Postcards from the Field: Michelle Baker

Shell Conservation Intern Michelle Baker

Greetings from Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick!

I grew up in a small village in the centre of New Brunswick called Perth-Andover. Like many others here in Atlantic Canada, I hadn’t realized just how beautiful our region is. Thanks to Shell Canada Limited and the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) I have been able to see two provinces in more detail this summer than most Maritimers do during their lives.

My field partner Nick and I are immersed in a tremendous summer filled with biological surveys, monitoring properties, trail maintenance, boating to an undisturbed island, confronting some invasive plant species and assisting with Conservation Volunteers (CV) events. Although this internship has offered many challenges, you could say it has been a “walk on the beach,” because it is so rewarding and such fun.

Tabustinac Estuary, Northumberland County, New Brunswick

Recently, while visiting the northeast shore of New Brunswick, I had my first Piping Plover experience. These little wonders on the beach practically brought me to tears of joy as they scurried along gathering food and peeping to their chicks. This area of barrier sand dune islands in Tabusintac is my personal favourite because it is secluded and beautiful. It is in need of much protection since it is such a sensitive ecosystem.

I am entering my final year of Forestry and Environmental Management at the University of New Brunswick. I hope to go on to achieve a Master of Science in wildlife ecology, and the rest is left to fate I suppose. I believe this internship is helping me with future aspirations by opening my mind to new ideas, improving skills and allowing me to network with like-minded individuals.

Au revoir and goodbye!

Michelle Baker