Monday, April 10, 2017

Appreciating Fieldwork in Biology

I don't think I really understood biology until I did fieldwork. 

I was introduced to fieldwork in university when I started to take field courses during my 3rd and 4th years in biology.  I took field courses at my university (York University) and at the Queen's University Biological Station (QUBS), studying plant and animal ecology, ornithology, ichthyology, and entomology.

I did fieldwork when I was hired by a professor one summer to do research in 2 provincial parks, and a national park in southwestern Ontario.

I did fieldwork for my honours thesis when I collected bees during that same summer.

Through all these experiences, I learned to appreciate and understand fieldwork, and long term data collection and its importance in scientific research and conservation efforts.  While I no longer study biology or am involved with research, I like to help out whenever I can.

One event is the Ontario BioBlitz.  This is an annual event where scientists, citizen scientists, and the general public come together over a 24-hour period to inventory all species in a given area, giving a snapshot of the biodiversity.

As a High Park Steward, I help to protect and restore the natural areas of the park.

It gives me great satisfaction to be able to participate in activities to help monitor and maintain our environment, and help keep our natural world beautiful.

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