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Northern ecosystems are being dramatically reshaped by climate change. Join this long-term monitoring effort to uncover what these changes mean for the Arctic—and how they could affect the entire planet.

Nestled along the shores of Hudson Bay Lowlands, Churchill is renowned as the beluga whale and polar bear capital of the world, home to 57,000 beluga whales and 1,000 polar bears. However, global climate change is threatening this unique landscape and the wildlife that resides there. Since the 1880s, Churchill has warmed approximately two degrees Celsius, resulting in a myriad of ecological changes, such as shrinking polar sea ice, retreating glaciers, and less snowpack that melts earlier, putting Churchill on the front line of climate change.

You’ll measure evidence of global warming near Churchill and help researchers as they learn all they can about this fragile environment. In the summer and fall, gear up in waist-high waders to take water samples and assess the abundance of the fish and frogs that make these northern wetlands their home. You’ll also help measure permafrost and monitor the health of the tree line by examining tree cores, which allow researchers to reconstruct tree life histories (to date, the oldest living tree this team has found dates from 1643).

But to truly experience the power of the North, join a winter team that focuses on assessing snowpack and taking snow samples. You’ll travel between research sites on a sled pulled by a snowmobile and may even get the chance to build an igloo. This is a rare opportunity to witness firsthand how climate change is transforming one of the world’s most unique environments.