From monitoring bats to studying beavers, a summer of wildlife research at Voyageurs National Park.
For Wildlife Field Fellow Mari Podas, a summer at Voyageurs National Park meant exploring remote lakes, working alongside National Park Service biologists, and getting hands-on experience studying some of the park's most fascinating wildlife.
One of her favorite memories was a peaceful canoe trip across an interior lake to deploy an acoustic bat monitor, a device used to record bat activity.
"The water was calm and I enjoyed watching the adult loons with their young," Mari recalled.
Moments like these are part of what makes fieldwork at Voyageurs so special. But behind the beautiful scenery is important scientific work that helps researchers better understand and protect the park's wildlife.
A Summer of Wildlife Research
As a Voyageurs Conservancy Wildlife Field Fellow, Mari supported a diverse range of National Park Service research and monitoring efforts, including acoustic bat monitoring, marsh bird surveys, loon surveys, bald eagle research, and beaver trapping.
From deploying specialized monitoring equipment in remote locations to assisting biologists with hands-on wildlife surveys, Mari experienced firsthand the variety of research happening throughout Voyageurs.
Each project contributes valuable information about the health of the park's wildlife populations and ecosystems.
"All of which tell park staff about the well-being of wildlife in the park and can help them make informed decisions on how best to support these species," Mari explained.
For a national park defined by its interconnected waterways, islands, forests, and wetlands, gathering this information across such a vast landscape is no small task. Many research projects require extensive travel, specialized equipment, and repeated field surveys throughout the season.
More Boots on the Ground for Conservation
One of the most important contributions Field Fellows make is providing additional capacity for the scientists and research teams working throughout Voyageurs.
"Being a field fellow in the park has allowed me to be an extra pair of boots on the ground doing active fieldwork," Mari shared.
"A lot of the work done at Voyageurs spans across the whole park and takes an immense amount of effort to organize and perform. Having more people working to collect data is essential to the projects being done here."
By working alongside National Park Service staff, Field Fellows help make demanding field projects possible, supporting the collection of valuable data that contributes to ongoing research and long-term wildlife monitoring.
Whether conducting surveys, deploying monitoring equipment, or assisting with wildlife captures, their work provides critical support for understanding the changing ecosystems of Voyageurs National Park.
Building Skills for a Future in Conservation
While Mari's work provided important support for park research, the experience was equally meaningful for her own development as a wildlife biologist.
"From my time here, I have gotten to work with a variety of different species and continue to develop my skills as a biologist working with many different tools, equipment, and teams of people."
The opportunity to participate in multiple research projects also gave Mari valuable professional experience and exposure to different field techniques, scientific approaches, and research teams.
"The field fellow program has made a significant difference for me and my early career," she shared. "This position on my resume showing all that I have worked on has influenced my ability to be a better job applicant for the future."
For early-career scientists, opportunities like these can be an important stepping stone toward careers in wildlife biology, ecological research, and conservation.
"Having positions like this available to early career professionals is an excellent way to build connections and to grow critical skills needed."
Supporting Science, Inspiring Future Scientists
Mari's summer at Voyageurs highlights the twofold impact of the Field Fellows Program: providing essential support for wildlife research while helping the next generation of conservation professionals gain meaningful field experience.
From quiet mornings canoeing past loon families to hands-on work monitoring bats, beavers, and other wildlife, her experience reflects the dedication, curiosity, and teamwork behind the science happening throughout Voyageurs National Park.
Through the Field Fellows Program, Voyageurs Conservancy is proud to support both the research that helps protect the park today and the scientists who will help conserve our natural world for generations to come.
Your support of Voyageurs Conservancy helps fund the Voyageurs Field Fellows program, which offers stipend-paid internship opportunities for students to get direct experience in conservation and public lands and develops the next generation of conservation professionals. Fellowships include environmental education, aquatic ecology and invasive species management, wildlife biology, cultural and historic preservation, dark skies, and more. voyageurs.org/give
