Jr. Conservationist Column

Working with subject-area experts one of highlights of local summer work experience program for Junior Conservationist

Ellen Glavin, University of Guelph student from Mt. Carmel area, learned about plants, animals working on wetlands, other conservation projects  

BY ELLEN GLAVIN, JUNIOR CONSERVATIONIST

This summer, I was honoured to be selected as Junior Conservationist for 2018 with Ausable Bayfield Conservation. I worked for two months with people who are trained in their fields and I learned skills that will equip me for a future career in conservation. 

I am studying Environmental Science at the University of Guelph. I switched programs from environmental engineering to environmental science this past academic year after I realized my interests aligned more with that program. This eight-week Junior Conservationist job experience has confirmed for me I am in the right program.

My experience this past summer as Junior Conservationist has shown me conservation is a vast field. Also, I have learned the area of conservation work in which I would like to specialize – wetlands. One of the tasks, which I was able to do each week, was wetland evaluation with the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) Wetland Technician. Each time we would go to a different wetland in the watershed. We would record wetland plant species and wildlife. I learned about local flora and fauna. I also learned about invasive species in the area. 

Another great thing about the Junior Conservationist program is I got to work in different conservation specialties and with different staff members with different areas of expertise. In addition to wetland work, I sampled water at the lakeshore and at watershed sites with the Healthy Watersheds Technician. I was able to take part in mussel sampling with the Aquatic Biologist, collecting different species in the Ausable River, including some species at risk. I joined the Planning and Regulations team as we monitored erosion along the lakeshore and I was able to meet shoreline property owners. I helped conservation educators and worked with campers at Nature Day Camps for two weeks.

I think one of the best qualities of the Junior Conservationist position is the chance to be surrounded by people who are so knowledgeable in their fields. This opportunity gave me the chance to ask professionals about their educational background and to learn from staff directly about environmental issues and strategies to address them. I was also able to see some of the concepts I have learned in my university classes come alive in the field, such as shoreline erosion and mussel life cycle and identification.

I loved working with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority this summer. I would like to thank the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation, and the people in the community who donate to the Conservation Foundation, for having provided this opportunity. I know this job experience program has clarified my career direction within the conservation field. This experience has affected me in a profound and positive way both professionally and personally.

About Ellen

Ellen Glavin is an Environmental Science student at the University of Guelph. She is from the Mt. Carmel area. She was the successful applicant chosen as the 2018 Junior Conservationist. The Junior Conservationist program is an eight-week position with the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA). The program is funded by the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF) and offered each summer to a selected student interested in pursuing a career in the environmental field. For more information on the Junior Conservationist program visit abca.ca.