September 4-13, 2025 Humboldt County, California

Join us for the THIRD Humboldt Tracker Gathering (2006, 2016 and now, 2026!), a relaxed, community-driven event celebrating the art and science of wildlife tracking in one of California's most breathtaking natural settings. Hosted at YMCA Camp Ravencliff along the scenic Eel River, this 10-day gathering from September 4 through 13 (overlapping Labor Day weekend) is designed for trackers of all experience levels—from absolute beginners to seasoned experts.

Inspired by the legendary work of Kim Cabrera

a tracking icon with dual specialist certificates and a massive following through her Facebook groups including "Animals Don't Cover Their Tracks," the event aims to foster a welcoming space where participants can learn, connect, and immerse themselves in nature without pressure or rigid structure. Whether you're drawn by Kim's insightful videos from the Eel River Valley or simply eager to explore redwood country, this is your chance to meet like-minded enthusiasts, share stories in the large lodge dining room or around the campfire, and deepen your tracking skills in a fun, informal atmosphere.

The gathering embodies a "choose-your-own-adventure" vibe, like a mini tracking convention, allowing you to customize your experience. Stay for just a couple of days, the full duration, or anything in between—there's no minimum commitment. Each day will feature a variety of workshops, group outings, and communal activities, with plenty of flexibility to mix and match.

Evenings will feature Kim!   Checkers are invited to use the large, spacious kitchen for meal preparation.  We will have full use of the dining room in the camp's lodge for getting to know each other, exchanging tracking tips, casual discussions and opportunities to unwind with each other. Kim plans to be at every evening meal, so this is your opportunity to get to know her - up close and personal - and thank her for all the great work she's done over the years.

All proceeds support the TCNA Equal Access Fund, making professional-level tracking training more inclusive for underrepresented communities in wildlife research, conservation, and outdoor education. This event is about building camaraderie, turning newcomers onto the joys of tracking, and supporting the growth of our community—come for the skills, stay for the connections!

Stunning Location and Ideal Conditions

Nestled in the heart of redwood country, YMCA Camp Ravencliff spans over 60 acres of lush meadows, wooded hillsides, and riverfront terrain, providing an isolated yet accessible haven for exploration. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Eel River, the camp borders Redwood State Park, granting direct access to groves of towering ancient redwoods and a plethora of tracking hotspots. In September, the weather is typically mild and beautiful, with low river levels exposing expansive mudflats perfect for spotting fresh tracks and signs. Dusty dirt roads throughout the area hold impressions exceptionally well, while nearby bends and stretches of the Eel River—many on public land—offer diverse habitats teeming with wildlife clues like scat, rubs, and feeding sites.

Beyond the camp itself, Kim is compiling a list of her favorite tracking locations within a 30 minute drive, many of which have featured in her popular videos and vignettes. These spots include sandy riverbanks, forested trails, dusty dirt roads and open meadows, ensuring a rich variety of environments to practice in.

The camp's serene, isolated feel is balanced by its convenience—it's just a short drive from the charming small towns of Redway and Garberville, where you'll find groceries, restaurants, gas stations, and other essentials. This makes the event not only immersive but also practical, allowing you to stock up easily without disrupting your nature-focused escape. Whether you're tracking along the low-flowing Eel River or wandering dusty roads under the redwood canopy, the setting promises an unforgettable blend of tranquility and adventure.

Workshops and Activities

At the core of the Humboldt Tracker Gathering are daily workshops led by Kim Cabrera and a select group of experienced trackers. These sessions will be intentionally general and approachable, catering especially to newer and intermediate trackers but with plenty of offering for experienced trackers as well. 

Workshops can be half-day, full-day, or multi-day formats; held out in the field (or indoors if the weather is inclement) or a combination of both. Topics will draw from the abundant local sign, focusing on real-world discoveries rather than narrow niches—think hands-on explorations where you discuss tracks, scat, digs, nesting sign, feeding sign in the moment - as you encounter them.

To accommodate varying skill levels, we'll tailor offerings based on registrations, but expect a mix of beginner-friendly sessions like "Tracking 101: Intro to Reading Track & Sign," "Mock Evals" (certification-style practice with zero pressure and no stakes), "Tracking Along the Eel River" (hitting nearby mudflats).   

For those with more experience, options might include nuanced discussions on locomotion patterns, bird tracks, feathers, skulls and mandibles.  The emphasis is on fun and fitting themes that emerge from the group's interests—perhaps a holistic look at animal evidence in the redwoods or riverbank discoveries. No matter your level, you'll have opportunities to track in diverse spots, learn from each other or experts without stress, and even participate in evening meals that turn into impromptu mentoring sessions.

Workshop fees, set modestly by presenters (typically half to two-thirds of a standard Track and Sign Certification cost), cover leaders' expenses like travel and food, with any surplus donated to the TCNA fund—making participation virtually cost-free for instructors while benefiting the community. Overall event surpluses follow suit, ensuring your involvement supports broader access to wildlife education. This model creates a win-win: affordable for attendees, rewarding for presenters, and impactful for underrepresented groups in conservation.

Track and Sign Certifications

Complementing the informal workshops are two official Track and Sign certifications conducted by evaluator Matt Nelson, marking his return to the circuit after a well-deserved break to finish his house and welcome a new baby. These standard evaluations are scheduled for Sunday-Monday, September 6-7, and Wednesday-Thursday, September 8-9.  Each event is $425.   If you're ready to test your skills in a supportive environment, these certifications offer a structured path to advancement through Tracking Certification North America (TCNA).  Workshops will take place during and around these dates, allowing participants to prepare, observe, or recover without missing out on the fun. Even if certification isn't your goal, watching or joining mock versions can provide valuable insights into the process.