In an effort to highlight the work you support, The Conservancy now has a monthly column in Orillia Matters. This was originally published on August 5th. I’m speeding along Highway 12 when I see a mother duck with a line of ducklings trying to cross ahead of me. There are …
Field Notes: Monarch Monitoring
Throughout the Summer months, you might see Monarch Butterflies sunning themselves on warm sidewalks, spiralling through the air in courtship displays, or sipping nectar from flowers like Asters and Goldenrod. The sight of these vibrant butterflies has grown less common in recent years, however, as Monarch populations continue to decline …
Wildfire Risk on Couchiching Conservancy Nature Reserves
The Couchiching Conservancy region is currently under high or extreme fire risk. Conditions are dangerously dry due to a lack of rain over the past months. Vegetation is crispy and there is an excess of fuel in forested areas due to deadfall from this spring’s historic ice storm. Current Closures …
My Summer at Couchiching Conservancy
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: 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 …
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 …
Trilliums; symbolic woodland beauties
There are four species of trilliums growing in our area; white trilliums, red trillium, which are both widespread, while the painted trillium and nodding trillium are both rare and uncommon.
White trilliums bloom in early spring in forested areas before the trees above them leaf out and block the sunlight. Spring forest flowers take advantage of the time between the thawing of the soil and the unfurling of tree leaves when the forest floor is warm enabling the flowers to grow very rapidly.