Scat and Tracks, a Virtual Offering for School Students - The Outdoor Wire

Vermont Classrooms Prepare for Winter Wildlife Program

More than 3,300 students participated last year, and now Vermont classrooms are preparing for another round of a statewide wildlife initiative that bridges indoor lessons with the winter woods. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is offering its seventh season of “Scat and Tracks,” a four-week program designed for kindergarten through eighth-grade students to learn about local wildlife.

Four Regional Mammals Take Center Stage

The program gives educators the structured plans and support they need to lead local nature hikes on school grounds or nearby public land. Each week zeroes in on a specific native Vermont species, examining its distinct habitat requirements alongside the physical clues animals leave behind. This year’s curriculum puts the spotlight on four regional mammals: the moose, the long-tailed weasel, the red fox, and the eastern cottontail.

Scat and Tracks, a Virtual Offering for School Students - The Outdoor Wire

Virtual Guidance and Weekly Biologist Sessions

Classrooms kick off each weekly module by watching a pre-recorded video introducing the target animal. Teachers then guide their students outside to search for tracks, scat, and other signs of wildlife activity while connecting those observations directly back to ecological needs. To help instructors field student inquiries, a Vermont Fish and Wildlife biologist hosts optional virtual question-and-answer sessions every Thursday at 9:15 and 10:15 a.m.

Flexible Formats and Open Registration Deadlines

The program format relies on flexibility, allowing teachers to integrate the nature walks into existing schedules and adjust the material to fit different grade levels. For educators hesitant about leading outdoor expeditions, department staff are available for direct support and have produced additional instructional videos. Registration remains open through December 15, 2026, and must be completed directly through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website.

Logistical Shifts and Contact Information

Logistical changes accompany the upcoming season. Pocket track guides will no longer be mailed out to participating schools. Instead, educators can pick up physical copies at the Montpelier Fish and Wildlife Office located in the Dewey Building at 1 National Life Drive, or print digital copies directly from the program webpage. The 2027 session gets underway the week of January 3. Educators seeking further details can contact Education Specialist Corey Hart by email at [email protected] or by phone at 802-505-5562.