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Field Notes: Reptile Monitoring

In Featured, Field notes by couchiching

Reptiles, often elusive and misunderstood, play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of our landscapes. At The Couchiching Conservancy, our commitment to conservation extends to these fascinating creatures through dedicated reptile monitoring programs. These efforts not only help us understand species dynamics but also aid in protecting their …

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TRAIL STATUS UPDATES

In Featured by couchiching

June 2nd, 2025 OPEN NATURE RESERVES: Grant’s Woods!, Alexander Hope Smith, Church Woods, and Sweetwater Farm CLOSED NATURE RESERVES: Adams, Cameron Ranch, Carthew Bay, East Coulson Swamp, Kris Starr Sanctuary, Little Bluestem Alvar, Prairie Smoke Alvar, Ron Reid, Scout Valley, Thomas C. Agnew, Windmill Ranch If You Would Like To …

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Trilliums; symbolic woodland beauties

In Featured, Flora, Land Between, News by couchiching

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.