Postcards from the Field: James Temple

Shell Conservation Intern James Temple

Where to begin?! Being a Shell Conservation Intern is the opportunity of a lifetime, and if I have my way, I won’t be leaving NCC any time soon! I’m writing from the Wye Marsh in Central Ontario where I spent the day with NCC staff improving trails and taking part in environmental monitoring. As a student in Ryerson University ’s Geographic Analysis programme, we are always talking about a ‘hands-on’ approach, but this job is the ultimate!

Draft map of the Ottawa River Watershed by James Temple

I am this year’s Biodiversity Information Technician. I spend most of my time using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to help compile, analyze, interpret, and map out a variety of information collected about NCC properties throughout the year. My catch phrase for the job has been ‘start small and aim big’, since the smaller projects I have worked on have been compiled into something spectacular – a giant poster-sized map presentation of the Ottawa River Watershed that includes extensive satellite imagery and spatial modeling.

I work with both the science and stewardship departments, to analyze current NCC maps and draft cartographic guidelines for future map production. I’m also helping to write conservation easement mapping standards – something no land trust has ever done! This work will be used to develop clear standards and could be adapted for broader scale use, especially within the legal system.

I’ve said enough – in short, hands down, best summer job I’ve had. Now I’m off to the field again.

Until next time,

James ‘Skippy’ Temple

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