SD Tracking Team
Mission
The San Diego Tracking Team’s mission is to promote the preservation
of wildlife habitat in San Diego County through citizen-based wildlife
monitoring coupled with environmental education programs. The Team conducts
wildlife track and sign surveys to evaluate the health of key species,
the connectivity of open space areas, and the efficacy of the city and
county’s Multiple Species/Habitat Conservation Plans.
History
The San Diego Tracking team began in the early 90’s as the Los
Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve Tracking Team, a part of the Friends
of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. When the wildlife corridors
connecting Peñasquitos Canyon to surrounding open space were
threatened by development, the tracking team was formed in order to
determine specifically where the wildlife corridors were and document
the animals that were using them. Early tracking team data was used
to place a tunnel under Sorrento Valley Road and to have the underpasses
under the 5/805 merge designated as a wildlife corridor in the MSCP.
In 2003 the San Diego Tracking Team was formed as an independent non-profit
organization and umbrella organization for regional tracking teams.
Who is involved?
The San Diego Tracking Team is currently comprised of four regional
tracking teams: the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve Tracking
Team, Mount Woodson Wildlife Trackers, the Rose Canyon Tracking Team,
and the Preserve Calavera tracking team. Recruitment of additional teams
is underway. Having only one part-time paid staff member, the Team is
highly dependent on dedicated volunteers. Approximately 40 regular volunteers
do the majority of the work, and hundreds of volunteers have participated
in our wildlife surveys.
Projects
The San Diego Tracking Team conducts quarterly volunteer-based wildlife
track and sign surveys. These have been going on for over eight years
at approximately 40 locations around the county. They also offer more
in-depth Tracker/Naturalist trainings (beginning, intermediate, and
advanced) several times per year, and they have beginning and intermediate/advanced
tracking walks the second Saturday of every month. The SDTT has also
hosted a Junior Naturalist Program and hikes for children.
Goals
Our goal is to establish tracking teams based in open space areas around
the county so as to expand our wildlife survey to those areas and involve
the public in stewardship of our open space resources.
Why we joined the Conservation Resources Network
We have joined SDCRN in order to network with other organizations that
share a common goal.
How are we unique?
We are the only wildlife-tracking group in this part of the country.
Education Partnerships?
Students high school age and older are welcome to participate in our
surveys and classes. Classes from West Hills High School in Santee have
been of great assistance with our wildlife surveys. We have also customized
a program for field biology classes at USD and provided specialized
training for biology consultants. While we do have children’s
programs available when requested, we do not currently have formal partnerships
with any schools.
Wish List
A) Funding and sustainability issues
B) Board development
C) Volunteer management strategies
Contact for more information:
San Diego Tracking Team
PO Box 502345
San Diego CA, 92150
www.sdtt.org
Phone (760) 715-4102
info@sdtt.org
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