From the Field: Québec

Postcards from the Field: Henri Guay

Shell Conservation Intern Henri Guay

Greetings from Québec:

Every morning when I head off to work, I can usually plan on traveling by foot, bike, car, canoe, or even by plane! I'm working along Québec's Richelieu River and, depending on where I go on a particular day, I have to figure out which method of transportation is going to get me there. At some point this summer, I'll fly a plane over the different sites I'm working on to take some air photos. Don't worry, I have all my commercial pilot's licenses so I'm fully prepared! It's great that I can incorporate my love for adventure with my work as the Richelieu River Stewardship Intern for NCC-Québec. In 2002, Hydro-Québec donated 15 kilometres of the river to NCC, making it the first river donation to a private conservation organization. The Richelieu River is one of two spawning grounds for the endangered Copper Redhorse ( Moxostoma hubbsi ). Endemic to Québec, this fish is a threatened species whose survival depends on the work we do to protect its habitat. I'm working with NCC-Québec's Richelieu River Project Officer Nathalie Jaume and in partnership with Le Comité de concertation et de valorisation du bassin de la rivière Richelieu (COVABAR) and the local community. Together, we have been completing an ecological survey of the riverbanks for signs of erosion and unauthorized construction activities, recording land use and development in the area. I've learned to distinguish between skeletal samples of the Copper Redhorse and other species found on site and have even happened upon a rare stand of Green Dragon ( Arisaema Dracontium )!

Photography by Henri Guay

Apart from my work on the river, I have visited with owners of some of the adjacent properties including sites that may be potential NCC acquisitions. So far this summer, I have been drawing on my outdoor leadership experiences, perfecting my presentation and communications skills and gaining essential Geographic Information System (GIS) knowledge by working closely with GIS specialists out in the field and in the office. In September, it's back to school at McGill University's School of Environment where I will be completing my degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in GIS.

Happy paddlin',

Henri Guay