Support the Biological Sciences Department's Field Quarter

All gifts made in support of the Biological Sciences Field Quarter will be matched by the Bailey College of Science and Math — so make a gift today to double your impact!

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This spring, students in Field Botany, Ornithology, and Herpetology will join forces for an extraordinary journey across California to study the state’s rich biodiversity. Thirty-five students, led by Drs. Yost, Ritter, Taylor, and Francis, will embark on an epic field experience exploring reptiles and amphibians, birds, and plants in some of California’s most remarkable ecosystems. Their travels will span the Mojave and Sonoran deserts, the misty redwood forests of the North Coast, the volcanic landscapes surrounding Mount Lassen, the migratory bird wetlands of the Central Valley, and the rugged passes of the Sierra Nevada—a true immersion in the living diversity of the Golden State.

Cal Poly’s Field Quarter gives students an unparalleled opportunity to experience the state’s diverse ecosystems through immersive, hands-on learning. Over the course of an entire quarter, students travel across California’s forests, deserts, coastlines, and mountains to conduct field research, identify plants and animals, and collect ecological data alongside faculty mentors. It is the embodiment of Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy.

Get an inside look at what the class is really like in this video with Dr. Jenn Yost: Our Class Explores Plants All Around California

The program provides students with the skills and experiences that define a career in ecology, botany, conservation, and environmental science. From camping in the Sierra Nevada to surveying coastal forests and desert habitats, students gain a firsthand understanding of the connections between California’s landscapes and the biodiversity they sustain. For many, it’s a transformative experience that shapes their academic and professional paths.

Read about the class visiting the Carrizo Plains for the Superbloom in the Cal Poly Magazine: California Blooming

Your support helps ensure every student who earns a spot in Field Quarter can participate, regardless of financial barriers. Donations directly fund student transportation, meals, camping, and research equipment, and access to field stations throughout the state. This campaign will make it possible for students to conduct field-based research that contributes to California’s ecological understanding and conservation future.

Quote from a field botany student:

“Being in the field showed me what science looks like outside the classroom. It made me realize this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

Learn more about the professors leading Cal Poly's Field Quarter below:

Matt Ritter   Emily Taylor   Clinton Francis

Thank you for your support of the Biological Sciences Department's Learn by Doing Field Quarter!