a 7-day educational expedition about large carnivores, mountain ecology, and modern conservation in the European wild
URSINE EXPLORATION in the SLOVAKIAN HIGH TATRAS
This educational expedition offers enthusiasts of nature and ecology a guided opportunity to experience the wild, in Tatra National Park, Slovakia. Our participants will follow the fresh tracks of brown bears along cascading mountain streams, and through remote alpine valleys; quietly observe the interaction of a rich biodiversity of species, including beaver, three-toed woodpecker, nutcracker and Arolla pine; confront the critical role of ecological disturbances – avalanche, windstorm, insect outbreak, and flood – in mountain ecosystems; experience the magic of ancient forests with scientific precision and artistic spontaneity; and learn about the challenges and opportunities for modern conservation in Eastern European landscapes. With an exploratory emphasis on the magnificent brown bear, participants will become familiar with the scientific approaches to the study of animal ecology – animal tracking, behavioral observations, digiscoping and the deployment of motion-activated cameras; engage the contemplative and artistic process of creating in-field drawings of wild locations; and share hands-on experiences and personal reflections with ecologists, conservation biologists, wildlife movie makers and artists. Throughout the tour we will seek to challenge our relationship with nature and attempt to define a scientific, artistic and cultural baseline for comprehending the European wild.
Brown Bear
Meals: All meals are included in the expedition price; we will have a balance of packed lunches, home-cooked meals and Slovakian cuisine.
Accommodations: The group will be hosted in a rustic cottage at the entrance of the Tatra National Park (TANAP), along a mountain stream. The cottage will host three or four participants in each room, and includes a small kitchen and an exterior common space. The cottage is located on a campground, where we will have access to all sanitary facilities.
Itinerary Outline: Please find a comprehensive itinerary HERE.
Day 1:
- Meet in Krakow
at 16:00
- Arrival in the
Slovakian High
Tatras
Day 2:
- Bear tracking
and observation
- Deployment of
trail cameras
- Introduction to
digiscoping
Day 3:
- Introductory
drawing lesson:
with Jean
Chevallier in the
Tatras foothills
- Ancient Arolla
pine forest
exploration:
with Erik Balaz
Day 4:
- Day hike on
mountain
ridges
- Viewing and
discussion of
wildlife
documentary
Day 5:
- Early morning
drawing lesson:
with Jean at a
mountain
stream
- Bear tracking
and observation
- Evening bear
drawing lesson:
with Jean
Day 6:
- Day excursion:
following the
tracks and traces
of brown bears
Day 7:
- Exploration of
naturally
regenerating
forest
- Visit of ongoing
rewilding
project
- Wildlife
watching at
beaver pond
Day 8:
- Departure: at
10:00