Postcards from the Field: Allison Archibald

Shell Conservation Intern Allison Archibald (Photo by Dave Johner)

Hello from beautiful British Columbia!!

I have lived in Victoria, B.C. my entire life, and considering that B.C. is the most ecologically diverse province in all of Canada, I am excited to see more of the diversity and beauty this province has to offer.  I am a third year B. Sc. Geography major at the University of Victoria, and plan to graduate in April, 2010.  Working as a Shell Conservation Intern for the summer has already given me the opportunity to visit amazing places, work in the field and conserve land for future generations.

Manning Park, B.C.

I began my training at the Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve.  Since then, I’ve traveled to the small town of Squamish, been up island to Campbell River, and explored the unique landscape of James Island. For the rest of the summer, I will be conducting baseline ecological surveys and monitoring surveys. In August, I will be lucky enough to explore the pristine habitat of Haida Gwaii. Another task that I have been given is to write a Land Management Plan for a property in Campbell River.  The property, named Ocean Blue, was previously utilized as a sawmill site, and has since been decontaminated, and covered with fill.  I will be working with stakeholders to help create a management plan that will restore this site back to it’s natural state.

In September, I will be returning to the University of Victoria, and I cannot wait to learn more about ecological restoration, and resource management. My experience so far with NCC has taught me a lot -- I’ve gained valuable knowledge and skills. I hope to continue working in this field for a very long time.

All the best,

Allison Archibald