Postcards from the Field: Amy Wheeler

Shell Conservation Intern Amy Wheeler

Hello everyone,

My name is Amy Wheeler and I am a Shell Conservation Intern working in the Saskatchewan Region of the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). I grew up in the small Saskatchewan town of Eyebrow. I recently completed a degree in agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan with specializations in Environmental Science and Rangeland Ecology.

Frenchman River Valley, Saskatchewan

So far this summer I have mainly worked in the Missouri Coteau area, although the week of July 20,  our team of interns travelled to southwest Saskatchewan to monitor properties in the Frenchman River Valley. While monitoring properties with conservation easements, I have been assessing wetland, river and grassland health. The Frenchman River Valley has many interesting species, such as the Swift Fox, Pronghorn antelope, Black-tailed Prairie Dogs, Silver Sagebrush, Winterfat and Greater Sage Grouse. With so many species at risk, it is especially important to conserve this area for wildlife habitat and plant biodiversity.

Being a Shell Conservation Intern has given me hands-on experience in habitat monitoring and management. In the coming year I am taking a certificate in fish and wildlife technology at Lethbridge College. This work experience, along with my academic education, will allow me to pursue the career of my dreams: conserving the natural flora and fauna of Canada (and perhaps throughout the world)!

Get outside and enjoy summer,

Amy Wheeler