Animal Tracks!
Be a naturalist!

You’d be surprised how many animals call your backyard home! Most backyards have soft ground that reveals animal tracks. Take a look and record them by making a “cast,” or impression of the ground. Look for tracks in the ground that is not too soggy.

Here’s What You Do:

1. Cut a strip of tag board 3 inches (about 7 centimeters) wide and long enough to make a circle around the animal track. Staple the ends together.
   
   
2. Examine the track to determine the amount of plaster needed.
   
   
3. Start with a small amount of plaster of Paris in a bowl. Using a wooden spoon to stir, add enough water until the mixture has the consistency of a thick cream soup. If you need a little more plaster, alternate between adding more plaster and water until you have enough.
   
   
4. Place the ring of tag board around the track. Gently press the ring into the ground without disturbing the track. At least 2 inches (5 centimeters) of tag board should remain above the surface.
   
   
5. Carefully pour the plaster into the tag board ring over the track.
   
   
6. Allow the plaster two to three hours to dry. Then carefully remove the cast and tag board. Peel away the tag board and brush the dirt off the cast.
   
   
7. Use the permanent marker to write the name of the animal whose track you found on the side or back of your plaster cast.