This course involves a one-week intensive field experience – which is held at the Massasauga Provincial Park each fall immediately preceding classes. Each team of 4-6 students is given a boat, equipment, and supplies … and asked to do a complete biophysical inventory of an "unexplored" island within the park. Later, the teams will analyze their own data, write impressive consultants’ reports, and present polished seminars to an audience of professors and park personnel.

Dr. Mattson and I designed the course to challenge geography and environmental science students to call upon all their skills and to function as dynamic teams. Students usually rise to the occasion and produce SUPERIOR results. This has created a winning situation for the students, the university, and the park. Many students say that "field camp" is the high point of their undergraduate careers! (Dr. Mattson and I agree that this is our favorite course, too!)

Learning to live with rattlesnakes.

Two crews set off for their islands.

The Massasauga Provincial Park

Fourth Year Courses

Courses Currently Taught