Behavioural Ecology and the Prairie Grasslands Field Course

Grasslands National Park following a recent burn (green area at right is where the burn occurred) (photo, H. Hinam).

Students conduct a project on waterfowl at one of many prairie potholes at the McIntyre Ranch (photo, H. Hinam).

Field Course at Grasslands National Park

Above: Home sweet home at The Crossing Campground on the boundary of Grasslands National Park

Day 1 2011 course: Students sporting the latest in snake gaiters, binos and spotting scopes before our trek to the "snake pit" prairie dog colony and hibernaculum.

Fashionista field course student Kate Dyke models her snake gaiters, Eagle Optics spotting scopes, and front and rear backpacks (photo, H. Hinam).

Students take their first stab at spotting, viewing prairie dogs on a colony at the base of the hill (photo, H. Hinam).

Alyssa demonstrates the "Jump-Yip" as the class develops an ethogram of prairie dog behaviour (photo, H. Hinam).

Above and below: with assistance from Dr. Geoff Holroyd and Helen Trefry, Canadian Wildlife Service, and their underground camera, the students spy on a burrowing owl nest (below photos by H. Hinam)

"During the field course I learnt about the practical applications of scientific knowledge, for example: the introduction of the black footed ferret into Grasslands National Park; the maintenance of the bison herd there; and the conversion of farmlands to native prairie. These 'lessons' were greatly strengthened and re-enforced by the time spent studying at Grasslands and on the McIntyre Ranch. My time at the ranch allowed me to plan and execute a research project of my own - an experience impossible to re-create in a lab on campus. During this course I studied an ecosystem while within it, which is an amazing experience. Participating in the field course opened my eyes to the breadth of biological research being done in the Canada through the presentations by many guest lecturers to the group. Because of this course I realized my dream to pursue graduate studies in biology." Nastashya Wall (2011 field course; begins M.Sc. research at McMaster University September 2013)

Most evenings at the kitchen hut at The Crossing, we had a guest presentation. Here, Wes "Bison" Olson tells us about the relationships between bison, prairie dogs and other inhabitants (including plants!) of the grassland ecosystem. This was followed by a field expedition the next day (below).

Photo, H. Hinam

Photo, H. Hinam

Can't learn enough about bison!

Wes showed us a few tipi rings at Grasslands National Park, explaining the cultural history and design (H. Hinam, photo).

All ready and extremely excited to begin an overnight ferret spotting expedition!!

Half the class sits at a sheltered location.

The other half "makes their own mountain" out of the van to view another prairie dog colony in an especially windblown location (H. Hinam, photo).

A prairie dog - the quintessential animal of Grasslands National Park and our main research subject for the first week of the course.

A research student from University of Regina shows and tells us about the snakes living in southwest Saskatchewan!

Last evening at The Crossing with our hosts, Johanna and Ken Jensen, in the front row.

Students get some frisbee time during a construction stop as we travel from Grasslands National Park to the McIntyre Ranch.

Photo of Wes Olson by J. Janelle

See www.wesolson.ca to learn about the work and art of Wes Olson and Johane Janelle. This includes ecological consulting services, writing and artwork.

Each of the groups you have introduced me to over the past several years had 100% engagement in the topics being discussed, . . . these people all want to be where they are, and they clearly want to gain as much from your course as possible. The questions are always pertinent, probing and demonstrate a level of knowledge and comprehension I don't often encounter.

My intent when I meet with a group is to try to provide them with a basic level of knowledge relevant to the topic, to perhaps give them a deeper appreciation and understanding of the complexities and beauty of the ecosystem we are in at the time and if I'm fortunate, to make them think. This has been easy with your groups and each year I look forward to meeting the next group. I wish the opportunity to join a class like yours had been provided to me when I was their age.

Wes Olson, Resource Conservation, Parks Canada

Field Course at McIntyre Ranch

Hoodoos, home to many animals (photo, H. Hinam)

A new and significant addition to the course in 2013 was having Blair First Rider and Kathleen Jackson introduce the class to traditional ecological knowledge and perspectives of First Nations people living in the region (photos, H. Hinam).

It is not unusual for deer to greet us when we arrive at the McIntyre Ranch.

The building at Meadows Camp is our home base during the McIntyre Ranch portion of the course. In 2011, the rain and cold was so extreme (20-40 ml daily) that students stayed in housing at the ranch headquarters. We want to raise funds to construct a bunkhouse at Meadows to ensure future groups can stay at Meadows.

The main building and tents at Meadows Camp (above two photos). The ranch renovated this building for use during the field course. Students use the building to work late at night (below) and for meals in poor weather.

Above: Dr. Gail Michener, University of Lethbridge, spends the afternoon at Meadows Camp talking with the students about Richardson's ground squirrels.

Rineke (at right with baby Jens and friend and sous Chef Bas at left) has come to the ranch to provide wonderful meals as a volunteer cook three times now! Thank you Rineke!!!

Some students became hooked on birds when observing the behaviour of northern shovelers during a waterfowl study.

Cheryl Bradley (above standing) and Lorne Fitch talk about the challenges involved in prairie conservation.

Students climb the hoodoos! Fun and a great view!

"It was participating in fieldwork for the first time on the behavioural ecology field course that made me realize I wanted to be a behavioural ecologist and actually pursue a thesis project in this field. In my experience at the University of Winnipeg this was also one of the first opportunities I had to connect with other like minded individuals and form some long-lasting friendships and connections on the course. Lastly, I really thought the opportunity to actually meet individuals that were behind a variety ecological research (from prairie birds, to deer, to ground squirrels) was something that does not usually happen in regular undergraduate courses, so this was an experience that I really appreciated as well."  Quinn Webber (2011 field course; begins M.Sc. research at University of Winnipeg in September 2013) 

Students work on their projects at Meadows Camp late at night.

Student Leanne (above right) views a nest of ferruginous hawks from the deck at Meadows Camp. Below, a female hawk shades her chicks at a different nest.

Students present their projects the last night of the course in 2009. The absence of electricity and powerpoint challenges them to be creative.

Weather is variable in southern Alberta in May. Students in 2011 faced cold temperatures and 20-30 mm rain daily. They still had fun telling the rest of us about their findings.

"Participating in the Behavioural Ecology Field Course was one of my best experiences as an undergraduate student. The opportunities to gain hands on experience with different field methods and equipment, as well as the chance to learn from a variety of scientists from diverse ecological fields is something that has stayed with me and shaped my own academic interests. To receive university credit to sleep, work, study, and hike outdoors, enjoying the wildlife and natural beauty of the southern prairies, was an excellent experience I will never forget."  Leanne Grieves, B.Sc. (2009 field course; current M.Sc. candidate at McMaster University)

Ranch scenes

Curious cows

Neighbour Kurt, a cowboy at the ranch.

A cowboy rides the range

Students get some R & R at Waterton Lakes National Park on their last day (H. Hinam).

Support our students!

This course would not be possible without contributions from McIntyre Ranch, Parks Canada, The Crossing Campground and Resort, Prairie Winds & Silver Sage - Friends of Grasslands, Nature Calgary, Environment Canada, Province of Alberta, university professors (University of Manitoba, University of Regina, University of Lethbridge, University of Winnipeg) and from Cabela's Canada and Eagle Optics Canada, who loaned us optical equipment essential for our work. Many many individuals generously shared their expertise, enthusiasm and time with the students through presentations, discussions and trips into the field.

On-line donations for the upgrade of the field site and operational costs needed for the Field Course are gratefully accepted through the University of Winnipeg Foundation. To obtain an informational brochure and pledge form, click here or contact Dr. Susan Lingle for more information.