The Orillia Horticultural Society has donated the Sid Pomeroy Arboretum on Division Road West to The Couchiching Conservancy. It will now be called, “Cedar Grove Nature Reserve”. The 7-acre property, located at 1422 Division Road West, connects to nearby Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve by a river flowing through both properties …
Passport to Nature 2023-24: Recap
The 9th year of Passport to Nature is in the books! This year we reached over 350 participants with a hybrid program of in-person events, virtual seminars and downloadable activities. Visit https://couchichingconserv.ca/passport-to-nature/ to learn more about how to get out – connect – protect. Below is a recap of this …
Winter Birds of the Couchiching Region
Both spring, and summer are enjoyable times of year for birding in the Couchiching area. From pine-oak barrens of Matchedash, and the shrublands of Carden Alvar, to moist maple forests around Awenda and Oro Moraine, the region provides a wide variety of habitat types, allowing birders to observe a large …
Celebrating 20 years of Grant’s Woods
The Couchiching Conservancy is thrilled to share that one of the community’s favourite nature reserves has been protected over 20 years. Thanks to donors, members, volunteers and staff, this 52-acre forest on Division Road West is a safe haven for species and also has four kilometres of trail available to …
This Saturday: Annual General Meeting!
Please save the date for our Annual General Meeting (AGM): Saturday, March 2nd from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm (doors open at 1:00pm). We will be holding our AGM in-person at Hawk Ridge Golf Club (1151 Hurlwood Ln, Severn). Come celebrate our 30th anniversary with us! The Annual General Meeting …
Mitchell Bruce Nature Reserve Secured Through Generous Donation
In a significant conservation milestone for the Washago area, the Couchiching Conservancy announced today the protection of 85-acres adjoining Alexander Hope Smith Nature Reserve. The property was donated by Leslie and Irene Bruce who have strong ties to the area, and is named in honour of their late son Mitchell …
What happens when a tree falls in the woods?
Visitors to Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve this fall may have noticed increased maintenance activities on the trails. In September, what is technically referred to in the business as a “really huge monster red oak” fell on the Hemlock Trail and took out two sizeable sugar maples on its way down …
Nature Counts Highlights
Our thanks to everyone who attended our in person Nature Counts summary, and to all volunteers who contributed to efforts in 2023 to protect nature in our region. Community Science Highlights:
Amongst the Trees
As we set off on our adventure to the Adams Nature Reserve, the air was crisp with the first hints of autumn’s arrival. The afternoon sun cast a golden glow down on the changing leaves, painting the forest in a palette of fiery reds, golden yellows, and rustic oranges. The …
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 …