One of the first things you learn when conducting field research is that almost nothing ever goes according to plan. Whether it’s the field truck having engine issues, forgetting the food you packed for a three day camping trip, or the sun setting long before your “to-do” list is finished, something is bound to go awry. But all of these seemingly overwhelming issues become a lot less daunting when you aren’t the only one dealing with them. Throughout these past couple of weeks, I’ve begun to understand what it takes to be a field biologist and how the people who are on your team with you make all the difference.
When it comes down to it, field research is all about teamwork. Recently, we have been capturing Western Fence Lizards to scan for ticks. We soon discovered that working in pairs was the most efficient method to catch them. Bella, one of my fellow researchers, and I often scour plots for Western Fence Lizards, hollering when we’ve found one so we can set up an ambush. If you’ve ever caught a Western Fence Lizard you know that they can be wicked fast but with the help of a grass noose, you can catch them if you’re smart about it. Working in pairs is often the most efficient method for other tasks as well, such as conducting a bird survey or setting up cafeteria trials. Though building the small mammal exclosures is technically my project, everyone pitches in to help dig the foot deep trenches and assemble the exclosures. No one’s work in the field is truly independent and could not be accomplished without the help of many others.
I know my experience at Tejon Ranch would be radically different if not for my fellow researchers and my mentor. When you wake up at 5:45 AM after having spent the night in a tent there’s no better way to be greeted than by a beautiful sunrise and the smiles of your fellow happy campers. And when the closest research plots are a solid 20 minutes drive from camp, there’s no better way to make time fly than shamelessly singing along to Fleetwood Mac. Being together in the field means being there for each other, whether it’s helping each other identify species or sharing food or laughing about #fieldwork problems. Conducting field research this summer has taught me about so much more than science and has shown me the value of surrounding yourself with smart, friendly ecologists.