Volunteer Spotlight: Jennifer Haughton

Jennifer Haughton, NCC Volunteer. Photo by Jennifer Haughton

Here at the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), summertime usually means we get to be out in the field completing important conservation work with the help of our awesome volunteers. This year, things are a little different and we find ourselves missing the smiling faces of our dedicated volunteers. So, we decided to invite some of them to share their stories. Read on to hear from Jennifer Haughton, a volunteer in the Ottawa Valley region of Quebec:

As a graduate in environmental science and conservation I have always been looking for hands-on experience. I have, therefore, participated in a variety of volunteer activities, including species at risk monitoring, site monitoring, bioblitz surveying and site cleanups. NCC field trips offer a unique opportunity to obtain coaching and instruction from experts on how to listen for and/or identify species at risk. These activities have enhanced my knowledge of local species at risk, including whip-poor-will, western chorus frog and Blanding's turtle.

Map turtles on a log. Photo by Jennifer Haughton

The Pontiac region and NCC sites boast an incredible array of biodiversity. As an amateur nature photographer, I enjoy taking my camera during field trips and documenting wildlife observations. Since volunteering with NCC, I have gained a particular interest in turtles. I was, therefore, thrilled when NCC invited me to assist (on a seasonal basis) with verifying the data obtained from their new Carapace program.

Volunteering with NCC has also involved collaborating with other organizations and conservation experts. Participating in the Kettle Island Cleanup offered the opportunity to meet volunteers and staff from the Ottawa Riverkeeper and City of Gatineau. During a bioblitz event in the Pontiac, several experts in ornithology, entomology and herpetology were on-site to assist and provide guidance. I have also participated in multiple site maintenance and cleanups, including maintaining motion cameras in the field, and have enjoyed learning how NCC monitors ATV use and the impacts of ATV use on NCC properties.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is an excellent place to volunteer for anyone with a passion for the outdoors and nature. I'm looking forward to future volunteer events and field trips with the NCC.