Postcards from the Field: Gabriel Foley

Shell Conservation Intern Gabriel Foley

Howdy folks,

Coming from Ontario to Saskatchewan, I am continually asked a very reasonable question: "What? Saskatchewan? Why Saskatchewan?" A question that is often asked with a slightly wrinkled nose and a look of disbelief. Especially when they hear I had other very interesting options such as Arizona or Siberia. I have never once regretted my decision and have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to explore what I would consider to be one of the most overlooked provinces in Canada.

Like most Canadians, I had a stereotypical image of Saskatchewan being a table-flat province with endless wheat fields. While there are certainly wheatfields in the province, there are many areas where it is nothing of the sort. The terrain ranges from the gently rolling hills and steep, sandy cliffs of the far southwest to the numerous potholes and coulees of the mid-southeast to the expanses of boreal forest that encompass northern Saskatchewan. The terrain is only a part of what makes the landscape so beautiful. Saskatchewan is rightly named, "The Land of Living Skies". The vastness of the sky and the openness of the land create a feeling of pleasure distinctly different from that provided by forest and mountains.

My work with the Nature Conservancy of Canada has consisted primarily of easement compliance monitoring, rangeland health assessment and monitoring report preparation. I have had the opportunity to work all across the southern half of the province and see country that even long-time residents of Saskatchewan rarely get to visit. The wildlife is abundant; both mule and whitetail deer are seen every day, coyotes are a common occurrence, badgers are occasionally seen and we have even seen moose. The birding is excellent, and I have had the privilege of seeing species I didn't even known about until very recently, such as Sprague's Pipit, Ferruginous Hawk and Baird's Sparrow.

This summer has been a fantastic opportunity and I'm so glad I didn't change my mind and take a job elsewhere. I was able to see large areas of new country, learn new skills, contribute to conservation and have a blast with my co-workers. What more can you ask for in a summer job?

Just one last note, if you decide to work in the Saskatchewan region: don’t get too excited about the gophers.

Gabriel