Field Skills Day

Field Skills Day 2026 

Field Skills Day 2026 was held on Thursday, May 7.  Over 100 researchers participated. Participants registered for either a half- or full-day session, choosing specific stations to learn the skills needed before heading into the field. Thanks to the instructors and volunteers (34 in total) who gave their time to make the event successful.  

Thanks to the Health, Safety + Environment for contributing funds for the event and co-sponsoring the Food Truck.  Thanks to the Faculty of Science for providing the breakfast items and Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd. for generously contributing funds towards the event as well as donating the great door prizes!

2026 Skills Stations 

Info Sheets (tips and resources) were available at each of the stations at the event: 

• Vehicle Skills (inspections/tire changing)
• ATV/Trailer Skills
• Bear Spray Skills 
• Small Scary Stuff
• Human Conflict Management Skills
• Communication Skills
• Camping Skills
• Navigation Skills
• TDG and Enviro Spill Clean-up Skills
• Water Activity Skills 

Participant Feedback  

• "I loved the variety of booths and topics that were covered."
• "Bear spray session was very informative, instructors are knowledgeable and friendly..."
• "Very practical skills, knowledgeable, friendly and patient instructors"
• "So well done. You guys rock!"
• "The training I received felt important and made me feel more prepared for my field work"
• " [I] think events like this need to be more standard place across campus. They should be robust and we should be providing hands on learning for students and staff a like. For the first time event it seemed incredibly successful" 
• "I think the idea of having a hands on field skills event is very valuable- for our new researchers, for both field work field skills and for networking".
• "As a PI, I would be doing this for my field crew for the upcoming field season anyway so sending them here is well worth it."