July 11th, 2025 All Couchiching Conservancy nature reserves except Kris Starr Nature Reserve are now open. Sedge Wren Marsh trail at Windmill Ranch is also still closed. If You Would Like To Help Volunteer Trail Clean Up Dates: Thurs: July 10 T.C. Agnew Clean Up 10am – 2pm. Fri: May …
Field Notes: Listening for Bats, Protecting Biodiversity
As the sun sets, bats begin their night shift — emerging silently to hunt insects and play a vital role in healthy ecosystems. In Ontario, these quiet mammals are key to controlling insect populations, supporting agriculture, and acting as indicators of environmental change. Yet seven out of the eight native bat …
Field Notes: Whitney Wetland Eco-passage Summer Updates
With the Summer in full swing, many reptiles are mating and nesting near lakes, rivers, and wetlands—which means that the roads adjacent to these areas are an even more perilous place than usual. When roads are built beside or bisecting natural areas, wildlife must either cross them, or risk remaining …
How To Solve A Problem You Don’t Know Exists?
To increase the community’s awareness of Couchiching Conservancy’s work, we’re writing monthly columns in the local media. The below article was originally published in Orillia Matters on July 2nd. Jocelyn and Brian trudge through the darkness, trying not to trip over tree roots as they make their way to the next bat …
Field Notes: 2025 Carden Bird Blitz
It’s 6am on the Carden Alvar, and nearly sixty people have gathered in the early morning light, many with binoculars or cameras in hand. Some are groggy, others bright-eyed and eager—but we’re all excited to see what the day has in store. This is the Annual Carden Bird Blitz, when …
Welcome 2025 Summer Staff
This year we’re happy to have three new conservation-minded faces on staff for the season! You may run into Ethan, Lily and Izzy over the next few months. Izzy is likely to greet you at Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve trail head and is happy to answer any questions. Ethan and …
Thank You Carden Challenge Participants
On a rainy Friday night in May, bird watching teams gathered on the Carden Alvar waiting for the clock to tick down to 6pm. On the signal they raced (quietly, birders race quietly) to begin counting as many different bird and animals species as they could over the next 24 …
Field Notes: Reptile Monitoring
Reptiles, often elusive and misunderstood, play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of our landscapes. At The Couchiching Conservancy, our commitment to conservation extends to these fascinating creatures through dedicated reptile monitoring programs. These efforts not only help us understand species dynamics but also aid in protecting their …
Eco Passage Volunteer Work Begins June 4!
We’re excited to begin construction on a wildlife eco-passage to help protect local animals and restore wildlife movement across habitats. Volunteer support is crucial — and we’re looking for help starting Wednesday, June 4th at 10:00 AM. Why This Matters Wildlife road mortality is a serious issue in Ontario. Roads …
Field Notes: Delayed Start To Invasive Species Pulls
The start of the Invasive Species field season has been full of interesting and new challenges. After the ice storm, the Stewardship team at The Couchiching Conservancy had to restructure their priorities and shift their focus towards safely opening nature reserves. The amount of debris and damage from the ice …
Calling Volunteers For Two Bio Blitzes
Bio Blitz: Eldridge Nature Reserve- June 28 from 8am- 2pm (Scroll down for information on the Bio Blitz at Mitchell Bruce Nature Reserve) Eldridge Nature Reserve was acquired by the Couchiching Conservancy in 2025. It is a stunning landscape near Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park, and other Couchiching Conservancy …