 | The Kensington Conservancy was very fortunate to have three seasonal staff join us this summer. We asked each of them to write a brief recap of their time with us, which you can read below! Thank you to the Government of Canada, the Ontario Land Trust Alliance, Evolugen, the Province of Ontario, TD Friends of the Environment, and TKC members for providing the funding for these positions, which provided meaningful workspace experiences while helping TKC pursue our conservation goals here in the St. Joseph Channel area. |
Bats are an incredibly overlooked and undervalued species. During my summer at The Kensington Conservancy known as the Bat Lady, I have been lucky enough to study these amazing organisms that play key roles in the natural environment. Baseline data surrounding local bat species presence is lacking, and our program’s goal was to identify the presence of bat species in the area and determine which are most frequently recorded. With the use of bioacoustics equipment, we collected over 50,000 recordings this season alone while documenting 5/8 Ontario species with high confidence. Our research has been successful in determining baseline data for this region, with further studies hoping to emerge. As an undergraduate student, I have been fortunate enough to make valuable connections and have been granted exciting opportunities through this summer position.
Aside from bat duties, I had fun exploring TKC’s properties and discovering some common and not-so-common flora and fauna. Stobie Creek Preserve and the Hole in the Wall Easement were my favourites, although each property is unique in their own way. It was incredibly difficult for me not to spend hours upon hours just exploring the properties. TKC staff made me feel extremely welcomed and a part of the team throughout the entire summer. Through conversations with staff, members, donors, and the public, I was fortunate to meet some very influential people. I was also able to participate in community nights, community events, and educational programs for both children and adults. Being able to teach the younger generations about science and nature was a rewarding experience.
There is nothing more to possibly ask for when you get to spend most of your summer workdays appreciating the landscape and environment around you. Coming together with people from all different backgrounds who all share the same values and passion towards the environment feels gratifying to be a part of. The work that the conservancy does is increasingly becoming more important, if not critical, and I am so thankful to have been a part of it this summer.
Amy Carlson
Bat Monitoring Technician
Aside from bat duties, I had fun exploring TKC’s properties and discovering some common and not-so-common flora and fauna. Stobie Creek Preserve and the Hole in the Wall Easement were my favourites, although each property is unique in their own way. It was incredibly difficult for me not to spend hours upon hours just exploring the properties. TKC staff made me feel extremely welcomed and a part of the team throughout the entire summer. Through conversations with staff, members, donors, and the public, I was fortunate to meet some very influential people. I was also able to participate in community nights, community events, and educational programs for both children and adults. Being able to teach the younger generations about science and nature was a rewarding experience.
There is nothing more to possibly ask for when you get to spend most of your summer workdays appreciating the landscape and environment around you. Coming together with people from all different backgrounds who all share the same values and passion towards the environment feels gratifying to be a part of. The work that the conservancy does is increasingly becoming more important, if not critical, and I am so thankful to have been a part of it this summer.
Amy Carlson
Bat Monitoring Technician
I had a fantastic summer working for The Kensington Conservancy as an Assistant Field Technician. This was my first time working in this field, as I have just completed my first of two years of studies at Sault College to become a Natural Environment Technician. I am eager to finish my studies so I can get back into the field.
A notable experience this summer was monitoring TKC’s nature preserves. I enjoyed exploring, identifying and documenting the flora and fauna on site, and most importantly being outdoors and constantly testing my knowledge. My favourite preserve was Gravel Point Preserve, located on St. Joseph Island. Beautiful hiking trails, mature birch and cedar trees, wetlands, this place really has it all, I could spend hours there!
The work of The Kensington Conservancy is incredibly important, they aim to preserve land and water in the St. Joseph channel region for all generations to enjoy, I am grateful to have assisted them in their work even for just one short season. I look forward to hearing about the continued work the Conservancy does and I intend to volunteer with them beyond my employment.
Sarah Jones
Assistant Field Technician
A notable experience this summer was monitoring TKC’s nature preserves. I enjoyed exploring, identifying and documenting the flora and fauna on site, and most importantly being outdoors and constantly testing my knowledge. My favourite preserve was Gravel Point Preserve, located on St. Joseph Island. Beautiful hiking trails, mature birch and cedar trees, wetlands, this place really has it all, I could spend hours there!
The work of The Kensington Conservancy is incredibly important, they aim to preserve land and water in the St. Joseph channel region for all generations to enjoy, I am grateful to have assisted them in their work even for just one short season. I look forward to hearing about the continued work the Conservancy does and I intend to volunteer with them beyond my employment.
Sarah Jones
Assistant Field Technician
During my time here at TKC, I really enjoyed working here as my colleagues and supervisors were friendly, hospitable and always willing to help if I had any questions. It was a wonderful atmosphere to be a part of. The best parts included participating in guided paddles, hikes and community events.Throughout this summer, I have had the incredible opportunity with my colleague, Sarah Jones, of leading a summer camp from beginning to end, creating various activities for young children ages 8 to 12 years old. Educating them on wilderness survival skills, tracks and signs, and flora and fauna helps one realize that delivering a fun learning atmosphere aids their willingness and want to give back towards nature.The summer camp in conjunction with the TKC Junior Explorers program highlights the pertinence of TKC. I was able to learn so much and be involved with people of all demographics which created such an enjoyable work experience.
Apart from teaching the younger generation, I was able to partake in property maintenance of all 12 protected properties, ensuring no human disturbances threatened the nature preserves and conservation easements owned by TKC. I could spend hours on these properties because of the beauty and pristine nature surrounding me - it was a tranquil and humbling experience. Additionally, as part of our duties, with the help of Sault College students and Sarah, we created a whole new trail which was a thrilling experience! TKC has provided me with new skills and tools to succeed along with life experiences and friendships which I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
John Spry
Assistant Field Technician
Apart from teaching the younger generation, I was able to partake in property maintenance of all 12 protected properties, ensuring no human disturbances threatened the nature preserves and conservation easements owned by TKC. I could spend hours on these properties because of the beauty and pristine nature surrounding me - it was a tranquil and humbling experience. Additionally, as part of our duties, with the help of Sault College students and Sarah, we created a whole new trail which was a thrilling experience! TKC has provided me with new skills and tools to succeed along with life experiences and friendships which I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
John Spry
Assistant Field Technician
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