Stories from the field and the top 10 photos you need to see
From breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters to unforgettable moments with new people and communities, Environment students captured the very best of their local and international field experiences this year. This year’s submissions take us from the rugged coastlines of Ireland, to the vibrant streets of Singapore, and the natural beauty of the South Bruce Peninsula. From the photos it's clear why field courses are a cornerstone of the environment experience. Now we need your help to crown the top three winners!
Start by exploring each entry and read the story behind the photo. To vote, head to our Instagram page and comment the number of your favourite photo.
Best of luck to our top 10 finalists, Yelyzaveta, Rida, Matthew, Marissa, Erick, and Clare!
Click on the photos to enlarge and see the full composition.
#1 Yelyzaveta Kucheryava
I took many high-quality photos on my camera throughout the trip, capturing the scenery, cultural sites, and animals. Yet, one of my favourites remains this one: a fun, nostalgic moment when my peers, who had by then become friends, and I went to see the iconic Temple Bar strip in Dublin. We all realized we were wearing our “Wacky Woollies” sheep keychains, which had become the "it" souvenir of our trip that everyone wanted. This photo reminds me of my last night in Ireland, when we stayed up late with friends, reminiscing about all the lessons and memories we had gained and trying to prolong the trip for as long as we possibly could. More than any carefully composed photo, this one showcases what made the trip so meaningful to me. It reminds me what a privilege it is to learn, meet new people, and experience moments so special that you never want them to end.
ENVS 476A Emerald Transitions: Climate, Culture, and Sustainability in Ireland
#2 Rida Zainab
Amongst Giants: Gougane Barra’s large conifers give the impression of an ancient forest. Yet, we learned that these trees are a result of reforestation efforts that took place less than a century ago. During the course, we learned a lot about Ireland's history with deforestation, and getting to see various conservation efforts provided an interesting contrast.
ENVS 476A: Life as a City in a Garden
#3 Rida Zainab
This Grey Heron eyed us from the harbour before we embarked on our boat tour. It was the first of many seabirds and marine animals we saw on the journey, including dolphins and basking sharks!
ENVS 476A: Life as a City in a Garden
#4 Matthew McAnanama
Blarney Castle through the hole in a stone along the entrance path. The castle was probably my favourite part of the trip (breathtaking building and gardens), and so the wonderfully placed stone with a very convenient camera hole made the perfect picture to remember it.
ENVS 476A Emerald Transitions: Climate, Culture, and Sustainability in Ireland
#5 Matthew Britton
This photo depicts the Super-trees at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, with a full moon peaking through a gap in the night sky. The fact that the Super-trees not only look amazing but function to collect rainwater and are integrated into the area’s cooling system is just one of many examples of some of the innovative ways Singapore practices urban sustainability.
ENVS 476A: Life as a City in a Garden
#6 Marissa Lozzo
This picture was taken at Boat Lake in Southern Bruce Peninsula. I felt completely at peace sitting on the dock, watching the purple and pink sky reflect in the water over the lily pads. I was able to share this moment with a classmate I had grown close to over the period of our field course. Everything was so still, and I was simply so grateful to be there and experience this.
ERS 283 Ontario Natural History: Species and Patterns
#7 Marissa Lozzo
After deciding to leave the trail we were walking on, we stumbled across the bones of what we assumed is a juvenile deer. There was still surrounding the bones, as well as its antlers. There was evidence of scavengers as there were tooth marks embedded into the remaining bones. While it's sad to see the remains of an animal, it is necessary to sustain the life of other forest critters!
ERS 283 Ontario Natural History: Species and Patterns
#8 Erick Ortiz
Captured from the Merlion at sunrise, this view of the iconic Esplanade—Singapore's famous"Durian"—showcases the peaceful side of Marina Bay. The soft purple hues of the morning sky reflected across the water, creating a calm contrast to the bustling city that would soon come to life.
FCIT610: International Field School
#9 Clare McNally
One of the most memorable parts of Mizen Head was seeing the coastal geology that I had previously studied in lectures. The rugged cliffs and exposed rock layers made it much easier to understand the geological processes that shaped the landscape over thousands of years. I also learned that the rocky coastlines provide many microhabitats, allowing more marine organisms to thrive despite the harsh conditions. This visit showed me that geology isn't just about rocks, it influences biodiversity and ecological function. Seeing these concepts in the field made classroom learning feel more meaningful.
ENVS 476A Emerald Transitions: Climate, Culture, and Sustainability in Ireland
#10 Clare McNally
The Macroom Buffalo Farm demonstrated how sustainable agriculture can benefit both the environment and local food production. I learned that the farm uses its buffalo for milk, cheese, and yogurt, with buffalo milk containing more protein than traditional cow's milk. What impressed me most was how sustainability has been incorporated into nearly every aspect of the farm. The cheese plant is located 20 metres from the milking area, reducing transportation needs, while the farm also relies on its own water wells, produces fodder, and grows kale for winter grazing. Native trees, enhanced hedgerows, wildflower meadows, wildlife nesting boxes, and a freshwater pond all provide habitat for various species. Seeing these practices showed me that agriculture and biodiversity can support each other through proper land management.
ENVS 476A Emerald Transitions: Climate, Culture, and Sustainability in Ireland
Prizes
First place: Waterloo merch, $50 gift card and a disposable camera
Second place: UWaterloo back to school bundle
Third place: $50 gift card
