Wildlife Crossing Tracking Workshop – Spooner Summit
Join the effort to support the development of a wildlife and human crossing at US Highway 50 at Spooner Summit. This stretch of highway has experienced a high number of wildlife fatalities due to unsafe crossing conditions. By collecting critical, on-the-ground data, volunteers will help identify the safest and most effective location for a future crossing—benefiting both people and wildlife in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
This is a family-friendly volunteer opportunity and a meaningful way to contribute to wildlife conservation and public safety.
What Volunteers Will Do
Participants will:
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Attend a virtual training and workshop on wildlife tracking and data collection
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Take part in four field data collection days throughout the year
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Help survey wildlife movement and trail use patterns near Spooner Summit
No prior experience is required—training and guidance will be provided.
Event Schedule
Virtual Training & Workshop (available upon request)
Topics include:
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Wildlife tracking basics
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Data collection methods
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Project goals and safety guidelines
Field Data Collection Day #2
📅 Saturday, January 17
⏰ 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Please come prepared for winter conditions. Check the weather forecast in advance via NOAA:
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.1036161&lon=-119.8951902
Future Tracking Workshops
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Saturday, March 28 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Field Data Collection Day #3 -
Saturday, June 20 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Field Data Collection Day #4
What to Bring
Please bring the following items:
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At least 1 liter of water
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Trail snacks and a bag lunch
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Weather-appropriate clothing
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Closed-toed shoes
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Pen or pencil
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Notebook
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Ruler or measuring device
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Camera (phone cameras are fine)
By participating, you’ll play a direct role in collecting the data that help decide the best location for a crossing for trail users and animals alike. Reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and supporting long-term solutions that improve safety and habitat connectivity at Spooner Summit.
