As a dedicated supporter of our conservation family, you understand the critical importance of preserving our natural landscapes for future generations. We wanted to provide you with an update on our conservation efforts.
It seems these days we are seeing ever increasing evidence of the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. Recently we have all seen news headlines such as “The planet saw its hottest day on record this week. The record will be broken again and again.” and “It’s Canada’s worst fire season in modern history, as smoke fills skies.”
Together, we have witnessed the staggering decline of species and ecosystems, compelling us to act swiftly and decisively. Amidst feelings of anxiety and worry, we remain hopeful. After all, protecting our natural landscapes is an act of hope for the future. And we have a lot to be hopeful about.
For nearly 30 years the Couchiching Conservancy has been diligently working to ensure that special natural places in the Lake Couchiching and parts of the Lake Simcoe watersheds are safeguarded for the future. These efforts have been focused on addressing intertwined crises – climate change and biodiversity loss.
We are excited by the fact that in this time we have been able to protect over 14,430 acres (5,840-hectares) of forests, wetlands, rivers/streams, meadows and other significant areas. We are even more excited about the opportunity to protect more sensitive natural spaces in the years to come. There are opportunities on the horizon and we are already in discussions with a number of land owners.
In 2019 we launched the Corridors Campaign. Its focus is on proactively raising money so we can be in a position to act immediately when opportunities arise in the Black River and Carden Alvar areas. We are thrilled to report that this campaign is nearing its completion and we have been able to protect six properties totalling 1,929-acres (781-hectares) thanks to many supporters. When the Morton Alvar property, our latest acquisition fueled by the campaign, closes one month from now, it will add an additional 400-acres of rare alvar habitat to the land permanently protected by you, and cement the Corridors Campaign as our most successful effort.
But there are several other properties currently being negotiated under the Corridor Campaign umbrella and we need just $110,000 more to push us to our goal. That campaign funding will power us forward on these projects now in play and give us the flexibility to react quickly to opportunities. The fund also gives us the critical ability to attract more support from government sources and foundations – one of the key conditions we set out to create with the Corridors Campaign.
The critically important work the Couchiching Conservancy does to combat climate change and biodiversity loss would not be possible without the ongoing support of its many volunteers, donors and other funders.
Your contribution, no matter the amount, will bring us closer to our goal of preserving more landscapes and building a stronger corridor of connected wilderness. Our thanks to those of you who have already made gifts. Your support is not only an investment in the protection of Morton Prairie Alvar, but also a testament to your unwavering commitment to environmental conservation. Together, we are securing a brighter future—one where nature thrives, biodiversity flourishes, and our planet is sustained for generations to come.
To make a donation or learn more about the Corridors Campaign, please visit our website or give us a call at the office. A heart felt thanks to all of you!