PRACTICAL FIELD TRAINING
We believe fieldwork is the foundation of high-quality research.
Our training programs provide opportunities for participants to gain the critical skills necessary to conduct high-quality field research. We aim to empower a new, diverse generation of biologists to build successful careers in the field and beyond.
Field skills and effective conservation: a crucial link
Physical connection between those studying our natural world and the natural world itself is a vital part of creating effective conservation strategies. For wildlife biologists, this connection comes in the form of field work, where a tangible understanding of the conservation challenges we face becomes an inherent part of the research process. Proper training that facilitates field work therefore directly impacts the quality and efficacy of the science each biologist performs.
A typical first step for early career biologists is to become a field technician, which requires fundamental skills such as driving trucks and trailers, using snowmobiles and other machinery, navigating difficult terrain, troubleshooting mechanical problems on-site, and being physically prepared for a wide variety of circumstances; all of this in addition to being literate in the specific ecology of a landscape or species. For some, these skills are cultivated from a young age and do not present a challenge. For others, the lack of accessibility to proper training, supportive networks, and valuable outdoor experiences present substantial obstacles to entering the field of wildlife biology from the start. This means wildlife research and the scientific community as a whole is missing out on some of the best and brightest would-be biologists.
Our goal is to close the gap between the skills necessary for fieldwork and the opportunity to gain those skills.
Our values
Equity and Inclusion
A core part of our mission is to provide opportunities, educate, mentor, and encourage aspiring biologists from all backgrounds and affinities.
We are committed to providing a safe space for participants to learn the skills necessary for entry or growth in a wildlife biology career, starting from the ground up. We seek out instructors from diverse backgrounds to connect with and mentor students through the strengths and challenges that are unique to them.
Accessibility
We believe training in proper skills should not be a barrier to entry in the wildlife field. As a growing organization, we continue to seek opportunities to make our programs more financially and geographically accessible.
Training benefits
Advanced conservation outcomes
High-quality data collection is the foundation of impactful research. When aspiring biologists are provided with opportunities to establish and refine their field skills, their novel perspectives can then enrich the pool of minds working to protect wildlife from pressing conservation challenges.
Practical skills
From learning with seasoned biologists and expanding professional networks, to recognition of existing strengths and development of new skills, aspiring biologists who participate in our field training courses add real world experience to their resumes and take life-long connections into their work.
How you can help
Volunteer your expertise
We are always looking for instructors and volunteers to help bring new perspectives to our courses and workshops. Reach out with ideas for lessons you'd like to teach or other ways you'd like to get involved.
Host a training course
Do you have facilities and equipment that could be used to teach one of our courses? Is there a group in your area interested in learning wildlife techniques and other field skills? We'd love to bring our curriculum to you.
Donate
From supporting our scholarship fund to hiring high-quality instructors, your donations help make our training programs more robust and accessible to a wide variety of people.
Contact: Anna Machowicz - Education Director - anna@homerange.org