Postcards from the Field: Debbie Farmer

Shell Conservation Intern Debbie Farmer

Hello from central Ontario,

Since starting my internship, I have visited more than a dozen of NCC’s properties and easements throughout central Ontario. Many of the natural areas I’ve been working on are located within an hour’s drive of Toronto in the ecologically significant Oak Ridges Moraine and Niagara Escarpment. I live just east of Toronto where it’s easy to see the effects of urban sprawl, so it’s great to know that these natural areas are being conserved by NCC.

I enjoy visiting with landowners who are protecting the ecological integrity of their land through conservation easements or donations. Just north of Toronto, on the Oak Ridges Moraine, is the Happy Valley Natural Area, a collection of easements and donated lands that consist of beautiful Sugar Maple-dominated hardwood forests and a wide variety of wildlife. You have to keep your eyes peeled to see many of the well-camouflaged creatures like the elusive Spring Peeper or reclusive salamanders like the Red-spotted Newt.

Juvenile Red-spotted Newt at Happy Valley

The best part of my job is conducting field work. While visiting the NCC properties, I complete ecological assessments and gather site data on species diversity and threats, and map plant communities using ecological land classification. I am working out of the Peterborough office and traveling quite a bit. I am looking forward to visiting more properties throughout central Ontario, as well as in Carolinian Canada and the Bruce Peninsula regions, in the coming weeks. Over the summer, I will also have the opportunity to participate in several Volunteer for Nature events where conservation-minded individuals are able to make a positive impact through events such as butterfly counts and rehabilitation projects.

Last year, I graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science in Ecology. As a Shell Conservation Intern, I have been able to use my knowledge while learning new things everyday. I know what I have learned at NCC will be invaluable for future employment.

- Debbie Farmer

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