Jenna – Ecologist Team Lead

Jenna just joined the Wood Buffalo National Park team, and is excited to get into the park to work on research and monitoring projects.

What do you look forward to seeing in the park?

There is so much to see in Wood Buffalo National Park, however, one of the places I look forward to exploring is the Salt Plains. This area has such a unique combination of plants and geology, making the landscape unlike anything I have ever seen before. The ecologist in me is also extremely excited to see the predator-prey dynamics between wolves and bison!

Best project/study you’ve gotten to work on in your career so far?

I have been extremely fortunate to travel and work in many remote locations across Canada, however, there is a unique beauty to the Arctic tundra. Plant growth in this biome is hindered by harsh climate conditions and short growing seasons. While standing on the flat, open tundra you can see for kilometers without trees obstructing your view…it’s a humbling experience. A couple of years ago I worked as a research assistant in a remote field camp north of Inuvik, NT. For three months I lived on the tundra while collecting data to better understand the impact of shrub expansion on this sensitive ecosystem. Living and working in such a beautiful yet desolate place was an experience I will always remember.

What’s the project or study you’re most looking forward to digging into in the park?

During my academic career, I led research projects pertaining to plant science. So, I’m keen to utilize those skillsets to design protocols to help manage invasive species and protect the ecological integrity of the park. Additionally, I look forward to gaining more experience and helping colleagues on wildlife projects.

Favourite part of the job?

Tough question! There are so many different aspects to being an ecologist that I love. I have always been an outdoor enthusiast and I love adventure. As an ecologist, portions of my job allow me to spend time in nature collecting data and establishing future experiments. An outside office? Yes, please!

I have always thought of ecology as a giant puzzle. Each piece or variable helps create a picture or story, and then we can understand the ecosystem. Ultimately this aids our ability to protect and conserve habitats across Canada. Putting the pieces of the puzzle together, or rather, analyzing the data and finding meaning to patterns has always been one of my favourite elements of the job.

What do you love most about science?

Science helps us understand the way our world works. You can answer some of life’s most complicated questions using science.

For me, the more I understand something the more value and appreciation I have.

Some might look at a tree and think of it as wood. What they might not see is 80-100 years of growth, and a massive contribution to the forest community. Trees can be connected through an underground network known as mycorrhiza, which allows them to communicate with one another and share resources. This network influences the productivity, survival and health of the forest as a whole.

Through science it becomes clear that everything is connected and no matter how small or large an organism might be it can play a significant role in the health and function of the community.