Queen’s University Biological Station (QUBS)

Established in 1945, the Queen’s University Biological Station (QUBS) has been one of the leading, university-based field research stations in Canada. Comprising two campuses with basic wet and dry labs, conference rooms, library, herbarium, teaching spaces, and a variety of accommodations, ranging from one-person sleeping cabins to large cottages and dormitory space (for up to 100 users at our Opinion Lake campus and 40 users at our Elbow Lake campus).  With over 34 km2 of lands, QUBS hosts researchers from Queen’s, many other Ontario and Canadian universities, and institutions around the world. QUBS is a research facility that any researcher worldwide can book and use its facilities and equipment.

Uniquely positioned within the UNESCO designated Frontenac Arch World Biosphere Reserve, an extension of the Canadian Shield into the sedimentary rocks that surround the Great Lakes Basin, QUBS provides access to a wide variety of habitats.  Lakes of various types and sizes are close by.  So, too, are landscapes with a range of human influence and alteration, a varied topography, specialized environments, and high biodiversity.  The area offers a fascinating juxtaposition of northern and southern flora and fauna.  QUBS also uses active stewardship and best management practices to conserve local terrestrial and aquatic environments, and biodiversity

Science and nature outreach have been central themes at QUBS throughout its existence, with class visits from school groups, workshops, public seminar series, narrated nature walks, and open houses showcasing QUBS research every year. The scope and diversity of outreach programming at QUBS expanded dramatically in 2011 with the founding of a second campus primarily focused on outreach, the Elbow Lake Environmental Education Centre (ELEEC). For example, recognizing a need for summer nature programming and experiential learning opportunities for young people, Eco-Adventure Camp was created in this same year focused on young people aged 8-14 (a bursary program ensures that financial hardship is not an impediment) welcoming more than 1000 campers over its existence.

For over 75 years, the Queen’s University Biological Station has drawn energy and motivation from generations of youthful, creative, inquisitive students. Whether enrolled in field courses, pursuing their own research initiatives, assisting with established studies or on short-term outings as part of regular curriculum courses, their field experience is the measure of success of the Biological Station. The continued and increasing importance of hands-on exposure to biological principles will set the course of the field station for the future.