There are only 3 spots left in our summer “Field Techniques in Wildlife Ecology” field course, which will be held Aug 14-25, 2017 at the Swanton Pacific Ranch just north of Santa Cruz, California.
The goal of the course is to give upper-division college students hands-on experience with the main field techniques used to capture, identify, and study terrestrial vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians). And to connect students with working professional wildlife biologists from a wide range of employers, such as state / federal wildlife management agencies, private consulting firms, and non-profit research groups. This intensive 12-day field course is sponsored by the Western Section of The Wildlife Society (TWS-WS), which is the organization of professional wildlife biologists and managers in California, Nevada and Hawaii. Participants will earn 4 quarter units (3 semester units) of upper-division college credit through California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). The course is intended for college undergraduates with junior (3rd year) standing or above, grad students, and early-career professionals who want to learn the fundamentals of working with wildlife. Topics include: - chemical immobilization of large mammals such as deer, including dart gun practice - camera trapping medium- and large mammals - small mammal trapping and handling - acoustic detection of birds and bats - mistnetting birds and bats - survey techniques for reptiles and amphibians - identifying tracks, scat and other sign - fundamentals of using GPS, magnetic compass and topographic maps - VHF telemetry and triangulation - safety in the field - Aldo Leopold’s “Land Ethic” and its relevance to modern wildlife conservation - wildlife biologist certification by The Wildlife Society (TWS) - career options in wildlife conservation and management - and more! Instructors are professional wildlife biologists from a range of employers, including state and federal wildlife agencies (such as California Department of Fish and Wildlife and US Fish and Wildlife Service), consulting firms, non-profit research groups and academia. Networking and career mentoring with established professionals is emphasized. Enrollment is limited to 16 participants to ensure plenty of hands-on opportunity for everyone. The course is held at Cal Poly’s Swanton Pacific Ranch, just north of Santa Cruz, California. The class has been held here every summer since 2013. The course fee of $1695 includes housing, most meals and 4 units of academic credit (quarter units). (Note that this course does not by itself qualify participants for any certifications other than the course credit.) If you’re interested in enrolling, email me (the course coordinator) at jperr...@calpoly.edu. Write 1 paragraph explaining your current educational or employment level, including prior college coursework or work experience in ecology and wildlife, and how this class would contribute to your career objectives. I will then send you specific instructions on how to enroll through Cal Poly’s Extended Education program. This class is packed with information and is a lot of fun for everyone. I hope you can join us! - John Perrine, PhD, course coordinator jperr...@calpoly.edu Associate Professor, Biological Sciences Department California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo California USA
