August 19, 2010

A Spirit of Adventure

(Oliver, BC) Okanagan HSBC Conservation Youth Crew member Nellie Salter explained what attracted her to the crew in the first place: “My sister worked for The Nature Trust for two summers a couple of years ago and I got to hear all about her adventures, what she was learning and the neat places she got to explore in the valley.”

The Nature Trust of British Columbia hires crews each summer to tackle a wide variety of conservation activities on properties across the province and learn valuable skills for future employment. Training includes First Aid and Bear Aware as well as the safe handling of power tools.

On the job since the beginning of May, Nellie says, “I've learned so much this summer without even realizing it. Everyday we do hands-on things that teach me about this valley and how unique and valuable it is. In particular, I've been learning to identify native and noxious plants which is really cool because it gives me more of a sense of responsibility to protect what is supposed to be growing here. I've also learned a lot about conservation work and the methods that are used in order to be as effective and efficient as possible, since fighting the noxious weed problem is a pretty big project to take on. Also, I've been learning practical skills such as building and taking apart a fence and how to build a fence that is wildlife friendly.”

The crews perform on-the-ground work as well as attending workshops from specialists in the field on topics such as bird counts, and forest and wetland ecology.

“We've had the chance to work alongside local biologists, helping them with field work,” explains Nellie. “This past week we got to help with a fencing project to keep bighorn sheep and domestic sheep separate in order to prevent another die-off of the wild sheep populations. With these kinds of projects we get to work with the locals and learn from them about their relationship with conservation efforts. It's generally a positive experience and we're able to teach people about the importance of having a minimal impact on the rare ecosystem we live in.”

When asked about her favourite part of the job, she says, “The exploring that we've gotten to do. I've lived in the Okanagan since I was 5 and there is so much of it that I had never seen before. So I have really enjoyed the remote areas that this job brings me to and the practical education that I've been able to experience.”

When asked about the most difficult challenge, Nellie explains, ”The only part of the job that is really difficult is the heat, but when we're outside surrounded by a unique kind of beauty it's hard to complain. I don't think many people get to do what we do.”

After completing the program, many crew members go on to study conservation and return as supervisors on the crews.

“I'm not sure what I thought I would gain from this position when I first went into it,” says Nellie, “but now that we are nearing the end of the summer I think I have gained valuable knowledge surrounding conservation in the Okanagan Valley; the practical side of conservation as well as the relationships between The Nature Trust and the ranching community and other land users. All the issues surrounding the conservation work have been really fascinating to learn about and I'm hoping to gain more knowledge and experience about this kind of work.”

After the crew wraps up at the end of the summer, Nellie will be heading back to school to finish her fourth year in political science at the University of Victoria. “I'm not sure what I'll do after I finish my degree, but for now I am just really enjoying learning.”

In 2010, HSBC Conservation Youth Crews are operating on Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland, South Okanagan, East Kootenay, and Peace River.

The Nature Trust is pleased to have HSBC Bank Canada as the title sponsor of the HSBC Conservation Youth Crew Program for the fifth year. Other sponsors include BC Hydro, BC Ministry of Environment, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, HRSDC, The Tony Cartledge Fund and the Victoria Foundation.

The Nature Trust of British Columbia is a leading non profit land conservation organization dedicated to protecting BC’s natural diversity of plants and animals through the acquisition and conservation of critical habitats and other areas of ecological significance. Along with our partners, The Nature Trust has invested more than $68 million to secure over 61,000 hectares (150,000 acres) of critical habitat throughout British Columbia.

Conserving BC’s Natural Beauty.

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For more information, please contact:
Robin Rivers, Communications Manager
(604) 924-9771