BY KAREN BOSSICK

Learn the stories told in the snow when Wood River Valley tracker Ann Christensen holds the first Winter Tracking Workshop of the season from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30.

Christensen, who studied with famous tracker James Halfpenny, can look at animal tracks and recount how otter have been sledding down riverbanks and how a vole tried to escape from a raptor.

The program will begin at the Environmental Resource Office at 471 Washington Ave. N. in Ketchum. There, participants will be introduced to local winter animals, their life histories and winter adaptations.

Following that, Christensen will lead participants outside on a snowshoe tracking adventure through the fields and woods north of Ketchum.

Novice and experienced trackers of all ages are welcome.

Christensen will lead additional ERC Winter Tracking Workshops from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, and Saturday, Feb. 10.

Participants should bring snowshoes, warm clothes, water and snacks. There is a suggested donation of $10 for ERC members and $20 for non-members.

Pre-registration is encouraged at 208-726-4333 or alisa@ercsv.org.

The ERC is an environmental nonprofit organization based in the Wood River Valley that provides education and initiates various projects on behalf of the environment.