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 …
Support The Carden Challenge!
The biggest fundraiser – and best 24 hours! – of the year are upon us! For 21 years, nature lovers and birders have been flocking to The Carden Alvar to see how many species, bird, bug or bush, they can count in 24 hours. This beloved weekend, culminating in a …
Leave a Legacy Month
What is your vision for your community in 50 years? You can be a part of that vision with a legacy gift. This May, during Leave a Legacy Month, consider making a lasting impact with The Couchiching Conservancy through our Heartwood Fund. Your legacy gift not only protects nature …
A Mother and Daughter for Mother Nature
As published in The Villager Magazine May 1, 2025 Trudy Coughlin has a degree in anatomy and has always loved the outdoors. In the early years of her marriage, she and her husband bought a farm in Kirkland Lake, but found they couldn’t make a living and she eventually began …
Conservation Conversations: Maple Syrup Version
The following article was published in Orillia Matters on April 3, 2025 Thirty years ago, tired of 80 hour work weeks, Peter Lorriman moved his young family from London, Ontario to a sugar bush in Simcoe County. Peter laughs and says he now works 120 hours a week. Though he …
People Value Connection
This article was published in The Villager Magazine April 1st, 2025 Tuesday started with snacks. In place of our regular staff meeting, The Couchiching Conservancy was doing professional development training. We’re fortunate to have hundreds of volunteers and this leadership seminar was to make sure we’re having as big an …
Couchiching Conservancy one of the first certified Land Trusts to achieve national recognition for conservation leadership
March 25, 2025. Orillia, Ontario Couchiching Conservancy one of the first certified Land Trusts to achieve national recognition for conservation leadership The Centre for Land Conservation (CLC) announced the first Canadian land trusts to achieve Conservation Excellence Certification, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Canada’s land conservation sector. …
Conservation Conversations
As published in Orillia Matters on March 4, 2025 I remember reading an article in this paper when McLean & Dickey Insurance renovated their new building – the old A&P on King street – for energy efficiency. Finally! A company willing to go first and be a role model! I’d …
Move From Radio To Couchiching Conservancy A Wild Ride (As originally published in Orillia Matters)
I’m a middle age woman who has just switched careers at 45. It’s terrifying. I worked in media for close to twenty years. I got up at 3:30am, arrived at work to read news headlines, celebrity gossip and stories from around the world before going on air at 5:30. I’d …
The Couchiching Conservancy furthers land protection efforts near Hillsdale thanks to donors
The Couchiching Conservancy has increased land protection thanks to two donors, Sandy Agnew and Lynne Melnyk. The 39.5-acre property, 9km north of Hillsdale, was originally protected under an easement agreement in 2004 and has now been donated outright to the Conservancy. An easement is a legal entity that allows land …