With a mission to protect the natural landscapes and wildlife habitats within the region, we employ various strategies to ensure the sustainability and health of these ecosystems. One pivotal method in our conservation toolkit is the use of Ecological Land Classification (ELC). Understanding Ecological Land Classification Ecological Land Classification is …
Unveiling of the Deverell-Morton Nature Reserve
On July 13, over 30 people gathered together to celebrate the unveiling of the Deverell-Morton Nature Reserve. At 417-acres, the property is connected to Wolf Run Alvar and North Bear Alvar making a stronger connected corridor of wilderness. We are so grateful to the Deverell-Morton families, our supporters and volunteers …
Unveiling the Hancock Hermitage Easement
On Friday May 3rd, Conservancy staff, board members, volunteers, and easement holders gathered for a celebration of the completion of the Hancock Hermitage Easement, held by Ron and Sharon Hancock. The easement was completed in January 2023 – check out the OrilliaToday article here. This 47-acre easement is in a …
Field Notes – Using Data Loggers for Species Monitoring
In the expansive landscapes of our region, nature whispers its secrets…but who is there to hear their calls? A key aspect of monitoring for species at risk are inventories. Some are conducted by staff, and there is also on-going monitoring by trained Community Science volunteers. But what about the times …
Orillia Horticultural Society Donates Arboretum to The Couchiching Conservancy
The Orillia Horticultural Society has donated the Sid Pomeroy Arboretum on Division Road West to The Couchiching Conservancy. It will now be called, “Cedar Grove Nature Reserve”. The 7-acre property, located at 1422 Division Road West, connects to nearby Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve by a river flowing through both properties …
Celebrating 20 years of Grant’s Woods
The Couchiching Conservancy is thrilled to share that one of the community’s favourite nature reserves has been protected over 20 years. Thanks to donors, members, volunteers and staff, this 52-acre forest on Division Road West is a safe haven for species and also has four kilometres of trail available to …
What happens when a tree falls in the woods?
Visitors to Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve this fall may have noticed increased maintenance activities on the trails. In September, what is technically referred to in the business as a “really huge monster red oak” fell on the Hemlock Trail and took out two sizeable sugar maples on its way down …
169-hectares protected in perpetuity : Deverell-Morton Nature Reserve protected
Couchiching Conservancy adds 55th protected property SEPTEMBER 20, 2023, ORILLIA, ONTARIO – The Couchiching Conservancy is overjoyed to announce the protection of the Deverell-Morton Nature Reserve. This 169-hectare (417-acre) parcel is in Carden Township, 35km east of Orillia. The property has been in the Deverell family since the mid 1800’s. …
Join us in celebrating our newest addition!
It is with great pleasure that we announce the addition of seven small but mighty acres to The Conservancy roster. These seven acres build on the Turnbull Ranch Nature Reserve, originally a conservation easement protected in December 1999 and later donated fully to the Conservancy by Carolyn and Neil Turnbull …
75-hectares permanently protected in Ramara Township
The Late John Pitts and Kathleen Milligan honoured at Sweetwater Farm Nature Reserve unveiling ceremony Wednesday, June 28, 2023, Orillia, Ontario – Supporters of the Couchiching Conservancy, including family and friends, celebrated the unveiling of the Sweetwater Farm Nature Reserve. The 75-hectare (185-acre) property in the heart of Ramara, located …