The Caterpillar Lab staff will lead participants on a tour of moth taxonomy, diversity, identification, and ecology in this special, small-group workshop for naturalists. We’ll begin with a classroom overview of moth morphology and strategies for learning to identify the bewildering diversity of moths in our region. We’ll also discuss the equipment, setup, and habitats that make for successful moth stations. As the moths arrive at the lights, we’ll practice identification while turning our attention towards the life history and ecology of some of the visitors. By the end of the evening, beginners will have the foundational knowledge to recognize major moth groups, while more experienced students will gain proficiency in species identification. All participants will leave with a renewed sense of awe and wonder, and many new examples of astonishing natural history found in our moth diversity.

Participants will learn to use game cameras to capture images of Vermont wildlife. The course will cover basics from equipment and setup to particular strategies to meet particular goals, be that photographing one particular species or a broad backyard species inventory. We'll review concepts important for successful camera trapping during Thursday evening webinars, then put those concepts into practice during Saturday morning hikes at NBNC. This course is intended for beginners, though would be good practice for those with some experience who are hoping to improve their results. Instructed by NBNC Teacher-Naturalist Pete Kerby-Miller.

Join naturalists/trackers Jonathan Shapiro of Fox Paw School and Dave Muska of North Branch Nature Center for a three-month wildlife tracking immersion! Participants will deepen their tracking and trailing skills through expert field instruction and independent study in a shared community of practice. Students will leave with richer skills in identifying and interpreting animal trails, and a deeper connection to our wild neighbors.