Wildlife Monitoring by Snow Tracking Survey – February 12 & 13, 2026, Val Marie, SK — Grasslands National Park

This workshop combines practical field-based wildlife track identification techniques with essential study design elements.

This unique and essential workshop is designed for land managers, field biologists and active or aspiring wildlife practitioners seeking skills to monitor wildlife occurrence, distribution or diversity through the land-based non-invasive technique of wildlife tracking.

The workshop combines classroom and field instruction in the accessible, iconic, wilderness environment of (and, or, near) Grasslands National Park (permits pending).

• Suitable for all experience and skill levels.
• Perfect for ecology students, wildlife researchers, and environmental consultants with any level of tracking knowledge or experience.
• Ideal training for those working towards a certification in Track & Sign.

Workshop Instructors:

Diana Ghikas – Wildlife Population Ecologist with 20 years of experience working on Species at Risk recovery planning for the Canadian Wildlife Service. Diana has implemented winter track transect monitoring programs in Grasslands NP and nearby community pastures, as well as in the mountain parks. She lives in Regina on Treaty 4 territory.

Joseph Litke – Wildlife Biologist with Fiera Biological Consulting, with over 25 years of field experience in Alberta. Joseph is a wildlife Track & Sign Professional, certified by Tracker Certification North America, and has collected tracking data and taught tracking workshops and courses to wildlife and outdoor professionals across Western Canada. He lives in Edmonton on Treaty 6 lands.

Note:

• Participants are responsible for their own transportation, food, and drink.
• Some training or keen interest in ecology and wildlife is recommended.
• The workshop will combine classroom with long field sessions outside during winter conditions.
• A reasonable level of physical fitness is needed to endure the field sessions.

Registration link coming soon!

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Grasslands – photo credits: Diana Ghikas