Frequently Asked Questions
The Couchiching Conservancy was established by concerned naturalists in Orillia and surrounding region. The key regions include:
- The Carden Alvar
- The Oro Moraine
- The Severn Wildlands
- The Black/Head River Corridor
It is important to tread lightly on the land and reduce the impact we are having on nature and the species who call it home.
- Nature appreciation
- Photography
- Hiking
- Cross country skiing (trails are not groomed)
- Snowshoeing
- Birdwatching
- Dog walking, as long as you keep your pet(s) on a leash. This is for their safety and the enjoyment of others who visit.
Paintball
Off leash dogs
Feeding wildlife
Collection of material such as picking wildflowers, removal of wood, fossils, etc.
ATVs/off-road vehicles
Mountain biking
Harvesting and foraging
Hunting
Camping
Shelters and stands
Trapping
Swimming
Yes, groups are permitted to visit the Reserves that are open to the public.
For groups interested in visiting Grant's Woods Nature Reserves, we ask that you contact our office to book the date. This Reserve is also the location of our office and we have regular meetings and activities, so the parking lot can fill up quickly. A bus will not fit in our parking area and there is not enough space to turn around. We do not have Education staff, but may be able to connect you with a Conservancy volunteer if you are looking for a walk leader.
You can also check our Events Calendar to ensure there are not activities planned on other Reserves.
If you are visiting the Carden Alvar and specifically Wylie Road, please be respectful of other visitors - do not block the road.
Yes, photographers need to book a date and time with our office and pay the associated fee. You can download the Booking Info Sheet here.
The Conservancy has priority regions and actively seeks properties within these regions of environmental significance. The individual properties may be donated, acquired through purchase following a fundraising campaign, acquired through partnerships with other organizations (such as Ontario Heritage Trust, Ontario Parks or the Nature Conservancy of Canada). The Conservancy also holds Conservation Easements on private properties. These easements are donated by the owners of the properties with mutually agreed upon restrictions. The easements are registered on the title of the properties. Ownership remains with the land owner and the easement stays with the property once it is sold.