Take your environmental DNA skills out of the textbook and into the field during this immersive, five-day course at The Wilds.
Designed for university students and professionals interested in learning environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques, this introductory course combines hands-on field experience with laboratory training. Participants will collect and process water, soil, air, and fecal samples while working toward a real-world goal: Detecting bison DNA.
Throughout the course, participants will learn how to:
- Collect multiple types of eDNA samples in the field
- Perform DNA extractions
- Set up and run qPCR reaction plates
- Analyze and interpret qPCR results
- Identify and address inhibition
- Understand the fundamentals of primer design
- Apply eDNA techniques across water, soil, air, and fecal samples
- Five Days of Learning, Fieldwork, and Exploration
The experience continues beyond the lab. Your course fee covers the full five-day experience, including:
- Hands-on eDNA field and laboratory instruction
- All course materials and fees
- Four nights of lodging in Education Camp yurts
- All meals during the course
- Evening activities at The Wilds like night hikes, mothing surveys, bat surveys, and bonfires
- Open-Air Safari Tour
Course Dates: Sunday, October 18 at 1 p.m. through Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 12 p.m.
Cost: $1000/participant
Space is limited! Registration will open soon.