Brechin, Ontario – June 30, 2026 – The Couchiching Conservancy has permanently protected the Lake Dalrymple Alvar Nature Reserve, a 174-hectare (nearly 430-acre) property located 7 kilometres northeast of Brechin, Ontario in Ramara township. This milestone expands the Carden Alvar Important Bird & Biodiversity Area and marks a historic moment …
Carden Bird Blitz – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Carden Bird Blitz? The Couchiching Conservancy’s Carden Bird Blitz is an annual event where nearly 60 birders gather at dawn on the Carden Alvar to record as many bird species as possible in a single morning. The data collected is then shared with organizations such as Ontario …
Tracking Migration in the Carden Conservation Corridor with Motus Towers
The Couchiching Conservancy protects over 15,000 acres that are home to various flying species of birds, bats, and insects. Have you ever stopped and wondered “Where are they flying to?” many of these animals live here, many are just passing through along their migration routes. Studying migration used to require …
Green Power vs. Green Space in Kawartha Lakes
An article by Joel Wittnebel A large-scale solar project has been proposed on one of the world’s rarest habitats — raising questions about how we balance renewable energy development with biodiversity conservation. This piece from The Pointer explores the challenges and potential impacts of the project.
Thank You Carden Challenge Participants
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 …