This summer, I’ve had the privilege to work as an Invasive Species Technician with The Couchiching Conservancy, and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. Going into this job, I knew I cared about the environment, but I didn’t realize just how much I’d grow to …
Field Notes: Listening for Bats, Protecting Biodiversity
As the sun sets, bats begin their night shift — emerging silently to hunt insects and play a vital role in healthy ecosystems. In Ontario, these quiet mammals are key to controlling insect populations, supporting agriculture, and acting as indicators of environmental change. Yet seven out of the eight native bat …
Field Notes: Whitney Wetland Eco-passage Summer Updates
With the Summer in full swing, many reptiles are mating and nesting near lakes, rivers, and wetlands—which means that the roads adjacent to these areas are an even more perilous place than usual. When roads are built beside or bisecting natural areas, wildlife must either cross them, or risk remaining …
How To Solve A Problem You Don’t Know Exists?
To increase the community’s awareness of Couchiching Conservancy’s work, we’re writing monthly columns in the local media. The below article was originally published in Orillia Matters on July 2nd. Jocelyn and Brian trudge through the darkness, trying not to trip over tree roots as they make their way to the next bat …
Field Notes: 2025 Carden Bird Blitz
It’s 6am on the Carden Alvar, and nearly sixty people have gathered in the early morning light, many with binoculars or cameras in hand. Some are groggy, others bright-eyed and eager—but we’re all excited to see what the day has in store. This is the Annual Carden Bird Blitz, when …
Welcome 2025 Summer Staff
This year we’re happy to have three new conservation-minded faces on staff for the season! You may run into Ethan, Lily and Izzy over the next few months. Izzy is likely to greet you at Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve trail head and is happy to answer any questions. Ethan and …
Kids In Conservation
To increase the community’s awareness of the work of The Conservancy, we’ve been telling stories about what we do, how we do it and who is helping. This story about our fabulous eight year old volunteer Kelvin was originally published in Orillia Matters on June 10th. Young Local Nature Lovers …
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 …
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. …