Environmental Sciences: Learning in Action
Lakeland College's field labs are what separates us from other environmental programs.
Starting in September, you'll be learning applied skills such as how to use a GPS and identify native plants. Check out the applied skills tab on each program page to see what you'll learn.
Field Week
Every third week of September is Field Week. Second-year and applied degree students don't have regular classes. Instead you'll travel throughout the province to take part in unique learning opportunities. Your travel may be as close as college lands and the Vermilion Provincial Park, or west to the Rockies and south and east to Prairie grasslands.
But Field Week isn't the only time you'll be in an outdoor classroom.
Here are some of the places you'll go and things you'll learn.
| Electrofishing |
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Electrofishing is a basic skill for
You’ll learn how to keep electrofishing safe for the fish, your crew members and the public in our Worksafe BC accredited course. Then you’ll grab your waders, strap on the backpack and sample fish. As you work, you’ll see first-hand how fish react to, and recover from, electricity in the water. You’ll also build your identification, handling and processing skills. Program: Wildlife and fisheries conversation (WFC) major |
| Coal mine reclamation tour |
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TransAlta Highvale coal mine has some of the largest equipment in the world, and is also undergoing a large scale reclamation and restoration. Decommissioned in 2020, future land uses are driving the project located west of Edmonton. Students were able to talk onsite with operators, planners and engineering about the challenges, opportunities and new developments in reclamation and restoration. Programs:
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Wetland classification |
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In this field lab, students delineate a wetland to determine the ecological boundary of a water body. There are 3 elements of their assessment:
Boundaries are indicated by the different species and soil types. Once established, boundaries help the students classify the wetlands using the Alberta Wetlands Classification system. Programs:
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| Soil classification |
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Lakeland College is one of few schools in Canada that teach soil classification in the field using soil pits across eastern Alberta. Students use a soil probe or auger to take a sample. Students test the soil with various chemicals and a Munsell colour chart to identify the soil type. Soils are classified using the Canadian System of Soil Classification. Alberta has 9 soil groups. The most common in the area around our campuses are Black Chemozinics. Soils are grouped and named by similar chemical, physical and biological properties. Soil classifications are important to know when planning a remediation or reclamation project. Programs:
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| Bird Banding |
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Practicing birding skills was part of a Field Week visit to the Beaverhill Bird Observatory. 2nd year wildlife and fisheries conservation (WFC) major students participated in the observatory’s fall songbird banding. Their next stop was at the Strathcona Raptor Shelter to discuss the challenges and rewards of rehabilitating and releasing health raptors. They also got to safely handle and release large birds of prey. Program: wildlife and fisheries conservation (WFC) major |
| Wind power project tour |
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The Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Power Project was a short trip to enormous wind turbines. The project is located just 25 km south and east of our Vermilion campus. Touring the project is a chance for students to explore soil reclamation and environmental conservation methods used during the project. As well, it’s a glimpse into how energy generation is transitioning from convention to renewable energy. Programs:
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| Fescue grass restoration |
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Our Land Stewardship major students worked with an environmental consulting group to restore fescue on a previously disturbed site. Fescue is notoriously difficult to grow from seed, so fescue plugs (small plants + roots) are planted to improve its survival rate. Each transplanted plug was marked, so it can be measured over time to determine survival rates. Fescue grasses are the climax grass species of a healthy native prairie. Unfortunately, native fescue has largely disappeared from overgrazing and conversion to cropland. |
| Live trapping and handling small mammals |
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Second-year wildlife and fisheries conservation (WFC) students carefully handle a southern red-backed vole (Myodes gapperi) they live-trapped using a Longworth trap. They confirm the species using the iNaturalist app on a smartphone, while also measuring and recording morphometric characteristics of the animal. Data recorded includes: sex, age, evidence of lactation, weight, total length, tail length, hind foot length, ear length, and whether or not the animal has been marked previously, indicating a recapture. In less than a few minutes, the handling and data collection process is complete and the vole is carefully released back into its natural environment. Program: wildlife and fisheries conservation (WFC) major |
| Watercourse crossings |
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Part of a 4-day trip to Hinton, near Jasper National Park, is learning how to assess a watercourse crossing. Applied degree students are guided by a local environmental scientist. Poor bridges and culverts cause environmental problems such as water contamination, isolating fish populations and preventing spawning. There’s lots of remediation ahead as the provincial environmental department estimates there are over 1 million watercourse crossings in Alberta that need assessment. Program: Applied Bachelor of Science: Environmental Management |