Fieldapalooza is our derivative of the noun “lollapalooza.”
lol•la•pa•loo•za Pronunciation: [lol-uh-puh-loo-zuh]
Definition: an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance. Function: noun. Etymology: origin unknown. Date: 1896

Some very impressive field work was completed by RSM scientists in the summer of 2007. Research was carried out in Archaeology, Biology, and Palaeontology. This temporary exhibit (on display from April 9th to September 30th, 2008) and the public presentation held on opening night offers visitors a glimpse into the highlights of this research.

As part of the 2008 RSM Discovery Series, the RSM held an evening presentation about current and future research featuring:

Dr. Ray Poulin (Biologist, Life Sciences),
Karmen VanderZwan (Archaeologist, Aboriginal History), and
Tim Tokaryk (Palaeontologist, Earth Sciences).

After the presentations, visitors enjoyed complimentary refreshments and mingled with the presenters and other RSM staff.

You work for 8 or 9 hours a day, sometimes from dawn till dusk, but then you are still there at the end of the day–you don't go home. Your home is your field camp. There you are in the field, in a tent–come rain or shine, wet or dry, wind or calm.

There is fun to be had but when you are in the field with the same people 24/7, “field fever” can take effect and hilarity may ensue. Things that may affect you are: the elements, (wind, heat, rain and cold) fatigue, and mosquitoes! (West Nile is out there–and one of our staff brought it home).

Then there is the question of personal hygiene and washroom facilities, or lack thereof. Gives you a new respect for our ancestors.

• Field tools
     Brushes
     Small re-sealable containers
     Knife
     Trowels
     Garbage Bags
     Shovel
     Pick

• Food
     Beef jerky
     Trail mix
     Granola bars
     Multi grain bars
     M&M’s
     Bread
     Deli meats–be careful of these
     Cheese–individually wrapped
     Fruit
     Vegetables
• Lots of water
• Sports drinks

• Layers of clothing
     Hat
     Rain jackets
     Work gloves
     Good hiking boots
     Short/cargo style (need lots of pockets)
     Jeans/cargo pants (still need lots of pockets)
     Good socks, and lots of them
     Bunny hugs/hoodies
     Long and short sleeved T’s
• Sun tan lotion
• Bug spray
• Toilet paper–personal and part of palaeo (wrap fossils)
• A great sense of humour

RSM palaeontologists uncovered ancient environments near Herschel helping weave together the province's palaeontological history.

Discover the sea monsters that lived in Saskatchewan 75 million years ago and a few of their neighbours. If you are able to visit, this station is set up in the Earth Sciences Gallery.

For additional information on the Herschel Bone Bed excavations, check out the Current Research in Earth Sciences section of the RSM Website.

RSM archaeologists excavated an area close to Stanley Mission revealing important information about our provincial human history.

Discover what we are learning about the relationships among the people who lived in northern Saskatchewan during the fur trade era. If you are able to visit, this station is set up in the First Nations Gallery.

For additional information on the Old Village at Stanley Mission excavations, check out the 2007 Report from the Field section of the RSM Website.

RSM biologists got up close and personal with Saskatchewan's flora and fauna while surveying some rare and endangered species.

Discover some of our province's rich biodiversity, and the knowledge we are gaining to maintain an environmental balance and save rare and endangered species. If you are able to visit, this station is set up in the Life Sciences Gallery.

For additional information, check out the Life Sciences section of the RSM Website.