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 Nature Reserves like Marley, Ron Reid, and Taylor. This nature reserve contains wetlands, rock barrens, scenic outlooks, forests, and meadows. By cataloguing as many species as we can, we will better understand the land, its needs, and protect the area. We will record as much biodiversity as possible. Eldridge is not normally open to the public, so this is a unique opportunity to explore the area.
Location: Eldridge Nature Reserve. Chisholm Trail, Dalton Township, City of Kawartha Lakes ON
Click here to see map to Eldridge Nature Reserve
Meeting Place: Rock barren at the north end of the property along Chisholm Trail. There will be a table setup. All participants must sign in and out at the entrance location with a staff member. This is to ensure that we can account for everyone’s location and safety. Sign-in will be at this location. We will enter the property here.
Parking Area & Conditions: Along Chisholm Trail and on the property as directed by staff. Be mindful of private property surrounding the nature reserve.
Terrain: There are no official trails at this location. Participants must walk with partners or small groups and can go with a Couchiching Conservancy staff member. There are rock barrens, forests, meadows, and wetland. Some areas will likely be muddy. Poison ivy and biting insects may be present. Rubber boots or sturdy hiking boots, bug spray, head netting, long sleeves, and pants are recommended. There are no facilities at this location. Please bring water to stay hydrated, and snacks if desired.
Time: 8 am- 2 pm. Bio blitzers may stay the entire time, arrive or leave anytime during this window.
Scope: We aim to catalogue as many species as possible! This includes birds, trees, flowering plants, fungi, aquatic and wetland plants, lichens, mammals, frogs and toads, salamanders, snakes, lizards, turtles, insects and arachnids, and aquatic animals, invasive species, any others we’re lucky enough to find. We will use iNaturalist and eBird to record species observations, so bring a charged smart phone!
Participation: All ages and ability levels are welcome from new naturalists to taxon experts. This location is not accessible to wheel chairs, however, due to rough terrain and may be difficult for people with mobility issues. Participants will walk the property with a group or partner, observe, photograph species, and add entries to eBird and iNaturalist. Bring binoculars if you can! We will leave no trace- take only pictures, leave only footprints. There are no facilities present at this location. Come with iNaturalist and eBird setup on your device. For help with bird sound identification, we also recommend Merlin. Maps and guides will be provided.
Bio Blitz: Mitchell Bruce Nature Reserve July 12 from 8am – 2pm
Click here to see map to parking for Mitchell Bruce.
We will be parking at the trailhead for Alexander Hope Smith. Please do not park in the cul de sac.
Mitchell Bruce Nature Reserve was acquired by the Couchiching Conservancy in 2023. It abuts Alexander Hope Smith Nature Reserve, forming a large continuous conservation area. This property is closed to the public in order to conserve its natural features and protect the many species at risk we suspect flourish there. By cataloguing as many species as we can, we will better understand the land, its needs, and protect the area. We will record as much biodiversity as possible. Mitchell Bruce is not normally open to the public, so this is a unique opportunity to explore the area.
Location: Mitchell Bruce Nature Reserve. 3408 Riverdale Drive, Washago ON
Meeting Place: Alexander Hope Smith Trailhead on Riverdale Drive. A table will be setup. All participants must sign in and out at the entrance location with a staff member. This is to ensure that we can account for everyone’s location and safety. Sign-in will be at the trailhead for Alexander Hope Smith on Riverdale Drive. We will enter Mitchell Bruce through that trailhead.
Parking Area & Conditions: Riverdale Drive along the road and Parking area for Alexander Hope Smith Nature Reserve. Be mindful of cottage driveways and do not park on private property. Do not park in the cul de sac.
Terrain: There are no official trails at this location. Participants must walk with partners or small groups and can go with a Couchiching Conservancy staff member. There are rock barrens, forests, meadows, and wetland. Some areas will likely be muddy. Poison ivy and biting insects may be present. Rubber boots or sturdy hiking boots, bug spray, head netting, long sleeves, and pants are recommended. There are no facilities at this location. Please bring water to stay hydrated, and snacks if desired.
Time: 8 am- 2 pm. Bio blitzers may stay the entire time, arrive or leave anytime during this window.
Scope: We aim to catalogue as many species as possible! This includes birds, trees, flowering plants, fungi, aquatic and wetland plants, lichens, mammals, frogs and toads, salamanders, snakes, lizards, turtles, insects and arachnids, and aquatic animals, invasive species, any others we’re lucky enough to find. We will use iNaturalist and eBird to record species observations, so bring a charged smart phone!
Participation: All ages and ability levels are welcome from new naturalists to taxon experts. This location is not accessible to wheel chairs, however, due to rough terrain and may be difficult for people with mobility issues. Participants will walk the property with a group or partner, observe, photograph species, and add entries to eBird and iNaturalist. Bring binoculars if you can! We will leave no trace- take only pictures, leave only footprints. There are no facilities present at this location. Come with iNaturalist and eBird setup on your device. For help with bird sound identification, we also recommend Merlin. Maps and guides will be provided.