It’s one thing to learn about birds in a classroom. It’s another to learn how to set up a mist net, safely handle wild birds, and collect samples that contribute to real research. During the recent Find Your Field weekend at the Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories (IBSL), students in Professor Keith Barker’s ornithology module helped gather saliva samples from birds and test for salivary amylase — an enzyme that breaks down starches. Their work contributed to an ongoing study exploring how birds digest food and adapt to their diets.
“Field experiences bring science to life for students, reminding them that even the most seemingly esoteric biology is rooted in the nature that surrounds us,” says Barker, a professor of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior in the University of Minnesota’s College of Biological Sciences. He was one of six instructors who led field biology modules as part of this new program hosted by IBSL in early October. Nearly 40 students attended the free three-day experience, and for most, it was their first opportunity to engage in hands-on field biology.
Removing the intimidation factor
The workshop was designed to lower the perceived barriers to entry into field science and introduce University of Minnesota undergraduates to career paths in the field. The program’s core goals were to allow students to try different types of field work and spark interest in returning in the spring when the station hosts three- and five-week courses. Participants spent the weekend engaged in hands-on field biology experiences spanning limnology to mammalogy, exploring Itasca State Park, and learning about professional opportunities in the field.
“We recognize that enrolling in a multi-week residential course can feel like an intimidating leap, especially for students without prior field exposure,” explained IBSL Associate Director Emily Schilling, a key organizer and instructor. “To lower that barrier, we designed this opportunity at Itasca as a supportive, exploratory entry point.”
Students responded with enthusiasm. Nearly 80 students applied. The workshop was open to students regardless of major, drawing a diverse cohort from 15 majors across three colleges, from Biology to American Indian Studies.
Immersed in a living laboratory
For Gail Wery, a sophomore majoring in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, learning new techniques in the fisheries module was a highlight. “It was so much fun. I remember getting back and telling my friends and family what I was doing out there and they were so excited for me. My favorite part was seine netting in the fisheries course.” For his part, module instructor Mark Hove, a professor in the University’s Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, considers field stations an ideal setting. “As an instructor, I can only offer students a limited number of insights,” he says. “Being in a natural setting like that at the field station expands learning opportunities tremendously!”
Longtime IBSL field biology instructor Brian Wisenden, a faculty member at Minnesota State University Moorhead, echoes the sentiment. “The Find Your Field workshop was a great way to introduce students to the rich, immersive learning environment at Itasca Biological Station. Active learning in natural field conditions is a completely different experience compared to courses taught in a campus-based setting.” Wisenden, who led the animal behavior module, adds: “Students were able to sample the field courses that are offered each summer and interact directly with the instructors who teach them.”
A collaborative effort
The workshop was a collaborative undertaking, led by IBSL staff working directly with student leaders from four student groups, including the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Club, Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Club, Insect Club, and Marine Biology Club.
Henry Rosato, president of the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Club, helped secure a $2,000 grant from the Ecological Society of America's SEEDS Program, an initiative dedicated to diversifying the field of ecology.
For Rosato, the value of “Find Your Field” extended beyond the science. “You could see how people were starting to build this kind of community. I hope they can take that sense of belonging back to them in the Twin Cities.”
For their part, participants described the experience as both illuminating and inspiring. “Being here helped me see what fieldwork at a station would be like.” Many emphasized the value of hands-on fieldwork, noting that performing the same sampling techniques used by professional researchers helped bring classroom learning to life and piqued their interest in field science. As one student reflected, “The modules were really interactive and brought presentations into reality.” Another shared: “Participating in fieldwork, seeing what it is really like, helped solidify future career aspirations.”
Students also praised the sense of community, sharing that interacting with peers and instructors who were equally passionate about ecology was a highlight. One noted, “Everyone that I met was so nice and equally excited to be here and doing field ecology — it was really fun to be in that environment,” capturing the widespread appreciation for the collaborative, immersive experience.
For Schilling, it’s all about sparking curiosity and instilling confidence. “We hope students leave with a stronger sense of belonging in the field sciences and greater confidence in their ability to participate in field-based courses and research,” says Schilling. “We want the experience to ignite curiosity — encouraging students to seek out further opportunities to learn, explore, and grow in field settings at Itasca and beyond.” –Stephanie Xenos
