People across the world prepared for and celebrated the solar eclipse on April 8, but what were wildlife doing? How did their behaviour change during this rare occurance? That was the question that spurred on a few of our staff to venture out on the solar eclipse day to get …
75-hectares permanently protected in Ramara Township
The Late John Pitts and Kathleen Milligan honoured at Sweetwater Farm Nature Reserve unveiling ceremony Wednesday, June 28, 2023, Orillia, Ontario – Supporters of the Couchiching Conservancy, including family and friends, celebrated the unveiling of the Sweetwater Farm Nature Reserve. The 75-hectare (185-acre) property in the heart of Ramara, located …
The Perilous Life of a Nesting Turtle
Turtle Nesting season is winding down, but there are still some on the move finding nesting sites or going back to their wetlands. Here are some things to remember: The reason we see so many turtles on the roads at this time of year is that females are looking for that …
Notes From the Field – Summer 2019
During a recent Salamander Monitoring visit to Church Woods with Kim Trudeau & family, they encountered two Eastern Red-backed Salamanders. This terrestrial species of salamander can live for up to 25 years and requires a damp environment to survive. This is because they need to breathe through their skin as they …
Notes from the Field – Summer 2019
Photo: Kim Trudeau
Calling All Citizen Scientists…
The Couchiching Conservancy has a goal to effectively monitor and care for the thousands of acres we protect in this region, and as we settle into the 21st century, that order has been supersized.
Partly we are victims of our own blessed success in acquiring new habitats, thanks to all of you. But the odds are also ratcheting up against biodiversity in our region, due to daunting factors such as climate change and the development of unprotected lands.
Protecting a Species at Risk on the Carden Alvar
The Couchiching Conservancy, along with partners such as Earth Rangers, have been tackling threats which endanger Bobolinks. One of the greatest threats relevant to Carden is loss of critical grassland habitat. As southern Ontario becomes intensely developed, prime Bobolink habitat is at risk. Ecosystems within the Carden Alvar remain as a sanctuary where conservation efforts can be focused in order to preserve this critical bobolink habitat.
A record of diminishing wildlife
Each year, we seem to hear the same question: Where have all the birds gone? A report released this month by the World Wildlife Fund provides some of the answers, and its conclusions are not for the faint of heart.
Home Building – Turtle Style by Matt Thomson
As the saying goes; “slow and steady wins the race”- this is not always true when it comes to our reptilian friends living in our local ponds and wetlands.