* TRACKING WINTER WILDLIFE

TRACKING WINTER WILDLIFE — A Hubbardston Nature Club Field Trip will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 12: 30 to 4 p.m. Meet at Hubbardston Town Offices parking lot on Route 68 to carpool. Over 30 species of winter active mammals and birds leave telltale tracks in the snow, such as the many members of the weasel family-fisher, mink, weasels; far-ranging predators including bobcat; forest giants like moose; and an array of little ones from shrew to mouse. Tracking can establish which species are using conservation land for habitat, how and what winter active animals feed on, and which parts of protected lands are essential for wildlife survival. Tracking is adventure, nature study, mystery, and art all rolled into one. Join tracker/naturalist David Brown, author of “Trackards for North American Mammals” and naturalist/tracker Joe Choiniere as they take a closer look at parts of Hubbardston State Forest and other conservation properties. Snowshoes helpful if snow is deep, but not necessary. Dress warmly in loose layers. Tracking involves both aerobic hiking and stopping for long periods of time to study wildlife sign. Contact the club at hubbardstonnatureclub@yahoo.com with any questions.