Between June and December 2015, the Couchiching Conservancy undertook a citizen science project to monitor water quality in the Upper Talbot River sub-watershed of Lake Simcoe.
Volunteer take on invaders to care for our earth
Garlic mustard. Purple loosestrife. Phragmites reed. Dog-strangling vine. The list of invading plants keeps getting longer, and our knowledge of how to battle them is ever changing. The species listed here, plus many more, are ones that have shown up in the Couchiching region from their distant home ranges, and they are quickly displacing the native species.
The 17% pledge
Take the 17% pledge and lend your support to The Couchiching Conservancy.
Bird-Watching: Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
In the bird world, there is a basic premise that male birds with bright plumage leave nest building and incubation duties to the female as their bright colours would attract would-be predators to the nest site. I guess that theory was left out of the young male Rose-breasted Grosbeak’s school curriculum, because they engage, along with the female in all of those activities.
Making Waves with Citizen Science
Citizen science demonstrates the power of volunteers to make a difference to our natural environment. Learn about our Water Quality team from our volunteer interns.
How the Conservancy Manages Forests
A great majority of the conservation lands that are managed by the Couchiching Conservancy contain woodlands. These forests may be magnificent hardwood stands, thick cedar swamps, or a wonderful mix of both conifer and hardwood; two properties even have those arrow-straight rows of planted pines. No matter what the composition, each forested area is closely monitored and managed by Conservancy staff.
Bird watching: Red-Tailed Hawk
Red-tailed hawks are the most easily recognizable hawks we have. They are rather large, with stocky bodies and broad, rounded wings. They normally have brownish streaks on their white breasts, but their most distinguishing identifier is a short, wide and wonderful russet coloured tail.
Volunteers recognized for their efforts
Five volunteers were recognized at the Annual General Meeting for their outstanding volunteer efforts over the years.
Thanks! Annual General Meeting a hit
Our thanks to all who attended our AGM. It was so wonderful to see everyone again and re-connect. Read the documents we shared and see pictures from the event.
In appreciation of the noisy, boisterous bullies
When I first wrote about Blue Jays back in 2012, concentration was on their darker, meaner, rogue side as members of the Corvid family of birds which also includes Crows and Ravens; how they steal eggs and young of other birds to feed their own young and how they bully any other bird or animal in the playground!