As part of Midcoast Conservancy’s Nature Workshop series, a hike focused on animal tracking and a talk on ticks will be offered in May.

The tracking event is on Saturday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants will join tracker Charlie Perakis and learn to see the hidden signs of life all around at the Riverbrook Preserve, in Waldoboro.

While practicing family medicine for 20 years in an underserved community in Maine, Perakis learned to connect the stories of his patients with the stories he saw written in the landscape all around him. Now retired, he spends much of his time observing the signs of wildlife and sharing his passion with others. 

Registration is required and can be found at https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events/nature-workshop-tracking/.

On Saturday, May 22, outdoor educator Robin Huntley will lead a presentation on ticks. Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses are a rising concern in Midcoast Maine, and protection against ticks has become more important than ever. 

“When armed with knowledge, it is possible to adequately manage the risk of tick-borne illness and safely spend time outdoors,” the Nature Conservancy, in a news release. “With the ability to identify ticks, it’s possible to immediately gauge the level of concern necessary when a tick is found biting oneself or someone else.”

In this workshop, which is intended for amateur naturalists, attendees will learn the physical characteristics and habits of the tick species found locally. Tick specimens will be provided for study, and participants will be guided in learning to identify the species and sex of ticks commonly found in the Midcoast landscape.

This event is family-friendly, but is most appropriate for children eight years and older. 

“The content is useful for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, but is especially useful for those who spend time in nature with children,” said MNC.

Registration for this workshop is at https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events/nature-workshop-tick-talk-2/.

For more information on the other Nature Workshop events, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events/nature-workshop-series/.