Biodiversity Monitoring Training: Tree Bark & Wildlife Tracking

Date/Time
Date(s) - Feb 14th, 2026
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

A graphic with a photo of a fisher (medium brown furry mammal) on a log, overlaid by banners that read "Hilltowns Biodiversity Monitoring Project Session 3: Tree Bark and Tracking. Sat. February 14th, 1:30 to 4:30 PM, Chesterfield MA." The Hilltown Land Trust and iNaturalist logos are overlaid. Contribute to community science and learn about ecology in a supportive environment at HLT’s new biodiversity monitoring program series. Whether you’re a brand-new beginner or seasoned professional, you’ll come away from this program ready to gather data for ecological science.

Winter is the perfect time to learn about tree bark ID, one of the most reliable ways to determine a tree’s species throughout the year. If weather permits, we’ll also observe wildlife tracks in this critter-rich forest habitat. Hilltown Land Trust staff and naturalists Sarah Welch and Jess Applin will lead this session of winter fun and curiosity.

Inclement weather date: Saturday, February 21

What You Need

A smartphone with a camera (optional)
Warm winter clothing and snowshoes/spikes if appropriate (we have loaners to offer)
A curious mind!

COST: Suggested donation $0-25
AGES: Adult and teen (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
DOGS: Please leave non-service dogs at home.
RSVP: Required

Accessibility

Bathroom: No indoor bathroom facilities – this is a “use the trees” program.
Distance Traveled: 0.5 to 2 miles, depending on group interest and abilities.
Fragrances: To be respectful of those with allergies and environmental sensitivities, please refrain from wearing strong fragrances. Depending on the temperature during the day, we may sit around a fire.
Parking: Unmarked parking spots in a compacted dirt parking area.
Public transportation: Public transit is not available to this location. Contact us if you are interested in coordinating a carpool.
Seating: Backless wooden benches at an outdoor lean-to.
Staying warm: Please dress very warmly for this program! We’ll have a small campfire at the beginning and end.
Surfaces: Compacted dirt parking area, on and off-trail forested terrain, potential for mud and snow.

We’re happy to discuss your access needs for this event! For questions and accommodation requests, please reach out to Sarah at sarah@hilltownlandtrust.org or call (413) 628-4485.