Postcards from the Field: Matthew Tokaruk

Shell Conservation Intern Matthew Tokaruk

Hello from Saskatchewan,

Time has flown by this summer while my colleagues and I have been working and exploring in Southern Saskatchewan.  The Missouri Coteau and Qu’Appelle Valley are just a couple of the unique habitats we work in on a weekly basis.  Our main task this summer is monitoring some of the Conservation Easements that the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) holds.  This involves walking and photographing  properties to ensure the restrictions decided upon for the easement are being followed.  Many unique and fascinating plants and animals are often seen while monitoring, from Ferruginous Hawks to Prairie Lilies, Saskatchewan’s prairies are never boring! 

Growing up in both northern and central Saskatchewan I have always had an appreciation for the varied landscapes of this province.  However I did not have the opportunity to visit the provinces southwestern grasslands until I began my post secondary education.  Since then I have spent considerable time in that area, including the Frenchman River Valley, Cypress Hills and Grasslands National Park.  In the next few weeks I will be returning to the Frenchman River Valley and Cypress Hills to monitor several easements.  This is guaranteed to be a superb trip as some of the provinces most unique animals and plants are found there.  The Swift Fox, Pronghorn, Bullsnake, and even a strange critter called the Bushy Tailed Wood Rat call this area home.

Working as a Shell Conservation Intern with the Nature Conservancy of Canada has given me yet another opportunity to explore the province I call home.   There is something new to learn and see every day whether it’s building a map in GIS or stumbling across a Tipi ring on top of a wind blown hill.  I am sure the next few weeks will prove as interesting as the last and I look forward to them with anticipation.

Matthew Tokaruk