Postcards from the Field: Brittany Dewar

Shell Conservation Intern Brittany Dewar

Hi,

This is my second summer working with The Nature Conservancy of Canada as a Shell Conservation Intern in British Columbia. I just finished my first week of field work at Skaha Bluffs Conservation Area which is located on the eastern side of Skaha Lake near the city of Penticton in the Southern Okanagan region of British Columbia. We were in Skaha to find and map invasive plant populations. However, as is often the case, this field visit offered so many additional opportunities and experiences.

The week was full of wildlife sightings, exploration and chances for after-work adventures. We saw bighorn sheep, observed nesting Red-shafted Flickers and Townsend's Solitaire (a ground nesting bird), and heard the gruff warning cough of a bear.  Skaha is also rattle snake territory but we did not see (or hear) anything from this poisonous reptile – something I was both relieved and disappointed about.

Red-shafted Flicker Nest, Skaha Bluffs

Our work required us to travel most of the 760 acre property on foot or by vehicle in search of invasive species.  We trekked along trails that weaved from dry forest to grassland benches, fought off mosquitoes in wetland areas and scrambled through bolder fields. We encountered quite a few invasive species, but we were happy to see that many areas remained healthy and intact.

Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park, to the north of the Conservation Area, is an internationally recognized climbing area. The bluffs are made up of granite intrusions that provide excellent climb conditions. Thanks to the climbing skills of a co-worker, who supplied us with knowledge and gear, we were able to spend a few evenings after work climbing.

We had a great week in Skaha! If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend exploring Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park and Conservation Area.

All the best,
Brittany Dewar