Postcards from the Field: Mélissa Larochelle

Shell Conservation Intern Mélissa Larochelle

Hello from Quebec-

The Shell Conservation Internship Program was such a rewarding experience that I signed up for a second summer!  Still enthralled by the joy of working in a healthy river, I will continue this summer working on the Richelieu River, the largest tributary of the St. Lawrence River south of the 50th parallel.  This time, however, I will also be working upstream on Lac Champlain, which feeds the Richelieu River.

Both these natural areas are located in southern Quebec, and support exceptional biodiversity.  In particular, I will be working to help protect the Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera) and the Copper Redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi), two endangered species in Quebec.  Their range is in heavily populated areas, so I will help promote awareness of these species among shoreline residents and users of the aquatic habitats, as well as help with the management of properties under Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) protection.

Richelieu River, QC

I am thrilled to rejoin the NCC team for the summer.  Having just graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Geography, I must say that the passion and expertise within this organization has prompted me to continue on with my graduate studies.  My experience this year has thus led me to explore the fields of biology, hydrology, land-use planning, geomatics and education!  Come to think of it, I don’t really know what to choose because everything the NCC does is interesting!

Have a good summer!

--Mélissa Larochelle