On a crisp autumn afternoon, over 75 people gathered to watch the thought-provoking documentary 2040 as part of the Passport to Nature series. The film, directed by Damon Gameau, takes an innovative approach to climate change by highlighting existing solutions that could transform our planet for the better. Through the lens …
Benthic Invertebrate Workshop
Have you ever thought about what a baby mosquito looks like or where a young dragonfly spends its days? For many insects, their story begins underwater. Eggs laid in or near the water hatch, and the larval insect is born into their new watery reality. They find a home amongst …
To All A Good Night
With a spring of solar flares carrying the northern lights further south than usual more of us have been making an effort to enjoy the night sky. Of course when we go out into the dark we aren’t alone, we are accompanied by bats, birds, moths and more of the …
Fabulous Fall Fungi
As fall settles across Orillia and the vibrant leaves catch our attention, fungi quietly emerge in the forests of Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve. These fascinating organisms, more commonly known as mushrooms or toadstools, thrive in the cooler, damper conditions of autumn. Fungi are neither plants nor animals—though they are often …
Unveiling of the Cedar Grove Nature Reserve
The Cedar Grove Nature Reserve is a remarkable property with a rich history and a bright future in conservation. Acquired through the dedicated efforts of the Conservancy, this land holds deep significance not only for its environmental value but also for the community connections it represents. Long before the Conservancy …
The Couchiching Conservancy furthers land protection efforts near Hillsdale thanks to donors
The Couchiching Conservancy has increased land protection thanks to two donors, Sandy Agnew and Lynne Melnyk. The 39.5-acre property, 9km north of Hillsdale, was originally protected under an easement agreement in 2004 and has now been donated outright to the Conservancy. An easement is a legal entity that allows land …
Embracing Ecological Land Classification for Conservation: The Couchiching Conservancy’s Approach
With a mission to protect the natural landscapes and wildlife habitats within the region, we employ various strategies to ensure the sustainability and health of these ecosystems. One pivotal method in our conservation toolkit is the use of Ecological Land Classification (ELC). Understanding Ecological Land Classification Ecological Land Classification is …
Summer Warblers: Part Two
Let’s dive into some of the top birding spots in the Great Lakes region, where you can experience the peak of warbler migration and discover some of the most renowned locations for birdwatching. We’ll also discuss the remaining warblers in the Setophaga genus that weren’t covered in the previous article. …
Field Notes: Community Effort to Combat Invasive Species- Join Us!
How do we take care of the land we love? One critical action is invasive species removal to ensure species like Monarch Butterflies have suitable habitat to thrive and survive. Over the past two months, our staff and volunteers have come together to remove over 1,000 lbs. It’s absolutely inspiring …
Summer Warblers: Part One
In the Great Lakes Region of North America, wood-warblers, Parulidae, are one of the most diverse groups of birds with over 40 species. There is a warbler for every habitat type, and of almost every colour pattern – although I haven’t seen any purple warblers! Considering the beautiful and striking …