GoAbroad
$100-300Program Costs
4.0 / 5Overall Rating
3Reviews
1988Year established

Program Overview

Students interested in the art and science of field botany and restoration ecology now have a rare opportunity. Those selected will receive practical hands-on experience in vegetation ecology and species-at-risk surveys from a qualified professional and expert botanist.

Botanical work will focus on vegetation surveys along the length of the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve. The project will culminate in the publication of a book. The survey methodology will consist of hiking trail systems, camping, and driving between sites. Work takes place primarily over weekend dates, not including statutory holidays.

Eligibility for this program includes:
• Enthusiasm with a sense of humor;
• comfortable hiking and working in small groups;
• able to work independently and as part of a team; and
• a strong communicator with the ability to take notes.

Intern Botanists are asked to commit for a minimum of once per month from May to October, approximately 4 – 8 hours per hike. You will spend up to 2 – 4 hours per day entering data collected from field visits into the database. Alternatively, you may choose to spend up to a month entering data after program completion.

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Program Highlights

Receive extensive mentorship and training in several key disciplines identified by most employers as key components of working in the environmental industry.
Gain professional connections and networking opportunities.
Gain valuable insight and experience with the vegetation ecology of one of Ontario’s premier geological land formations.
Learn about the environmental assessment process as it relates to conducting vegetation surveys in Ontario.
Acquire skills associated with data collection and database management using Microsoft software.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Internship Placement

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Hamilton, Canada

Fields & Subjects

  • Biology
  • Ecology
  • Natural Sciences

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • 2026, 2027
  • Terms Available
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Winter
  • Trimester
  • Throughout the Year
  • May Term
  • Spring Break

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Group living

Application Procedures

  • Letters of Reference
  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Resume
  • Transcript
  • Written Application

Age Requirement

18-30

Duration

  • 1-3 Months

Starts At

$100-300

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Earthquest (Canada) for the Environment

4.0
3 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
0
4
3
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Program Administration
3.0
Work Environment
3.0
Health & Safety
3.0
Social Life
2.7
Internship Placement
1.7
Living Situation
1.3

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-3 of 3 reviews

Ellie WelbournUnited Kingdom · January 2026

Fantastic in-depth expert field training

I spent 4 weeks on the FMBP course in August 2023. During this time I learnt to identify over 20 families of vascular plants and was additionally trained in the use of GIS software. This experience subsequently assisted me in obtaining a job in the conservation sector in my home country. During my stay , Dave wasaninc iredibly knowledgeable and helpful teacher and also welcomed me into his community which supported me when being so far away from home. I would recommend his courses to anyone.

EmmalenaCanada · October 2018

Field botany mentorship program

Field Botany Mentorship Program - an excellent opportunity to increase your skills in field botany and surveying practices. I particularly enjoyed the work with species at risk and applying ELC throughout each trip.

TiliaCordataNovember 2017

Earthquest mentorship

The time I spent working alongside Dave was valuable in increasing my knowledge on plant families, genera, and general surveying methods. I learned a lot about the environmental industry, whether it was consulting itself, or the process of restoring at-risk species, and it was very useful to interact with someone who as experience in these fields as well. It was quite helpful for guiding my goals, and for knowing the next steps in bettering my skills and becoming more qualified for a job in the environmental industry. It felt nice to re-immerse myself into field ecology and conducting botanical surveys, and I am happy to have taken the time throughout the summer to learn more about the plants in our backyards and see some of the rare plant populations that exist in southern Ontario.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about Earthquest (Canada) for the Environment.

What is the duration of the program?

This program tends to last about 8 weeks with 4 field practicum sessions.

How long has this program been available?

The Field Botany Mentorship Program (FBMP) has been available since 2010, in response to the growing need to train people in field botanical skills.

Do you need any field botany experience to participate?

You do not need any prior experience to participate. All experience will be obtained while participating in the FBMP.

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