Postcards from the Field: Laura Mousseau
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| Shell Conservation Intern Laura Mousseau |
Working with NCC here in Guelph has been an amazing experience
so far! Since graduating with a Bachelor of Science from the University
of Guelph this spring, I have been given both office and field related
tasks.
In the office, I’m helping to structure NCC’s project
data, both paper and electronic information, according to Ontario’s
new sub-regional Land Information system. This part of my work has
been really interesting because I’m learning all about the
history of our many properties. I find this background especially
helpful when I visit the sites!
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Baby Turkey Vulture
near Turkey Point |
In the field, I’ve learned Ecological Land Classification
methods, plant identification, and conservation management techniques.
I’ve helped with two volunteer events (through the Volunteer
for Nature program) at our Turkey Point Nature Reserve. On our first
trip we removed invasive Garlic Mustard and Oriental Bittersweet,
and on our second visit we planted butterfly-friendly plants to
encourage butterflies to visit. I’ve even been privileged
enough to see a Turkey Vulture growing up on this site! I also participated
in a tour of Bickford Oak Woods, which was recently transferred
to the Ministry of Natural Resources. The tour was for Gord Miller,
the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, and we glimpsed the rare
Swamp Cottonwood! This site is the only known occurrence of Swamp
Cottonwood in all of Canada. Other trips have taken me to the Oak
Ridges Moraine, Bruce Peninsula and Maitland Valley, and I look
forward to seeing many more sites around Ontario!
I know that my experiences with NCC will be invaluable for future
employment and I hope to continue working in positions that offer
great field opportunities and with organizations as dedicated to
conservation as NCC.
Here’s to many more adventures to come,
Laura Mousseau
More Ontario postcards>>
Final report from
Laura Mousseau (713Kb, pdf)>>
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