The great Vermont animal tracker and naturalist Susan Morse (www.keepingtrack.org) says that there are two important things for animal tracking:  Knowing where to look, and then Looking.  Well Marble Brook, a privately conserved area is an incredible place to look.  I have permission to take us into the area.  In the past, I've tracked bobcat, porcupine, coyote, fisher, moose, beaver, and black bear (the wild variety).  And we're going to go look on February 1st.  Can't guarantee  what we'll find or even if the conditions will be good for tracking.  If they aren't, we'll just have a nice hike through beautiful fields and forests to a beaver pond.  We'll also be putting up remote trail cameras to get some pictures (two pictures from previous sets are attached).  If there's snow, bring your snowshoes if you have them but they're not required.  Rain or heavy snow cancels.  Unfortunately because its private land, no dogs allowed this time.  All levels of tracking ability are welcome, from beginners to Montana backcountry guides.  Hopefully it will be a nice day to get out and be in the woods.  Afterwards, we'll head back to my place for hot soup and warm conversation.

Let's meet at the parking lot between the Moose Lodge and the Art's and Industries Building in Florence and then carpool up to Marble Brook about a mile or so away.  From the north, take I91 south to second Northampton Exit, King Street.  Come off the exit and take the first right at the light onto Bridge Street.  Take a left at the second set of lights, Maple Street  (playing fields are on the right).  Go through the center of Florence and down the hill to the T.  Make a right onto Nonotuck and take it to Pine (the Art's and Industries building will be in front of you).  Take a left onto Pine, go over the bridge and then take a right onto Spring Street.  Take the first right into the Moose lodge, then a right to go down to the adjacent parking lot for the A & I building.

From the South, take the second Northampton Exit, Damon Road & Rt. 9,  Continue straight through the intersection and onto Damen Road.  Take Damon Road until it crosses King Street and turns into Bridge Street.  Take a left at the second set of lights, Maple Street  (playing fields are on the right).  Go through the center of Florence and down the hill to the T.  Make a right onto Nonotuck and take it to Pine (the Art's and Industries building will be in front of you).  Take a left onto Pine, go over the bridge and then take a right onto Spring Street.  Take the first right into the Moose lodge, then a right to go down to the adjacent parking lot for the A & I building.