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Notes from the Field – Summer 2020

In Carden Alvar, Fauna by couchiching

Wolf Run Alvar is a land-locked 303-acre nature reserve on the northern edge of Carden’s prime alvar habitat.   Because the property is so difficult to access, it has become an annual tradition for Tom Wilson (Carden Field Naturalists) to lead a fall tour.  This year presented even more challenges than …

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Notes From the Field – Summer 2019

In Bats, Birds, Carden Alvar, Climate Change, Community Science, Nature Reserves & Easements, News, Property Maintenance, Salamanders, Species at Risk, Training & Education by couchiching

During a recent Salamander Monitoring visit to Church Woods with Kim Trudeau & family, they encountered two Eastern Red-backed Salamanders. This terrestrial species of salamander can live for up to 25 years and requires a damp environment to survive.   This is because they need to breathe through their skin as they …

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15th Annual Carden Challenge

In 1 - Spring, Carden Alvar, Events, News by couchiching

This weekend! Birding, biodiversity, binoculars…these all come together in the 15th annual Carden Challenge, an event in support of our conservation efforts of the Carden Alvar. The Carden Challenge will take place from Friday, May 24 at 6:00pm to Saturday, May 25 at 6:00pm. The goal of the Carden Challenge …

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Notes From The Field – Fall 2018

In Carden Alvar, Community Science, Fauna, News, Property Maintenance, Salamanders, Stewardship, Training & Education by couchiching

On Sunday December 2nd from 1:30 to 4 pm, we’re going to take over the basement of the St. Paul’s Centre and hold an event for all of our monitoring teams (including General Property Monitoring, Water Monitoring, Whip-poor-will surveys, and Reptile & Amphibian monitors).   *Please RSVP*   Contact Dorthea by phone (705) 326-1620 …

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How birds keep cool in summer heat

In Birds, Cameron Ranch Nature Reserve, Carden Alvar, Carden Alvar Provincial Park, Little Bluestem Nature Reserve, Marley Nature Reserve, McDarker Nature Reserve, McGee Creek & Cranberry Lake, Severn Woodlands Nature Reserve, Wolf Run Alvar Nature Reserve by couchiching

During one of the very few really hot days we had this summer, a lady asked me how birds keep cool during those conditions.
They have a number of methods of beating the heat.

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All You Need is an Hour on the Alvar

In Cameron Ranch Nature Reserve, Carden Alvar, Carden Alvar Provincial Park, Deverell Morton Nature Reserve, Nature Reserves & Easements, News, Prairie Smoke Alvar Nature Reserve by couchiching

It was October 1st, 2016, with one whole hour to spare before heading back to the campground just west of Carden, Ontario. I wondered where I should head out for a hike. Given the vastness of the near-by Carden Alvar landscape in terms of natural and recreational resources, I thought I would make a decision on-the-fly as to where to explore.

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Carden Challenge Raises Over $23,000

In 1 - Spring, Birds, Carden Alvar, News by couchiching

Nearly 50 local birdwatchers topped off the busy month of May by participating in the 12th annual Carden Challenge, an event that combines skills, tenacity, and friendly competition for a good cause. The combined efforts of eleven participating teams raised over $23,000 in pledges and donations for the Carden Alvar programs of the Couchiching Conservancy.