As published in Orillia Matters on Dec. 8, 2024 Recently, I left a job in morning radio to work at the Couchiching Conservancy. I’ve spent the past few months thinking about the ways we learn and speak. It’s been really intimidating learning new things, especially when I feel guilty for …
Great Lakes Alvars, with focus on Kawartha Lakes Carden Alvar
Alvars are unique and fascinating ecosystems that are defined by limestone or dolostone outcrops, often with little to no soil, supporting grassland, shrubland, savanna, or woodland vegetation. These ecosystems are quite rare, found in only a few areas worldwide, with the most notable concentrations occurring in the Baltic Sea region …
Nature Counts 2024: Celebrating Volunteers and Monitoring Efforts
Every year, Nature Counts brings us together to celebrate the dedication and hard work of our volunteers and to reflect on the impact of our conservation efforts. This year, we shared some incredible highlights from our Community Science monitoring programs, successes in species conservation, and the vital role volunteers play …
Field Notes: The Couchiching Conservancy’s First Eco Passage
Every year, thousands of animals face a perilous journey across roads, risking their lives in the face of speeding vehicles. For salamanders, frogs, and many other species near Whitney Wetland & McIsaac Nature Reserve, this danger has been especially pronounced. Thanks to The Couchiching Conservancy’s Wildlife on Roads Community Science …
Move From Radio To Couchiching Conservancy A Wild Ride (As originally published in Orillia Matters)
I’m a middle age woman who has just switched careers at 45. It’s terrifying. I worked in media for close to twenty years. I got up at 3:30am, arrived at work to read news headlines, celebrity gossip and stories from around the world before going on air at 5:30. I’d …
Holiday Gift Guide for Nature Lovers
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 …