On a rainy Friday night in May, bird watching teams gathered on the Carden Alvar waiting for the clock to tick down to 6pm. On the signal they raced (quietly, birders race quietly) to begin counting as many different bird and animals species as they could over the next 24 …
Support The Carden Challenge!
The biggest fundraiser – and best 24 hours! – of the year are upon us! For 21 years, nature lovers and birders have been flocking to The Carden Alvar to see how many species, bird, bug or bush, they can count in 24 hours. This beloved weekend, culminating in a …
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 One
In the Great Lakes Region of North America, wood-warblers, Parulidae, are one of the most diverse groups of birds with over 40 species. There is a warbler for every habitat type, and of almost every colour pattern – although I haven’t seen any purple warblers! Considering the beautiful and striking …
Carden Challenge participants raise $30K & count hundreds of species!
Beautiful blue skies and warm weather greeted the 74 people who took part in the 19th annual Carden Challenge. It was fun being together in celebration of this landscape and the species who call it home. All together, participants raised an impressive $30,000 for alvar stewardship efforts. Thank you to …
Rare 400-acre opportunity + a rare sighting
It was June 5, 2022 and I was testing my car along Alvar Road, listening for birds that I could add to my square for the Breeding Bird Atlas project. A distance along the road, I heard a Hermit Thrush singing very near the road. The Hermit Thrush song may …
Local family raises funds & has fun for the Carden Challenge
The Campbell Blue Jays, a family team from Oro took part in the Carden Challenge for the first time. Here is their story. We have always enjoyed walking on Couchiching Conservancy nature reserves, especially Grant’s Woods and Scout Valley. We also love enjoying wildlife in natural spots and it is …
Thank you! The 18th Carden Challenge
14 teams and 66 participants searched for as many species as possible from Friday, May 27 at 6:00pm to Saturday, May 28 at 6:00pm, while raising money to help the Conservancy protect the Carden Alvar. All together they counted 247 species and raised over $33,000 for alvar conservation efforts! See …
My First Carden Challenge
I remember my first Carden Challenge; how could I forget? It was the first time I woke up pre-dawn for something that wasn’t an international flight. Although, that something did have wings. I’d opted to participate in the Conservancy’s largest fundraiser of the year, a 24-hour birding and biodiversity marathon …
Passport to Nature is here!
The Couchiching Conservancy is inviting you to get out, connect and protect nature through the popular Passport to Nature program. This year the conservancy is offering a hybrid program of in-person events, virtual seminars and downloadable activities. New for this year are the Family Fun Collection of downloadable activities, two …