CALT's 2025 Seasonal Staff Recap
We had a fantastic summer here at the Central Algoma Land Trust, thanks in large part to the hard work and dedication of our seasonal staff. Their contributions helped us accomplish a great deal over the past few months, from fieldwork and stewardship activities to community outreach and beyond.
As the season wraps up, we once again invited our seasonal staff to share a recap of their experience working with us. You can read their recaps below, which offer a great behind-the-scenes look at the important work we do and the people who help make it happen.
“I am very grateful to have worked for the Central Algoma Land Trust as the Bat Monitoring Technician this year. In addition to my summer position, Central Algoma Land Trust gave me an opportunity to complete an internship with them last winter to help further my undergraduate studies. During my time, I collected data using both passive and active bat monitors, analyzed data collected in 2024 and 2025, and put together and led educational presentations for both children and adults. Between 2024 and 2025, we have collected 331,412 recordings for our bat monitoring program, with more to come this fall.
“The Central Algoma Land Trust was an amazing place to work and I will dearly miss the team. Everyone was incredibly supportive and was very helpful in aiding my transition into my role. Working alongside the other seasonal staff made for a great summer in which we both accomplished a lot and had fun doing so. Additionally, the team was very supportive in fostering my interests in bioacoustics and amphibians. I thank everyone for their patience when I would get distracted by a pond and search for frogs during field work!
“Thanks to the Central Algoma Land Trust, I was able to spend my summer in a meaningful way by helping to monitor, maintain, and protect the environment in the Central Algoma region. This summer, I not only learned so many new skills that will help me with my future education, but also have gained more confidence in myself in the workforce. I am very grateful for my time working for such an incredible organization!”
Hailey Frasier
Bat Monitoring Technician
“Over the past two summers, I’ve had the privilege of working with the Central Algoma Land Trust, and I can confidently say it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Being part of an organization so deeply committed to environmental stewardship and community engagement has not only aligned with my values but also enriched my personal and professional development. I’m grateful to have contributed to meaningful projects that support land conservation and sustainable land use in our region.
“One of the most valuable aspects of this experience has been the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated, knowledgeable, and welcoming individuals. The team at the Central Algoma Land Trust made every day enjoyable and inspiring. I learned a great deal about conservation practices, and the importance of protecting natural spaces for future generations. The mentorship and support I received helped me build skills I will carry with me throughout my career.
“I’m proud to have been a part of this organization, and I leave with a deep appreciation for the work being done here. This experience has played an important role in shaping my path forward, and I’m excited to take what I’ve learned into the next chapter of my journey. Thank you to everyone at the Central Algoma Land Trust for making my time here so impactful I’ll always look back on it with gratitude.”
Sarah Peplow
Assistant Field Technician
“Working at the Central Algoma Land Trust this summer has been nothing short of a memorable and exciting experience. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to join their team as an Assistant Field Technician and lend my hands to their cause. As a new graduate from the Natural Environment Technician program at Sault College, I was really happy to be able to work a career that relates to my program. Upon completing my contract, I can look back fondly at my experiences and all I’ve learned and accomplished through this job.
“The work was an overall pleasurable experience that I could never grow tired of. This summer, lots of my duties consisted of property monitoring, checking bird boxes, assisting the bat tech, community outreach or various other activities. It’s important to ensure these properties are kept protected. My favourite part of the job was exploring our properties and getting to document and collect data on various flora and fauna species. I always loved getting to find new plants and treasures on our hikes and getting to photograph them; as well as getting to learn photography and how to use a digital camera. My favourite subjects to photograph on the job were different species of moss and wetland plants, as well as the occasional bird I’m lucky enough to capture.
“It has been a pleasure working with the land trust over the past few weeks and I’ll miss every moment of it. There was a lot of valuable things I’ve learned over this course of time and wish to share with my peers and future employers. My colleagues were very friendly and easy to talk to, I will miss their company and positive presence they bring to the workplace. It was nice to share a job with people who shared the same goals and admirations for the environment such as myself. I will definitely miss the calm and laid-back atmosphere this job provided and the serenity of being outdoors. This was an incredible opportunity to experience and I’m forever grateful I had the chance to share my summer doing something I love.”
Schae McCaig
Assistant Field Technician
Thank you to the Friends of Central Algoma Land Trust, the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Land Trust Alliance, and the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for providing funding that directly supported this year’s seasonal staff positions. We also extend our sincere appreciation to all members and supporters of the Central Algoma Land Trust. Your generosity makes our conservation efforts possible.
The Central Algoma Land Trust depends on the generous support of our local community to carry out our work. Please consider making a donation to help advance conservation efforts across the Central Algoma region. Your contribution will help protect the natural spaces and wildlife that make this area so special.
Sarah (left), Hailey (middle), and Schae (right) at the Gravel Point Preserve.
