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.
Who Uses Land Trusts?
To increase the community’s awareness of The Couchiching Conservancy’s work, we’re writing a monthly column in Orillia Matters. This was originally published on Sept. 4th. “Visitors Find Peace And Purpose At Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve” An almost two-year-old named Winter, is in a raincoat repeatedly, and proudly, pressing the accessibility …
“Conservancy Building Lifeline To Help Wildlife Cross Road Safely”
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: Listening for Bats, Protecting Biodiversity
As the sun sets, bats begin their night shift — emerging silently to hunt insects and play a vital role in healthy ecosystems. In Ontario, these quiet mammals are key to controlling insect populations, supporting agriculture, and acting as indicators of environmental change. Yet seven out of the eight native bat …
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 …
Field Notes: 2025 Carden Bird Blitz
It’s 6am on the Carden Alvar, and nearly sixty people have gathered in the early morning light, many with binoculars or cameras in hand. Some are groggy, others bright-eyed and eager—but we’re all excited to see what the day has in store. This is the Annual Carden Bird Blitz, when …