Postcards from the Field: Digit Ash

Shell Conservation Intern Digit Ash

Greetings from Saskatchewan:

Since joining NCC as a Shell Conservation Intern, I’ve learned so much and gained a heightened appreciation for what Saskatchewan has to offer. Through my work, I’ve been fortunate to visit several properties across the province and I’ve learned that Saskatchewan is more variable than I thought and surprisingly unpredictable! From the Frenchman River Valley and the Cypress Uplands to the Missouri Coteau and the Aspen Parkland, Saskatchewan’s native grasslands are truly rich and diverse, yet less than 20% of them remain intact. It is very rewarding to work with such a great team at NCC and with hard-working and knowledgeable landowners who are striving to ensure that Saskatchewan’s grasslands will continue to humble and provide for future generations.

Native grassland in the Missouri Coteau

One of the major highlights of the summer for me has been collecting field data at the 13,000-acre Old Man on his Back Prairie Heritage and Conservation Area in southwestern Saskatchewan. This field data will be used to determine range condition and to assess the ranch’s present condition compared to what its potential could be. Seeing NCC’s conservation herd of Plains Bison roam on such an extensive tract of native prairie, and being able to identify what they are grazing on, is very fulfulling.

I will be completing my Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, specializing in rangeland resources at the University of Saskatchewan over the next year. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned this summer as a Shell Conservation Intern to my classroom studies and to my future career. I’m sure my new knowledge will help put things in perspective!

All the best,

Digit Ash

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