Postcards from the Field: James Snider

Shell Conservation Intern James Snider

Greetings from NCC’s National Office in Toronto!

As the 2007 Biodiversity Research Technician with the Conservation Science and Planning group, I have been fortunate to spend my summer working with NCC conservation planners and stewardship staff from across the country to report on the state of biodiversity in southern Canada.

This one-of-a-kind project showcases the results of NCC’s conservation blueprint process, a science-based strategy to direct conservation efforts to areas where they are most effective. Through my work as a Shell Intern, this project will demonstrate NCC’s important role in protecting biodiversity in Canada’s southern ecoregions. Since 1999, NCC has worked to identify the greatest threats to biodiversity in this region, as well as highlight areas of unique biodiversity and conservation value. Most importantly, this exciting project will provide the first ever cross-country overview of NCC’s success in protecting Canada’s biodiversity, as well as its potential for strategic action in the near future.

National Office, Toronto, ON

In addition to the unique opportunity to participate in the synthesis of NCC’s conservation blueprints, this summer’s Shell Internship has provided the chance to learn substantially more about NCC’s conservation strategy. Through cooperation with NCC’s dedicated staff, I have gained invaluable experience as to what makes a successful conservation practitioner. This internship will complete my graduate diploma in environmental impact assessment from Concordia University and I am looking forward to applying the skills that I have learned here to an exciting career helping to protect Canada’s biodiversity.

Thanks for a great summer, NCC!

James