Postcards from the Field: Sarah Anderson

Shell Conservation Intern Sarah Anderson

Greetings from Saskatchewan!

Despite calling this province home my entire life, I am just beginning to realize how diverse Saskatchewan truly is. I was raised near Sceptre amidst Saskatchewan’s Great Sand Hills, where I grew up surrounded by natural landscapes and developed an inherent love for native prairie ecosystems. I have chosen to apply my passion for ecology toward a degree in environmental sciences through the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan. My specific area of focus within my program is rangeland ecology and I am thrilled with the opportunity to explore rangelands that differ from the one I call home.

Frenchman River Valley, Saskatchewan

Working with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) as a Shell Conservation Intern has certainly made for one memorable summer! I am continually astounded by the prairie landscape and feel privileged to be able to experience some of Saskatchewan’s most pristine natural areas first-hand through the monitoring work that I have been doing this season. Spending a week working on NCC’s Old Man On His Back (OMB) Prairie and Heritage Preserve—a 13,100-acre (5,301-hectare) ranch—has undoubtedly been a highlight of my internship. With prairie landscape stretching out as far as the eye can see, it is difficult not to be impressed. The area north of OMB is of equal delight, as the landscape morphs into the scenic Frenchman River Valley.

The flora and fauna I have encountered on my travels with NCC have been remarkable. I am continuing to enhance my identification skills and have gained a deeper understanding of the ecology of these species by observing their interactions. It is exciting to play an active role in the stewardship of Saskatchewan’s biodiversity. Undoubtedly, the experiences I gain from working as a Shell Conservation Intern will contribute greatly to my career within the conservation sector.
Have a great summer!

Sarah Anderson