trail walk first, then to the indoor study and slide presentation.