Learn to Read the Woods: Scat & Tracks Educational Program 2026
The program encourages students to look for appropriate habitat, animal tracks, scat, and other evidence of wildlife activity on school grounds or nearby areas.
Teachers, homeschool educators, and anyone working with young Vermonters now have an opportunity to get students outside and learning about local wildlife. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is accepting registrations for its 2026 Scat & Tracks program, a free educational initiative designed for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
What Is the Program?
Scat & Tracks is a four-week program that combines video instruction with outdoor exploration. Each week, participating classes watch a pre-recorded video featuring a different Vermont species. The videos cover topics including habitat, lifecycle, and natural history facts about each animal.
After watching the video, students head outside with their teacher or educator to search for signs of the featured animal. The program encourages students to look for appropriate habitat, animal tracks, scat, and other evidence of wildlife activity on school grounds or nearby areas.
Featured Animals for 2026
This year’s program highlights four Vermont species: beaver, gray fox, gray squirrel, and eastern wild turkey. Each animal was selected to give students exposure to different types of wildlife and habitats found across the state.
Educators who want to extend the program can add additional species to their curriculum. Optional add-on species include raccoon, snowshoe hare, bobcat, white-tailed deer, eastern coyote, opossum, short-tailed weasel, porcupine, white-footed mouse, ruffed grouse, mink, and striped skunk.
How It Works
The program is structured to give educators flexibility while providing substantive support. Welcome packets will be sent to all registered participants in late December. Programming begins the week of January 4, 2026, and continues for four weeks.
Classes also have the option to participate in live virtual question-and-answer sessions with Vermont Fish & Wildlife staff. These sessions take place on Thursdays, beginning January 8, with time slots at 9:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. An instructional video is available for educators seeking additional tips on leading nature hikes or making the most of the program materials.
Who Can Participate?
The program is open to teachers, educators, and homeschool families working with students in kindergarten through eighth grade across Vermont. The curriculum is designed to be adaptable for different grade levels and can be implemented on school grounds or in nearby natural areas.
Registration Details
Registration is currently open and will be accepted until December 15, 2025. Educators can sign up through the Vermont Fish & Wildlife website. For questions about the program, educators can contact Education Specialist Corey Hart at corey.hart@vermont.gov.
What Happens Next
Educators who register by December 15 will receive welcome packets in late December with everything they need to begin the program. The first videos and materials will be available the week of January 4, 2026. Those interested in the optional Q&A sessions should plan for Thursdays beginning January 8.