If you ventured off the beaten path this winter, you probably quickly realized that slogging through all this snow is hard work. The next time you are mired down in snow, think about how wild animals are making their way through this winter.

On Friday, Feb. 13, at 10 a.m., the Lakes Environmental Association will explore animal tracks and signs at Holt Pond to begin to understand how this winter is affecting animals in the preserve. This tracking workshop is part of a series of citizen science experiences in which participants will help LEA collect data on animal tracks in the Preserve. This data will inform LEA’s understanding of the animals at Holt Pond and help guide future management decisions.

This program will meet at the LEA Lakes Center to carpool to Holt Pond. The trip will last around 2.5 hours and will cover varied terrain in deep snow. Warm winter attire, including wool or synthetic layers, hat, gloves and snowshoes are recommended. LEA has snowshoes available to borrow.

For more information and to register for this workshop, call 647-8580 or e-mail bridie@leamaine.org. This program is part of the Caplan Family Environmental Education Series, sponsored by Dr. Hu and Ray Caplan and their family. For a complete listing of programs in the winter and spring Caplan Series, visit the LEA Web site at ww.mainelakes.org.

Learn how to track wild animals Feb. 10 at an event sponsored by the Lakes Environmental Association in Bridgton.