Postcards from the Field: Alissa Wilson

Shell Conservation Intern Alissa Wilson

Hello from Wild Rose Country!

As a recent graduate of ecology from the University of Calgary, I am thrilled to begin my career path as a Shell Conservation Intern with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC).

The past two months have been an incomparably rewarding experience. My journey as an intern has taken me from the southwest corner of the province at Waterton Park Front, east to the prairie Badlands and north to the oil sands of Fort McMurray. Having grown up in BC, I am grateful for the opportunity to see the diverse and breathtaking landscapes of Alberta. I think it might even be enough to keep me here!

Marsh Property, Waterton Park Front, Alberta

In addition to my field work, I work closely with people in NCC’s Conservation Volunteers program who share a love for the environment to improve the ecological value of an area. Whether the tasks are species counts for proper land management, fence teardowns for better wildlife movement, sign installations for public outreach or weed pulls for the battle against invasive alien species, the day always ends with everyone feeling like they’ve accomplished a lot!  

Our most recent Conservation Volunteers event, the Wild Bee Blitz, was a partnered event with Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada to teach enthusiastic participants about wild bees and their crucial role in nature. Did you know that there are more than 350 species of wild bees in Alberta?

This internship has given me invaluable experience in two key areas of conservation: education and outreach. In the years to come, I hope to explore the many possibilities within the environmental field, all while making a positive impact on the community and in the landscapes of Alberta. With the many tools I have added to my box, I’m excited to see what the future has in store!

Alissa Wilson