This summer, I’ve had the privilege to work as an Invasive Species Technician with The Couchiching Conservancy, and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. Going into this job, I knew I cared about the environment, but I didn’t realize just how much I’d grow to care for the specific landscapes, plants, and animals I was working to protect. It’s made me look at the land around me in a whole new way.
Throughout the season, our small but mighty crew covered over 17 different nature reserves. At each one, we worked hard to observe, track, map and remove invasive species that threaten the health of the ecosystems. It’s easy to underestimate how much damage a single patch of invasive plants can do, but the truth is that species like periwinkle, dog-strangling vine, garlic mustard, and buckthorn can completely take over an area if left unchecked. When they spread, they push out native species, reduce biodiversity, and change the way the entire ecosystem functions. Removing them helps native plants regrow, supports the return of wildlife, and restores balance to the landscape. It’s tough work, but knowing that every patch we clear makes a difference feels worth it.
One of my favorite parts of this job has been getting to know the different reserves, and learning what makes each one unique. My favorite place, hands down, is Eldridge nature reserve, it is a newer property with such an incredible mix of landscapes. I participated in my first BioBlitz there, and it honestly made me fall even more in love with the work I’m doing. Eldridge is special because it brings together so many different habitats in one place: you’ve got open rock barrens, alvar species tucked into crevices, lush wetlands, meadow species and even sphagnum bogs. It’s such a biodiverse property, and every visit feels like an adventure.
Another highlight of this summer has been the volunteers. The amount of knowledge they bring to the field is incredible. Every time I work alongside them, I walk away having learned something new. One lesson that really stuck with me was from a volunteer who told me, “Never leave stones unturned.” And they meant that literally! During one of our outings, we started flipping rocks and was shocked to find snakes and tons of cool insects hiding underneath. It completely changed how I explore and observe the land.
Another one of my favorite parts was working alongside the Couchiching Conservancy staff. Each person brought something truly unique to the table, whether it was digging an eco-passage, turtle watching, birding, snake boarding, or bat monitoring. Every activity was a chance to learn something new. I was amazed by how much expertise and passion each staff member brought to their work, and how eager they were to share their knowledge.
Ethan’s Highlights
“It felt really good to be able to say that I helped open a nature reserve after a natural disaster”.
“I hope to use the experience that I’ve gained here to further my career. I learned so much more about field work this summer and working in conservation that will help my future research in Forest management”.
This job has taught me how much care, patience, and respect it takes to steward the land properly. It’s not just about plant removal, it’s about protecting the relationships between species, learning from the land, and doing our part to give native ecosystems a fighting chance. I feel proud of what we’ve accomplished this summer, and even more inspired to keep learning and doing this kind of work in the future.
Article by: Lily Edmunds, Invasive Species Technician