Chatham / Delaware – The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) received over $15,000 in Federal and Provincial grants to employ 5 students this summer. Job experiences include benthic monitoring, GIS mapping, museum graphics design and visitor services. Federal government programs provided $9,098 and Provincial government programs supported with $5,978.
At the Chatham LTVCA Administration Building, 3 students are working as a Benthic Monitoring Assistant, a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Assistant and an Assistant Water Resources Technician. These positions are funded through two Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry grants (Provincial) and an Employment and Social Development Canada grant (Federal). The duration of these grants ranges from 34 days to 12 weeks. Stephanie Johnson of Amberstburg, Jessalyn Chen from Toronto and Tyler Dore of Chatham fill these positions.
At Longwoods Road Conservation Area and the Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum just west of Delaware, 2 students are working as a Museum Design Assistant and a Community Activities Coordinator. A 10 week Canadian Heritage grant (Federal) and an 8 week Employment and Social Development Canada (Federal) grant funded these positions. Natalie Barrett and Nicole Boere of London accepted these summer jobs.
The LTVCA is grateful to have received this funding as it provides increased capacity enabling important research and development for our conservation programs. In return, local students receive valuable work experience in office and field situations, as well as health and safety training for their particular jobs. This summer, the grants provide these students an opportunity to work alongside senior staff to conduct water monitoring research and put into practice current mapping techniques. The Ska-Nah-Doht Resource Guide for teachers and various publications are being redesigned for web friendly access. As well, community outreach for the Museum is successfully underway at local festivals, offsite events and new on-site activities for visitors to Longwoods Road Conservation Area.
For Further Information Contact:
Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority
519-354-7310