Postcards from the Field: Marie-Andrée Tougas-Tellier

Shell Conservation Intern Marie-Andrée Tougas-Tellier

Hello!

This summer I have had the opportunity to discover the richness of natural environments of the Richelieu River and Lake Champlain watershed. Situated in southern Quebec, this area of great biodiversity shelters several threatened species. The Nature Conservancy of Canada works hard year after year to protect the quality of these natural habitats.

More specifically, I am participating in the enhancement of habitat for the Copper Redhorse. The aquatic vegetation in the Richelieu River is an essential feeding habitat for this species, which is endemic to Quebec. By limiting navigation inside these habitats and redirecting it to areas where it is less harmful, all users and boaters, as well as fish fauna are better off!

Richelieu River, St. Lawrence Valley, Quebec

Further south, in the Champlain region, NCC and its partners are working to protect habitat for another threatened species, the Spiny Softshell Turtle Along with specialists and volunteers, I am taking part in activities such as cleaning up spawning sites, restoring habitat and monitoring egg-laying.

The stewardship and awareness programs that I’m participating in this summer allow me to add a professional dimension to my academic journey. This is an opportunity for me to transfer the knowledge I acquired from my bachelor’s degree in geography at l’Université du Québec à Montréal into a hands-on experience that has confirmed my passion for conservation!

Have a great summer!

Marie-Andrée Tougas-Tellier