Field Studies

Go Here, There and Everywhere

Explore ecological and social topics in class that prepare you for intensive experiences in four distinct locations. Journey to the Colorado River basin, the desert Southwest, the island community of Martha’s Vineyard or the White Mountains of New Hampshire to collaborate in the great outdoors with classmates, faculty and regional experts.

Colby-Sawyer students white water rafting during River Communities field studies class

Test the Waters: study topics on water issues in the West on campus before setting out on an adventure to the open-air classrooms of Colorado and Utah where you’ll learn about water use in the arid American West.

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Colby-Sawyer students collecting samples in tidal estuary during Aquatic Communities field studies class

Be on Island Time: investigate the biology, ecology, geology and culture of Martha’s Vineyard in the classroom before embarking on a three-day island tour to better understand how humans affect — and have been affected by — aquatic communities.

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Colby-Sawyer students examin the desert landscpe during Desert Communities field studies class

Bring the Desert to Life: learn about desert ecology on campus before heading to the Sonoran Desert surrounding Tucson, Arizona, a thirsty city of more than half a million people that receives less than 12 inches of rainfall per year.

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Colby-Sawyer student and professor discuss alpine flora during Alpine Communities field studies class

Move Mountains: study the geology and flora of New Hampshire’s alpine zone in the classroom before setting forth on an expedition to explore the delicate ecosystem of Mount Washington.

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