Postcards from the Field: Katie Hamilton

Shell Conservation Intern Katie Hamilton

Greetings from the swamp!

Having been born and raised in Brandon, Manitoba, my previous experiences with prairie ecosystems usually involved relatively dry, rolling plains with scattered trees and sky as far as the eye could see. As my very flattering headshot demonstrates, I was in for a big surprise when I first stepped on to one of the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s (NCC’s) many properties in the Rat River Swamp, situated in the centre of the Manitoba Tall Grass Prairie Natural Area. As a Shell Conservation Intern, I am responsible for conducting baseline surveys on these properties. Since the majority of these properties had not been previously surveyed in detail, my field partner and I often find ourselves (literally) up to our knees in wild, unexplored habitat that challenges us every step of the way.

Rat River Swamp, Manitoba

As my team’s designated plant geek, I’m finding plenty of opportunities to test my existing knowledge of prairie, forest and wetland vegetation, as well as adding to my rapidly expanding plant repertoire. Many of our expeditions lead to the discovery of a variety of rare species that are seldom found elsewhere in the province, and I consider myself very lucky for this chance to explore their few remaining fragments of habitat.

From the dense floating cattail swamps and willow thickets to the beautiful patches of prairie filled with numerous wildflowers and tall grasses, there is always something new to discover each time we step out into the swamp. When I return to the University of Manitoba this fall to complete my degree in environmental science, I will do so with a new appreciation for these endangered ecosystems and the hard work and dedication of those who protect them.

Cheers,

Katie Hamilton