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The ins and outs of Conservation Easements

In Nature Reserves & Easements, News by couchiching

The Couchiching Conservancy land trust is involved with land protection in three ways: We own the land, we partner with other organizations (for example, Ontario Parks, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust) to acquire and manage the land, or we work with private landowners to protect their land using a conservation easement.

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17% Pledge Aims to Protect Nature

In News by couchiching

As a part of a Global mission to secure Earth’s biodiversity, Canada has committed to having 17% of land and inland water protected by 2020. Because Canada has 10% of the world’s forest, 25% of the world’s wetlands, and 20% of the world’s fresh water, achieving this goal will be influential across local and global scales.

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When the Going Gets Tough, the Naturalist Gets Going

In News by couchiching

Knowledgeable, passionate and ambitious are three champion terms that describe avid outdoor enthusiasts and naturalists. As a young naturalist who is continually developing new and existing skills, I have found that taking part in adventures and nature studies always pose tremendous learning opportunities. Approaching these with a positive attitude is key for personal development, but it is not always easy. Sometimes small bumps in the road can challenge you as you learn, but ultimately better you as an aspiring professional in the field of environmental conservation.

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Washago blessed with the “smell of green”

In News by couchiching

That quality likely comes from the degree of forest cover we still enjoy. A 2012 report from Trees Ontario, called A Healthy Dose of Green: a prescription for a healthy population, underlines the value of that cover.

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Exploring and learning on the alvar

In Carden Alvar, Events, News by couchiching

Each year hundreds of people head to the Carden alvar in droves. They are drawn by the landscape and species, but also by two special events hosted by The Couchiching Conservancy featuring the alvar and taking place in late May and early June – Carden Challenge and Carden Alvar Nature Festival.

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Volunteers recognized for outstanding contributions

In News, People by couchiching

A strong and dedicated group of volunteers brings a fresh perspective and a different sort of energy to the Couchiching Conservancy. Their contributions multiply the resources of the organization in so many ways: by increasing our capacity we can undertake new initiatives in conservation and preservation; our profile in the community is enhanced; our properties are maintained and protected for future generations and volunteers bring new insights and skills to the work we do.

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Bird Watching: Ospreys, a large bird of prey

In Birds, News by couchiching

No matter where it is I travel, one bird I can usually count on seeing is the Osprey. Ospreys are one of the most widespread birds in the world and can be found on all continents except Anarctica. They are not difficult to identify as they are one of the largest birds of prey in North America with a wingspan of about five feet.

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Birding: Inside the life of a Loon

In Birds, News by couchiching

There is excitement developing in the Common Loons that have spent the past few months off shore on the Eastern Seaboard. It’s an inner drive that compels them to begin their northern migration back to our lakes. It is not only an exciting time for them, but for those of us who are just now enjoying the warmth of an early spring sun and the longer days!