Find Your Field

Are you a University of Minnesota student curious about fieldwork but unsure where to start? Interested in taking a field course but want a sneak peek first? Curious about field stations, but never had the opportunity to visit one? Come Find Your Field at Itasca this fall!

Over three days, you’ll explore a variety of habitats — lakes, streams, and terrestrial environments — and try hands-on sampling methods used by limnologists, mammalogists, ornithologists, entomologists, animal behaviorists, and more. Guided by experienced faculty and field instructors, this is your chance to experience firsthand what fieldwork and life at a biological field station are really like.

See Highlights from Find Your Field 2025

Find Your Field 2026 Details

This event is co-hosted by Itasca Station and the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities student clubs: Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior; Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Insect Club, and Marine Biology.

When?

Fall 2026: October 9-11

Where?

Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories in Itasca State Park

Who?

This event is open to all University of Minnesota students, from any major or academic program.

Sleeping and eating arrangements

Student participants and instructors will eat meals in the station dining hall and stay overnight in student bunkhouses. See the Station's Dining and Lodging pages for general information.

What is it like to study/stay at a field station?

See the Life and the Station page for general information and the schedule link below for our planned activities.

Transportation

Transportation is provided from UMN-Twin Cities. Details will be provided after registration. Students who choose to drive their own car will need to purchase a MN State Park vehicle permit as they enter the park.

Registration

There is no fee to attend this event. Students who are interested in participating will fill out an interest form. This form is meant to gather student interest in participating — it does not confirm your registration. Space is limited, and those who are selected to participate will receive a registration link. Once registered, your spot will be confirmed. Priority will be given to students who express interest by the deadline.