Join us for an immersive, hands-on journey through the dynamic ecosystems of the Saguenay and Gaspésie regions, where we will study three iconic species—The endangered St. Lawrence Estuary beluga whale, the northern gannet, and the Gaspésie woodland caribou. With a conservation lens focused on each species, students will explore several factors that influence the habitat use and distribution of migratory species, including prey availability, environmental pressures, and seasonality. Furthermore, we will also explore broad conservation topics, such as the role of protected areas in species recovery and the challenges of balancing wildlife management with human dimensions, through activities such as tourism, recreation, fisheries, and resource use. Throughout this program, students will gain invaluable field research skills, observe wildlife in their natural habitats, and analyze real-world conservation challenges, all while exploring the stunning landscapes of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding regions.  

Background Information

This program will take place in three geologically distinct regions that each have exceptional ecological characteristics.  We’ll investigate two of Canada’s federally managed parks and three of Québec’s Provincial Parks to learn about the ecological characteristics that make these regions unique.  

Our program will begin at the confluence of the Saguenay River and the St. Lawrence Estuary, in Québec, Canada.  Here, waters from the Great Lakes, the Saguenay and the Atlantic Ocean meet and create an oceanographic anomaly. The topography, circulation, and upwelling of cold water account for high levels of nutrients and zooplankton that, in turn, attract high biodiversity in the form of birds, whales, seals, and other species. Carved by glaciers during the Ice Age, the river rests at the bottom of the Saguenay Fjord that runs 62 miles long and is the only navigable fjord in North America. With its 42,000 square mile basin, the Saguenay Fjord is home to 76 fish species, of which 60 are endemic, and 410 species of invertebrates. It is also part of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, which contains more than 2,200 marine species, including 13 different kinds of whales, one of which is the beluga. 

On the other side of the St. Lawrence Estuary, to the south, lies Parc National de la Gaspésie, which was created 90 years ago to protect the Gaspésie Caribou herd located within the Mont Albert and the McGerrigle Mountain range, as well as the Rivière Sainte-Anne salmon. The high-altitude change across these mountains creates distinct gradients of flora and fauna endemic to Québec, from temperate and boreal forests up to alpine-arctic environments. At the summits, the last remaining herd of woodland caribou found south of the St. Lawrence can be found.  

Moving east, the Gaspé Peninsula, which has been sculpted by the sea, juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. At its very tip, the iconic archway of the Rocher Percé and the protective sanctuary of l’Île Bonaventure stand out in the landscape. This is the nesting site for a colony of approximately 50,000 northern gannets, amongst a large variety of other seabirds, which have been protected since the 1930s. 

Program Goals and Activities

Biodiversity and Ecology of the St. Lawrence River Ecosystem  

The St. Lawrence ecosystem harbors a rich diversity of flora and fauna unlike anywhere else. Within this program, students will develop a deep understanding of the physical characteristics and biodiversity found within each section of the St. Lawrence Ecosystem (River, Gulf and Estuary), with a primary focus on identifying the biotic and abiotic characteristics that make this unique environment the ideal location for the endangered St. Lawrence beluga whale population year-round. By conducting research studies and field-based observations, students will examine how energy flows throughout this environment via direct and indirect interactions, from primary producers such as phytoplankton, to apex predators, such as beluga whales and seabirds. Students will also gain proficiency in species identification of migratory birds, marine invertebrates, cetaceans, and other large mammals that live within the Saguenay and Gaspésie Regions. 

Migratory Species 

Students will explore the ecological, environmental, and anthropogenic factors influencing the seasonal and spatial migration patterns of several mammal and bird species, with an emphasis on St. Lawrence beluga whales, woodland caribou, and northern gannets. Specifically, students will collect data and field observations related to the behavior, feeding habits, and habitat use while visiting the summer grounds of each species, which are essential factors for understanding their migratory movements. Together, these species represent different migration strategies, from the long-distance migrations of northern gannets to the short, partial, or seasonal migrations exhibited by beluga whales and woodland caribou in this area. By examining different case studies, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of managing wildlife populations that depend on multiple, interconnected ecosystems, and the need for integrated species-specific approaches to conservation.  

Recognize Conservation and Management Strategies  

Students will explore conservation strategies, such as the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), wildlife preserves, and Provincial and National parks, where species recovery and habitat restoration are key priorities for preserving ecological integrity in the region. Using extensive discussions in the field and presentations from local experts, students will learn about the relevant international agreements, conservation laws, and regulations in place to protect at-risk species in Canada (e.g., the Species at Risk Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act). Similarly, students will identify key roles of both government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in managing species and ecosystems. By equipping students with critical thinking tools, they will develop the ability to draw valuable insights from data, make informed decisions while considering multiple approaches and viewpoints, and be able to devise conservation strategies for managing sensitive species in any environment.  

Human Impact on Ecosystems 

Explore the importance of the Saguenay and Gaspésie regions to human communities, including its role in fisheries, tourism, and recreation. Students will discuss the balance between ecosystem health and economic activities, like shipping and resource consumption, and how these activities influence wildlife populations and ecosystems.  

Please note that prior field research experience is not required, and all necessary field methods and data gathering skills will be taught on-site in Quebec. We expect participants to arrive excited and prepared for a rigorous yet rewarding field study experience. 

Academic Credit

Students will receive 5 quarter credits/3.35 semester credits from Western Washington University. Our staff will be happy to explain the program in further detail to the applicant’s advisor, if necessary. This field studies program gives credit in one course: Environmental Wildlands Studies: 5 quarter credits/3.35 semester credits.

Team members will be evaluated on the quality of their fieldwork, exams, and participation in seminars/discussions.

Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and responsible manner. Wildlands Studies reserves the right to require any student to withdraw from the program if their conduct is detrimental to or incompatible with the interests, safety or welfare of any course participants. We ask all students to read the Student Program Manual before joining the program on-site.

Team Logistics

All participants will arrive and depart from Quebec City, out of the Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). At the end of the program, you can decide whether you want to fly home on the scheduled date or remain in Quebec to travel on your own. 

Participants are required to bring their own camping and backpacking equipment (tent, sleeping bag, backpack, water filter, etc.). A complete, detailed packing list will be provided to all participants. We will be staying at campsites throughout the trip, and access to laundry services will be limited. At this time of the year, temperatures are primarily warm throughout the day (68 to 86 degrees F), but weather conditions are variable, including fog, rain, and wind. As we will be hiking in a range of ecosystems, students should be equally prepared for hot and dry environments, as well as moist and cool conditions.  

All reasonable efforts will be made to adhere to the activities outlined above in the program description. However, weather conditions, road closures, and other environmental considerations may affect our plan. Wildlands Studies has put together an innovative, unique program in Québec and team members need to be flexible, patient and prepared to adapt to unexpected situations. Being flexible also allows us to take advantage of unique opportunities that inadvertently arise during our journeys, often producing some of the program’s most memorable moments. 

Accommodations

Primarily camping, potentially short overnight backpacking trips.  

FOOD

Food is handled differently on each of our programs. Participants on this program will be responsible for purchasing and cooking most of their meals.  Occasional meals will be provided by Wildlands Studies as group meals. Participants will also be responsible for purchasing snacks. Detailed information about food management will be provided in the Logistics Packet. If you have dietary questions or concerns, please call our office.

Health and Well-Being

Each participant’s personal health and well-being are crucial to the success of the program and the health and well-being of its other participants.  Participants must arrive to the program having reviewed our Health and Well-Being Page.

Language

The course will be taught in English.

Pre-Program Logistics Packet

Detailed information regarding travel/flight information, equipment/gear requirements, food costs, meeting plans, group expenses payment, medical recommendations, and academic preparations will be sent to all team members in a logistics letter emailed about ten to twelve weeks before the program starts.