Meet NCC’s 2024 summer interns: Jeslyn Chantler
Jesyln Chantler, NCC Intern 2024 (Photo by NCC)
The adrenaline rush from running fuels marathon runner Jeslyn Chantler — who is also the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s (NCC) conservation intern for the Happy Valley Forest region, which is 50 minutes north of Toronto — to do her conservation work.
She said that when she runs in natural spaces, she becomes more passionate about protecting the areas. “It’s a lot more enjoyable to run on country roads with beautiful forests around you as opposed to just being surrounded by concrete spaces.”
As a new graduate from Toronto Metropolitan University’s Environmental and Urban Sustainability program, Jeslyn has applied what she has learned during her undergraduate studies into the internship. “It's been interesting to translate that knowledge of urban planning into these natural, remote and robust areas that exist within the city,” she says.
Jeslyn says that her degree has given her multiple perspectives on engaging the public with the nature that exists in cities, but also still making sure that these areas are protected, prioritized and accessible for all.
She also mentioned that this is what she also likes about the Happy Valley Forest region whenever she is on the field: its accessibility and proximity to the public in the Greater Toronto Area.
White trilliums in Happy Valley Forest, ON (Photo by NCC)
“We have an accessible trail and other trails for people to hike and enjoy, which is unique to the Happy Valley. It's a really great opportunity to be able to use it for outreach and just engaging the public with the work that NCC does,” Jeslyn added.
During her spare time, this avid outdoor enthusiast engages in various activities, such as hiking and canoeing.
At work, Jeslyn does different tasks, such as participating in marsh monitoring, pulling garlic mustard from the ground, or listening to birds. She shared that every workday, she learns unique skills.
“I participated in a cool amphibian and bird marsh monitoring at the Love Mountain Nature Reserve, and I learned how to fill out different surveys and sheets for the program,” she said, adding that it was a great experience. “At other NCC properties, I monitor and check the trails to make sure it is safe, work with dog-strangling vine, or listen to birds around me. I love how every day is a different task; it’s rewarding for me.”
Jeslyn highly recommends prospective NCC interns keep asking questions and to explore their passions. “All the staff members have been really supportive, and I felt uplifted and encouraged to pursue areas that I'm interested in within NCC that might not be necessarily specific to my role. You'll get the most out of [the internship] when you dedicate yourself to continually learning and growing.”
The 2024 Conservation Intern Program in Ontario is proudly supported by 407 ETR.
About the Author
Kyla Cortez is the Nature Conservancy of Canada's internal communications & culture intern for the summer of 2024. She is currently doing a double major in English and book and media studies at the University of Toronto. Aside from journalism and academics, she loves birds, going to parks and travelling to different places.
