Postcards from the Field: Jennifer Smith

Shell Conservation Intern Jennifer Smith

Hello!

I’m very excited to be working as a Shell Conservation Intern this summer and to be gaining first-hand conservation experience in the Alberta Region of the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

My journey here began in Montreal, where I am originally from and where I completed my Bachelors of Science in biology at Concordia University. Because I developed a taste for research in ecology, I continued my studies with a Masters at the University of Western Ontario, where I studied deer mice in the Kananaskis Valley. That’s where I grew to love the natural landscapes of Alberta and decided to play an active role in the conservation of our country’s biodiversity, which naturally led to my application to the Shell Summer Conservation Intern Program.

Horseshoe Canyon, Badlands, Alberta

This summer, I have explored many of the most beautiful landscapes in Alberta, including Cypress Hills, the Badlands, Crowsnest Pass and the Bow Valley natural areas. During a typical field day, we take pictures, identify plants, including rare plants such as Mariposa Lily and Common Stonecrop, and take note of any incidental wildlife, weed patches and emerging stewardship issues of concern.

Given that I hope to further my career in conservation, it is very valuable for me to be acquiring practical conservation experience.  As a Shell Summer Conservation Intern, I get to hone my vegetation and wildlife identification skills, work with landowners, learn GPS and mapping and improve my concise report writing skills. All the while I am meeting new people, working outside and learning to appreciate our beautiful country.

Jennifer Smith