Postcards from the Field: Caitlin Porter

Shell Conservation Intern Caitlin Porter

Greetings from Nova Scotia!

Life as a Shell Conservation Intern in Atlantic Canada is proving to be an exciting and valuable experience! Since starting in May, I have already had the opportunity to travel to Cape Breton, NS where I camped for two weeks and worked to maintain trails at Mackinnon's Brook on Cape Mabou. There I enjoyed amazing views of the Highlands, and even some whale watching from shore. I went swimming in the ocean and witnessed a black bear cub and Gannets nose-diving for fish!  I have also monitored two properties: Dunakym Woods and MacFarlane Woods, both important for their deciduous old-growth forest and rare species.  I am looking forward to helping create a baseline report at Tidney River, a protected area in southern Nova Scotia. 

Beinn Bhiorach, Cape Breton, NS

A bit about me:  I grew up in a small community along the Cobequid Bay, Nova Scotia and I’m motivated by a passion for the land here in the Maritimes. I am currently an Environmental Biology Honours student at the University of New Brunswick, and the tools I’m learning as a Shell Intern will contribute to my aspirations of pursuing a Master’s degree in Ecology, and becoming involved in ecological research and conservation projects here in the Maritimes. Right now, I’m getting the chance to be involved in conserving the land I love so much, and I’m very excited about that!  

-Caitlin Porter