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Continuing to bring key habitat under protection

In Carden Alvar, Nature Reserves & Easements, News by couchiching

One of the organization’s key goals is to move beyond isolated islands of green by linking protected areas to create critical masses of natural habitat with connecting corridors.

In other words: bridge building.

For years now, the Conservancy has been at work with various partners on the Carden Alvar to protect this globally-rare ecosystem. The alvar — a limestone plain with shallow soil or no soil at all — lies just east of Lake Dalrymple and it has garnered interest around the world. Protecting it would be a good thing, but if it is isolated with no solid linkages to the northern shield territory, it will be devalued.

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The Greening of Ontario’s Aggregate Industry

In Nature Reserves & Easements, News by couchiching

new voluntary standards for the aggregate industry by the Cornerstone Standards Council is welcome news for communities struggling to cope with pits and quarries. The region around Orillia already has dozens of these operations in the limestone bedrock areas of Carden, Ramara, and Severn, and in the gravel areas on the Oro Moraine. A recent provincial review has identified this region as a major source area for future aggregate supplies, so the potential conflicts associated with this industry are only going to grow.

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Bird Watching: Tufted Titmouse

In Birds, News by couchiching

Tufted Titmice are members of the Paridae family of birds and are close relatives of Chickadees. They look and act much like them, although they are a little larger, don’t have a black cap, but they do have a gray crest on their head. They have gray under parts and rusty coloured flanks. I knew I would recognize one when I saw it!

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The elusive Red-headed Woodpecker

In Birds, News by couchiching

The Red- headed woodpecker is a striking bird with a bright red head, contrasting blue/ black back and primary wing feathers and white breast and secondary wing feathers. It exhibits similar behavioural characteristics of all woodpeckers such as flight and tree climbing pattern. It is that solid bright red head that makes it easy to distinguish it from other members of the woodpecker family.

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Choosing Who to Believe on Climate Change

In Climate Change, News by couchiching

One of the frustrations of the modern information society is the barrage of conflicting opinions put forth on almost any topic, from dieting to world peace. It is often difficult to decide which information to believe. Nowhere is that more evident than on the subject of climate change, where high-profile columnists continue to routinely insist that “there is little or nothing to be alarmed about”, based on their contention that the Earth has not warmed in nearly two decades.

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The history of a well-known spruce…Fred’s Tree

In 4 - Winter, News by couchiching

For many in Orillia, the blue spruce tree that stands tall at the corner of Mississauga and West is known as the Opera House Christmas tree. It is lit every year during the Candlelight Parade, taking place next Friday. But for my family, and many that knew my grandfather, it will always be known as Fred’s Tree.

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Go on an adventure with Molly and Meegan

In Kids, News by couchiching

Molly, and all people, have the right to swim in clean water, explore a variety of natural settings and to hug trees that have been around longer than any of us will be.

The beautiful wetlands, forests and alvars remain protected thanks to on-going support from people like you. And for that, I thank you. When the environment is nurtured and cared for, we all benefit.

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Bird Watching for all ages: Canada Geese

In Birds, Kids, News by couchiching

Canada Geese have fared very well across Canada and many parts of the World in spite of significant residential and commercial growth. They have adapted to human intervention unlike any other bird, to the extent that for many of us, they have become quite a nuisance.