Skip to Main Content

What can we help you find?

Suggested Searches

Field Study

Conduct research in forests and wetlands, gather data on local ecosystems, work in vineyards and greenhouses, and more. Learn firsthand at the places that bring your studies to life.

Learn Beyond the Classroom

FLCC field study opportunities put you in the middle of the action. This includes visiting local lakes to collect water samples, observing wildlife in their natural habitat, and working with organizations across the Finger Lakes.

Apply concepts central to your program, including:

  • Conducting on-site research and data collection in natural or community settings
  • Practicing observation and analysis skills through direct field experience
  • Learning to adapt, problem-solve, and think critically in real-world conditions

  • Join ongoing long-term studies to explore and understand the region's ecological health and biodiversity. You'll conduct environmental research, observe ecological processes firsthand, and contribute to vital conservation efforts. Engage with experts in the field and gain hands-on experience that can shape your future in environmental science and ecology.

    Muller Field Station offers a range of paid internships for FLCC students. Past projects include:

    • Biomonitoring and Native Seed Collection
    • Breeding Bird Atlas
    • Camera Trap Monitoring
    • Conservation Education
    • Finger Lakes National Forest Service Interns
    • Fish Culture (Walleye Propagation)
    • Fisher Diet Analysis
    • Grassland Bird Monitoring
    • Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Monitoring
    • Herptile Mapping and Monitoring
    • Invasive Species Mapping and Management
    • Lake Monitoring
    • Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Interns
    • Nestbox Monitoring
    • Sustainable Gardening
    • Spongy Moth Monitoring
    • Squirrel Bite Monitoring
    • Stream Gauge Monitoring

    You may also propose independent research projects that deepen our understanding of this dynamic ecosystem and its inhabitants.

  • Our main campus in Canandaigua features an on-site arboretum, greenhouse, nature trails, and research labs, creating a rich, biodiverse setting for wildlife education.

    Much of our environmental coursework takes place outdoors, where you'll put environmental theory into practice.

    During class, you will:

    • Identify plants and wildlife species living on campus
    • Collect local water and soil samples and test their quality
    • Observe ecological change through the seasons
    • Capture and tag birds, fish, and other small animals to monitor their behavior
    • Operate a small boat and use electrofishing, netting, and radio telemetry equipment

  • Complete over 50 hours of professional experience in plant propagation, cultivation, and greenhouse management in our Horticulture degree program. Community partners provide instruction on organic gardening, plant research, and related topics.

    Spend class time in our on-campus greenhouse and enjoy field trips to Cornell AgriTech, Coldwater Pond Nursery, Highland Botanical Park, and other regional organizations.

  • Step out of the classroom and into the vineyard with our Viticulture and Wine Technology degree program. Acquire real-world knowledge of planting, pruning, harvesting, fermenting, bottling, and more through applied coursework, field trips, and more.

    Use professional equipment and tools in the on-site teaching vineyard and winery at our Viticulture and Wine Center, mirroring what you’ll find across the region’s wine industry.

Explore Our Field Study Facilities

Environmental students at FLCC have access to research stations and natural spaces throughout the Finger Lakes. You'll use these facilities to gather data, develop research skills, and bring your coursework to life.

Muller Field Station in Honeoye, NY.

Muller Field Station

Participate in lab work, assist in the fish hatchery, and engage in local research projects at Muller Field Station, located on the southern end of Honeoye Lake. 

Muller Field Station
FLCC East Hill Campus

East Hill Campus

Take class camping, hiking, and wildlife trips at East Hill Campus, located near the High Tor Wildlife Management area in Naples.

East Hill Campus
Viticulture and Wine Center in Geneva, NY.

Viticulture and Wine Center

This professional facility features a teaching winery, vineyard, enology lab, aging rooms, crush pad, and classroom.

Viticulture and Wine Center
A young woman tending to her plants in the Finger Lakes Community College greenhouse pauses to smile at the camera.

On-Campus Greenhouse

Gain hands-on experience growing, studying, and managing plants in a professional environment that prepares you for a career in horticulture.

What Our Students Say

FLCC Environmental Science student holding a bear cub during a field work expedition.

The nature of the classes in Environmental Science makes the whole department feel close. The field work opportunities and interactive outdoor labs make it easier to get to know people. The teachers are always doing research outside of class and excited to put students to work at the two field stations.

Raina Becker '21

Programs with Field Study Experiences

At FLCC, fieldwork is built into the curriculum. Our environmental science and conservation programs incorporate field study directly into their courses. Explore your options below.

Contact Us

Linda Cunningham
Part-Time Technical Specialist - Applied Learning

Canandaigua Campus

Room: 3775

585-785-1317 Ext. 1317

Linda.Cunningham@flcc.edu