Postcards from the Field: Jennipher Karst

Shell Conservation Intern Jennipher Karst

Greetings from the land of living skies!

The vast, sweeping, grass-dominated vistas of southern Saskatchewan are a far cry from my home on the west coast, but have captivated me ever since I first visited Grassland National Park in 2004. Working as a Shell Conservation Intern this summer has enabled me to explore this region of Canada and become more familiar with the unique organisms, both human and non-human, that reside here. I have worked amongst Baird’s sparrows, bison and bull snakes, and have seen some truly spectacular country. If there’s one thing to say about working outside in Saskatchewan, it’s that you really get a sense of the lay of the land since there are no trees to get in the way!

Missouri Coteau – and you thought Saskatchewan was flat!

Desiree (my fellow NCC Shell intern) and I have collected baseline data on various NCC properties throughout the knob and kettle (not flat!) terrain of the southern part of the province and have had to brush up on our grass identification skills. We’ve attended various events hosted by NCC, including the official opening of the new interpretive centre at Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area, which is a 13,100-acre ranch complete with bison, swift foxes and burrowing owls. We’ve also attended a conference where experts and various stakeholders convened in the interest of conserving some of the last remaining herds of genetically pure Plains Bison.

Finally, this internship has afforded me the chance to get to the bottom of the curious fascination I have with the prairies. The self-sufficient and friendly people who live here, the tendency for the sweep and scope of the prairies to have a humbling effect on those who take the time to explore them, and the way that the land can be seen for miles and miles from almost anywhere giving one the feeling that they’re perpetually standing at some scenic viewpoint, are all contributing factors. These things – and the unique plants and animals that call the prairie home – are what make this part of Canada worth protecting.

Best Regards,
Jennipher Karst

More 2006 Saskatchewan postcards>>