Wrap up your holiday list early with our holiday gift guide, packed full of ideas and gifts for every nature lover in your life! For the person who loves experiences: The best gift is time together. Plan an outing to a nearby trail for a snowshoe or hike and bring …
Reflecting on the Future: 2040 Inspires Action at Passport to Nature Afternoon at the Movies
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 …
Field Notes: 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 …
A Love For Swamps, (as originally published in The Villager)
In 2018, Evelyn Frantzke & Robert Williamson had an encounter at The Orillia Fall Fair that changed their lives. The Couchiching Conservancy had a table set up and they went over. They’d recently bought a home with land in Oro Medonte and wanted to know about the area. They quickly …
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. …