When we first started to envision an immersive experience in wildlife tracking here on the Olympic Peninsula, I had a strong sense it would be a profound learning adventure for all involved. I knew that the partnership with the Olympic Cougar Project and Panthera was an incredibly rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for both students and teachers to read the stories left behind on the land by our elusive and fascinating apex predator. It was all that and more!

From basic track and sign fundamentals to researching our focal species and gaining new understandings of the benefits of cougars in the landscape, every weekend was full of wonderful camaraderie, learning, and memorable moments while exploring the rich ecosystems of the Olympic Peninsula. 

“This program has been very important to me these last months. I’ve never had a group experience like this and it has me thinking about . . . connection with others and nature in a new way. I have new eyes when I’m outside and new confidence. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to participate.”

“Very grateful I took the class and would highly recommend it to anyone. Very grateful for the instructors.”

“Really, really loved this program. I was a complete newbie to tracking. But I felt welcomed and supported. Thank you so much for creating programming like this.”

“You all rock so hard and I'm so grateful for this experience!!! Extra big appreciation to Matt and Sarah, who are quite honestly the best teachers I've ever had. Both do an incredible job of being open, teaching by relating their own experience, connecting with students, meeting people where they're at and catering to different learning styles, bringing pathos to the learning environment... I can't say enough good things about you guys. It's been wonderfully life changing to get to know you all and I'm looking forward to future CedarRoot 'alumni' adventures. <3”