From the Field: Summer Positions with DUC’s Interpretive Centers

“World’s Best Job” is how Michaela Randall would describe her work as a nature interpreter this summer, “promoting curiosity, fun, and learning.” She and co-worker Mathieu Collet have had a bustling summer at the Ducks Unlimited Conservation Centre (DUCC) running camps, supporting event days at the centre, and bringing wetland education to schools across New Brunswick. Mathieu and Michaela lead wetland games and activities, adapting to the challenge of a new class in a new location every day while sharing their joy of nature education with young students.

Mathieu Collet (he/him)

Nature interpreter in Fredericton, N.B.
3rd year Biology Student at the University of New Brunswick

Mathieu’s second summer of work at the DUCC began with a busy season of Grade 4 wetland fieldtrips. Next came summer events like Duck Day, Duck Days of Summer Nature Camp, and the Seventh Generation Culture Camp, a program that provides “support to Elders of various Indigenous communities during a week-long camp as they strengthen the connection of Mi’kmaq youth to their culture, their people and their land,” explains Mathieu.

“My days are a dynamic mix of outdoor and indoor responsibilities,” he says. “Some days I’m out on the trails leading educational hikes or school programs, helping people connect with nature through hands-on learning. Other days, I’m inside the centre greeting guests, developing interpretive materials, or running workshops and seasonal programs.”

Visiting nature parks presents a unique opportunity for exciting wildlife encounters too. “During a program at the Miramachi Nature Park we had front-row seats to see a freshly hatched pied-billed grebe climb out of the nest, swim to its mother, and climb on its back to ride off into the sunset. So adorable!”

Mathieu feels privileged to teach students at their local wetlands and explains that with plans to become a teacher he’s been learning too! Lesson planning, public speaking, and adapting to different learning styles are all skills he’s been able to practice this summer. “Working as a nature interpreter also deepens my ability to make learning fun and meaningful, which I aim to bring into my future classroom,” he says.

Michaela Randall (she/her)

Nature interpreter, Fredericton, N.B.
Recent graduate of St. Thomas University with a Bachelor of Arts, major in psychology

Michaela had little experience working outdoors before her first summer at Ducks 3 years ago but quickly took to the action-packed days leading students through wetlands. “Discovering the vast biodiversity of our wetlands alongside the youth has been a blast!” says Michaela.

“Our main project throughout the summer, the Grade 4 Wetland Field Trip, involves bringing students to a local wetland and sharing the beauty and importance of these unique ecosystems with hands-on activities such as critter dipping (fishing for invertebrates!).”

Having a fun fact at hand is always useful to capturing students’ attention and Michaela loves their reactions as students learn about the wonders and mysteries of the natural world. “It never gets old seeing wide eyes and open mouths after sharing that woodpeckers’ tongues go around their brains or that dragonflies can live underwater for up to seven years before taking flight,” she says.

Communication, leadership, and environmental awareness are all essential skills as an environmental educator and Michaela is excited to apply them in her new role with DUC as New Brunswick Treasured Wetlands Coordinator. “Most importantly,” she notes, “I hope to continue inspiring the next generation to get outside (it’s awesome out there!)”