There are still spaces available in the Northeast Section's Field Course, but they are going fast. See below for the announcement and information on the course. If you are looking for a way to learn real-world field skills in a relaxed, student-centered enviroment, expand your professional network, and earn credits this might be for you!
Are you an undergraduate or graduate student looking to gain hands-on experience with a variety of wildlife field techniques? Would you like to spend time in the field with experienced wildlife biologists from a variety of state and federal agencies, private consultants, and NGOs? Are you interested in expanding your network of peer and professional contacts and learning about different options for career in wildlife conservation? Does spending 2 weeks in May in the fields and forests of southwest Vermont, putting into practice all of the things you've learned or heard about in lectures sound like a good educational decision? If so, you should consider applying for the 4th annual Wildlife Field Course hosted by the Northeast Section of TWS, the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Castleton State College. The course will run from May 13 to May 26th, 2012 at the Edward Kehoe Conservation Camp in Castleton, Vermont and is limited to 20 students. Total fees for the course are $850 which includes 3 credits at Castleton State College, room and board for 2 weeks, and all other course fees. Please see the course website for details on the curriculum, the application, and reviews by previous students. http://joomla.wildlife.org/NE//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=191&Itemid=302 You can also go to our Facebook group to see photos of the facilities and last year's activities posted by the students, comments, and brief descriptions of daily events. http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=117766574925501 We have 2 fulltime instructors, myself and Dr. Bill Healy, who are onsite for the 2 weeks and lead some of the lessons, but many of the lessons are taught by volunteers who donate their time and expertise to contribute to the professional development of aspiring wildlife students. We cover everything from early morning bird surveys, map, compass, and GPS skills, how to take field notes, small mammal trapping, chemical immobilization, to basic necropsy techniques, and include basic hunter education and Project Wild certification as well. We emphasize learning local plant communities, especially trees, and understanding how land use history has affected the development of current plant and animal communities. Most of our field work is done a short drive away at the Bird Mountain Wildlife Management Area owned by the Vermont DFW (see pictures on Facebook). This area provides a diversity of habitat types in one location and allows us to sample multiple plant and animal communities. And keep an eye on the peregrine falcon nest, too. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you or for someone you know, please investigate our website and feel free to be in touch with me if you have any questions. Are you a professional that would like to volunteer your time and expertise to lead a lesson, or an after-dinner discussion session? If so, please be in touch. Thank you, John John E. McDonald, Jr., Ph.D Wildlife Research Specialist Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program US Fish & Wildlife Service--Region 5 300 Westgate Center Drive Hadley, MA 01035 413-253-8675 phone 413-253-8487 FAX [email protected] Northeast Section Representative, The Wildlife Society
