A strong and dedicated group of volunteers brings a fresh perspective and a different sort of energy to the Couchiching Conservancy. Their contributions multiply the resources of the organization in so many ways: by increasing our capacity we can undertake new initiatives in conservation and preservation; our profile in the community is enhanced; our properties are maintained and protected for future generations and volunteers bring new insights and skills to the work we do.
Five things you need to know about the renovation
Keep informed on the office renovation! Grant’s Woods is closed to the public as of May 19, 2015 and we will send a notice to our members and supporters through our e-newsletter once we are open again.
Bird Watching: Ospreys, a large bird of prey
No matter where it is I travel, one bird I can usually count on seeing is the Osprey. Ospreys are one of the most widespread birds in the world and can be found on all continents except Anarctica. They are not difficult to identify as they are one of the largest birds of prey in North America with a wingspan of about five feet.
Skunk cabbage; a warm-blooded plant?
We look for the blossoms of crocus and snowdrops as signs of spring, but those who want to hurry the season can hunt for eastern skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus).
Birding: Inside the life of a Loon
There is excitement developing in the Common Loons that have spent the past few months off shore on the Eastern Seaboard. It’s an inner drive that compels them to begin their northern migration back to our lakes. It is not only an exciting time for them, but for those of us who are just now enjoying the warmth of an early spring sun and the longer days!
Saving Our Precious Natural Spaces
Washago is lucky to have two large nature reserves owned by The Couchiching Conservancy in the vicinity. A second spot on the south side of the Trent-Severn Waterway gives residents another oasis: the Thomas C. Agnew Nature Reserve. Again, when you set foot on this property, you’re touching not only a lovely landscape, but a big idea.
A local conservation hero: Ken Thomson
Ken was a founding member and an early president of the organization. He has worked tirelessly for the conservancy as a volunteer since it began in 1993. If you have walked over a bridge on one of our properties, or taken a moment to look at a sign, you’ve experienced some of his work first-hand.
Taking Care of our Land: Spring/Summer 2015
We help to protect thousands of acres of land across the region. All of this land requires on-going care, much of which is done by our group of wonderful volunteers.
Read about our Stewardship Activities in the Notes from the Field.
Setting Our Sights on Ramara Township
Ramara is rich in both wetlands and farmlands; two land features the Couchiching Conservancy has placed a priority on preserving. The farmlands of Ramara provide an important niche for provincial species at risk–grassland birds such as Bobolink, Meadowlark, and Barn Swallow. The wetlands are some of the most productive habitat in our region.
Into the minds of birds and birders
It is estimated there are over 50 million people in North America alone who consider themselves bird watchers! This group is made up of casual bird watchers–people who may know a few local species, to the professional birder who make serious study of birds and their behaviour.