Saturday July 25th, 2026
12:00pm to ~4:00pm
Whatcom County (location will be ~40 minutes outside of Bellingham)
Exact details TBD. A scout for the best area to host this class will be done in the week prior to the event. All registered participants will be notified of details 3-5 days prior the event.
Join naturalist & level 3 certified tracker, Jazmen Yoder, for an immersive day of exploration focused on wildlife track and sign and foraging skills. This course is designed for nature enthusiasts, aspiring naturalists, and anyone curious about the “big picture” of our local ecosystems. This will be a fun course with tons of educational content!
What to Expect:
Introduction to Tracking Techniques:
Learn the fundamentals of tracking including how to read animal signs, tracks, and behaviors. We'll cover essentials for successful tracking in various terrains.
This course is designed for beginners but will be tailored to all individuals’ experience levels throughout our discussions.
Identifying local species:
Discover the diverse wildlife of the PNW, including mammals and birds (and amphibians if we're lucky!). Through field observations and discussions, you'll gain insight into their habitats and behaviors.
Connecting with the ecosystem:
Observe plant-wildlife and fungi-wildlife relationships and see the ecosystem at work. From minute details we can learn what is happening in the bigger picture.
Discussions will include points on habitat preservation and native plant conservation.
Identifying Edible and Toxic Species
On this field trip you will also learn who the plants are through identification, ecological associations, status, and ethnobotany (knowledge of plants and how humans interact with them).
In the summer we can expect to find some fruits, edible flowers, and aromatic herbs. The majority of the encouraged foraging will be geared towards nonnative species with applications as fiber, food, medicine, or something unique. You’ll learn something new about each plant we ID whether it’s nonnative or native to this region.
Toxic plants will be discussed during edible/medicinal plant ID sessions and identified if we come across any.
What to bring:
Dress for the weather
Snack, lunch, and plenty of water
Sun protection (glasses, hat, SPF, etc.)
Water resistant footwear (be prepared to cross shallow streams and puddles)
Foraging basket or canvas/mesh bag (optional)
Notebook and pen (optional. Weatherproof notebooks are for sale starting at $5/ea if needed).
Magnifying lens (optional for looking at small plant parts, lichen, or taking macro shots with your phone camera). I have some for borrowing and a few for sale for $5/ea if needed.
You may also want to bring:
Bear spray
First aid kit
Trekking poles if you normally use them
DSLR camera
Your favorite field guide (mushrooms, plants, wildlife)
After signing up:
You will receive confirmation of payment. Registered individuals will receive location details, driving directions, weather forecast details and other info in an event-reminder email 3-4 days prior to the event. Please check your spam folder if you do not receive this email. Reach out if you do not find an email in your inbox by July 21st. Email Jazmen with concerns or to get on a waitlist: nwnatura@gmail.com
Have a look at the Refund Policies before you order.
Scout agenda: Nooksack River, associated river tributaries, and riparian woodlands in Acme, Deming, and Ferndale. Potentially elsewhere too but nowhere more than 45-50min outside of Bellingham.
Saturday July 25th, 2026
12:00pm to ~4:00pm
Whatcom County (location will be ~40 minutes outside of Bellingham)
Exact details TBD. A scout for the best area to host this class will be done in the week prior to the event. All registered participants will be notified of details 3-5 days prior the event.
Join naturalist & level 3 certified tracker, Jazmen Yoder, for an immersive day of exploration focused on wildlife track and sign and foraging skills. This course is designed for nature enthusiasts, aspiring naturalists, and anyone curious about the “big picture” of our local ecosystems. This will be a fun course with tons of educational content!
What to Expect:
Introduction to Tracking Techniques:
Learn the fundamentals of tracking including how to read animal signs, tracks, and behaviors. We'll cover essentials for successful tracking in various terrains.
This course is designed for beginners but will be tailored to all individuals’ experience levels throughout our discussions.
Identifying local species:
Discover the diverse wildlife of the PNW, including mammals and birds (and amphibians if we're lucky!). Through field observations and discussions, you'll gain insight into their habitats and behaviors.
Connecting with the ecosystem:
Observe plant-wildlife and fungi-wildlife relationships and see the ecosystem at work. From minute details we can learn what is happening in the bigger picture.
Discussions will include points on habitat preservation and native plant conservation.
Identifying Edible and Toxic Species
On this field trip you will also learn who the plants are through identification, ecological associations, status, and ethnobotany (knowledge of plants and how humans interact with them).
In the summer we can expect to find some fruits, edible flowers, and aromatic herbs. The majority of the encouraged foraging will be geared towards nonnative species with applications as fiber, food, medicine, or something unique. You’ll learn something new about each plant we ID whether it’s nonnative or native to this region.
Toxic plants will be discussed during edible/medicinal plant ID sessions and identified if we come across any.
What to bring:
Dress for the weather
Snack, lunch, and plenty of water
Sun protection (glasses, hat, SPF, etc.)
Water resistant footwear (be prepared to cross shallow streams and puddles)
Foraging basket or canvas/mesh bag (optional)
Notebook and pen (optional. Weatherproof notebooks are for sale starting at $5/ea if needed).
Magnifying lens (optional for looking at small plant parts, lichen, or taking macro shots with your phone camera). I have some for borrowing and a few for sale for $5/ea if needed.
You may also want to bring:
Bear spray
First aid kit
Trekking poles if you normally use them
DSLR camera
Your favorite field guide (mushrooms, plants, wildlife)
After signing up:
You will receive confirmation of payment. Registered individuals will receive location details, driving directions, weather forecast details and other info in an event-reminder email 3-4 days prior to the event. Please check your spam folder if you do not receive this email. Reach out if you do not find an email in your inbox by July 21st. Email Jazmen with concerns or to get on a waitlist: nwnatura@gmail.com
Have a look at the Refund Policies before you order.
Scout agenda: Nooksack River, associated river tributaries, and riparian woodlands in Acme, Deming, and Ferndale. Potentially elsewhere too but nowhere more than 45-50min outside of Bellingham.
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