By: Brian Jackson, Science Committee Chair, Quetico Foundation

Each year, the Quetico Foundation contributes to increased understanding of Quetico Provincial Park’s ecosystem and improved park management by hiring a Research Field Team. This team works under the direction of the park biologist to collect biological data that contributes to the goal of protecting and improving the ecological integrity of Quetico.

Last month, I was fortunate to be invited to join park biologist Jared Stachiw and 2024 Quetico Foundation research team of Raquel and Connor on a short overnight trip into Quetico Provincial Park.

The purpose was a “shakedown” trip to introduce Raquel and Connor to backcountry camping in Quetico and work on some of the skills they would be using this summer. The route was quick loop from Beaverhouse through Quetico Lake and a night on Cirrus Lake before returning to Beaverhouse. Weather was typical for this time of year – a bit of sun, a bit of rain, a bit of wind, a bit of glassy calm waters and the arrival of the first blackflies of the season. Along the way, we discussed canoeing safety, camping and portaging techniques, paddling skills including introducing the “hut stoke” or sit-and-switch technique used by Quetico Park staff as well as use of GPS units which while be essential in placing and recovery the acoustic meters used to record bird songs this year. Interspersed with this was a lot of discussion about the how and why of Quetico Provincial Park’s ecological management philosophy.

During the trip, Raquel and Connor proved to be quick, eager and conscientious learners.

Besides contributing to Quetico Provincial Park, we hope that both team members have a rewarding and enjoyable summer.