Summer Student Blog

I can’t believe my 6 week field season is over. I’ve went on my last field day, collected my last sample, and said my goodbye-for-nows. Elizabeth, Zac, and Ainsley still have a couple of weeks to go, but Annika and I have had our last day for the summer. Going into the field season, I … Continue reading Field Season Lessons

Hello my name is Zac Watson!!! I’m super excited to share all my most recent thoughts and experiences from the first half of field season! This is my very first time, not only in a field research position but, venturing out into nature extensively. Being immersed in a foreign environment has had some minor challenges, … Continue reading Immersion in Field Work

Everything I could ask for in a summer. That is what this job has been so far. Not only am I participating in exciting and impactful research, but I also get to spend a lot of my summer outside! It has been amazing! The parts of Massachusetts we get to see are beautiful, filled with … Continue reading Best summer job

A sunny morning sight just getting out of the car at one of our sites before we head into the woods. This is my third week, and even now, I am simply amazed by the life that surrounds me as I tromp clumsily through the forest. As the sun rises higher in the sky on … Continue reading So Much Life!

This is the first time I’ve gotten to participate in an extensive fieldwork experience; it’s been all I’ve expected… and so much more! Having spent most of my life in the drastically different environment of Southern California, the scenery around this area has absolutely surpassed my expectations. I’m used to dry and brown summers, so … Continue reading New Landscape

Previously, my only experience of western Massachusetts was through a car window as my mother drove to drop me off into the Amherst College “bubble” for quarantine. After two semesters confined to the relatively small campus, the prospect of field work and getting to explore the greater area this summer was thrilling to me. I … Continue reading Starting Field Season Summer 2021!

Wow!  What a long, hot, fun summer it has been collecting hair samples for our population estimate! We all wanted to take a minute to say a number of thank yous to everyone who has been involved in this project in one way or another.  Thank you to our amazing field crew (Cesar, Jac, Eleanor, … Continue reading Finishing up field season 2019

Observing wildlife is one of my favorite pastimes, so imagine my excitement when I joined the field team! When it comes to bear research, though, one must have realistic expectations: bears look cuddly and all, but it’s probably not a good idea to saunter up to them and ask for a group selfie. They would … Continue reading Zooming in

For the past three weeks I have been transitioning in and out of the field, which has taught me a bit about myself and the woods. For example, I really dislike the smell of caramel oil-soaked rags.  I also love the outdoors. Being able to go out into the field and explore the New England … Continue reading Magic of the Forest

I had never seen a bear before––at least in person. Growing up in Canada near Banff National Park, I had heard bear encounter stories within the community, but I never experienced my own encounter. Their mystique grew greater as I became a part of the bear project near the end of the school year. I … Continue reading Cubs!