American Martens and Winter Animal Tracking: Join Vermont Wildlife Biologist Chris Bernier for Two Unique Wildlife Programs with The Nature Museum

GRAFTON, VT - Large, rounded ears, a sleek body with silky fur, and a bushy tail: would you be able to identify an American marten in the wild?

The Nature Museum invites wildlife lovers to join two one-of-a-kind animal programs with Chris Bernier, wildlife biologist with the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife. The first program, "The American Marten Comes Back to Vermont," will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2018, at 7:00 PM at the NewsBank Conference Center, 352 Main Street, Chester, Vermont. The following Saturday, February 10 at 9:00 AM, Bernier, a wildlife tracking expert with over a quarter century of experience, will offer an intensive workshop, "The Art and Science of Animal Tracking," on a remote private property in Andover, VT which features several different habitats.

The American marten, Martes americana, is a carnivorous and slender-bodied weasel which is rarely spotted in the wild. Martens have a long and intriguing history in Vermont, which Bernier will examine in his program on February 8th. In the 1800s, widespread deforestation and the unregulated harvest of wildlife took its toll on Vermont's marten population; by the early 1900s, the species was deemed extinct in Vermont.

Beginning in 1989, biologists released 115 ear-tagged martens in southern Vermont in places such as Mount Holly and Wallingford in an attempt to re-establish the population in the southern Green Mountains. Unfortunately, field research in the 1990s indicated that the reintroduction effort had failed - martens were not returning.

But the story doesn't end there: since the early 2000s, evidence collected across the state has indicated a surprising comeback: a small American marten population in the northeastern corner of the state in addition to seven confirmed marten sightings in southern Vermont. It appears that marten have now established two distinct populations in Vermont; is it possible scientists' reintroduction efforts were not a failure after all, or are these animals the product of natural recolonization? Bernier will share his expertise on this amazing animal population and answer questions at the February 8th program.

While most wild animals, including the marten, are elusive and difficult to spot, winter time can be a rare opportunity to witness these incredible creatures. Bernier continues his partnership with The Nature Museum on Saturday, February 10th with an exclusive winter animal tracking opportunity. Bernier, who will be accompanied by a state Wildlife Specialist and the Nature Museum's Environmental Educator, will lead a 2.5 hour workshop in Andover, VT for a small group of participants. The group will trek through the snowy landscape, discussing habitat types, animal tracking tips and tricks, forest management, and land conservation. The group will pass through terrain that is intimately familiar to Bernier while hunting for tracks of various animal species. Participants can expect a moderate hike. Experienced hikers are preferred, snowshoes and winter gear required. In case of inclement weather, the snow date for the workshop will be Sunday, February 11th. Space is limited- buy your ticket early for this one-of-a-kind animal tracking workshop.

These events are recommended for adults and children over 13. The suggested donation for tickets to Bernier's talk on Thursday, February 8th is $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Tickets for the intensive tracking workshop on Saturday, February 10th are $25 until February 1 and $30 after. To register or for more information, please go to: www.nature-museum.org or call 802-843-2111.

Providing year-round natural history and science information, The Nature Museum creates experiences that engage and enlighten audiences of all ages, and inspires stewardship of our natural world through natural history exhibits, nature programs for adults and children, and the annual Fairy House Festival. For more information, find The Nature Museum at facebook.com/naturemuseumatgrafton, or visit www.nature-museum.org.