Join us for a five-week workshop on "Maryland Mammals" and their ecology. Mammals are typically nocturnal and elusive, making it difficult for us to study them. This course will delve in to the diversity of mammals in our region covering identification and natural history as well as techniques of field study and conservation issues. This course includes a field trip to search for and interpret signs of mammal activity.
Week 1 - Monday, February 27, 7-9pm: Introduction to Mammals - Explore what makes a mammal a mammal; mammal diversity around the world; and special adaptations possessed by local mammals.
Week 2 - Monday, March 6, 7-9pm: Mammal Surveys and Signs - Learn about ways to find signs of local mammals from food caches to scat, tracks, dens, and more. This session will also explore simple survey techniques such as camera traps.
Week 3 - Monday, March 13, 7-9pm: Common Mammals of the Baltimore region - Learn about local mammals including bats, deer, foxes, coyotes, and more.
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Week 4 - Saturday, March 18 - Field Trip: Visit to a local park to uncover mammal signs (Location and time to be announced later.)
Week 5 - Monday, March 27, 7-9pm: Mammals, Cont’d - Learn about mammals outside of the Baltimore region including some rare species that call Maryland home. This session will also focus on common mammal diseases and will wrap up with conservation efforts.
Teacher: Kerry Wixted
Cost: $144 - Pay online only at www.marylandnature.org/events.
Textbook: Mammal Tracks & Sign: A Guide to North American Species by Mark Elbroch; Peterson Field Guide to Mammals of North America by Fiona Reid
Also Recommended: Animal Skulls: A Guide to North American Species by Mark Elbroch
Bring (optional): Laptop computer or electronic notebook