From observing rare species in a tropical rainforest to sitting in an abandoned farmer’s field north of Kingston studying the relationship between plant size and abundance of wildflowers and grasses, there is a wide array of areas of study in field biology.

Just what a field biologist does, what the career offers, and a closer look at the world around us will be in the spotlight as Queen’s University Let’s Talk Science presents “Let’s Talk Field Biology” on Saturday, April 22, 2-8:30 pm at Elbow Lake Environmental Education Centre.

“Field biology is this amazing field of science that very few people understand or get to experience so this is really just an event that celebrates the fascinating work that is done by field biologists and offers the public a chance to experience something that they may not know even exists,” says Amanda Tracey, a PhD candidate in the Department of Biology and one of the event organizers. “Importantly, the event will also showcase local field biologists and a lot of the work that is done at Queen’s University Biological Station (QUBS).”

Activities are planned throughout the day, says Ms. Tracey, one of the Queen’s coordinators for Let’s Talk Science along with fellow PhD candidate and organizer Catherine Dale. Visitors will be able to take part in hands-on events such as building feeders and learning to read the age of trees (dendrology), and hear from field biologists about their work. Also on the schedule is a bonfire chat, led by members of the field biology blog “Dispatches from the Field,” including Ms. Tracey, Ms. Dale and Sarah Wallace, who recently earned a master’s degree and currently works at the Royal Military College, and a night hike.

The event is being held on Earth Day and will provide an inside look at the facilities at Elbow Lake, one of the properties of QUBS.

The free event is open to participants of all ages and is family friendly. Events are scheduled throughout the afternoon and visitors can drop in at any time. However, because Elbow Lake is a working biology station and field research is conducted on the premises, no pets are allowed.

More information is available online or contact talksci@queensu.ca.