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.
A team effort; The Fawcett and Agnew property team
Looking after the dozens of protected properties managed by the Conservancy is an arduous and time-consuming task. So the properties have volunteer teams who take on the job of monitoring them on a regular basis.
Good fences make good neighbours — and soakers
Farmers and Ranchers in Carden or Ramara Township have a number of options open to them for fencing.
Notes from the Field – Winter 2016 Edition
Winter has become a busy time to care for Conservancy properties – particularly Bluebird Ranch. Read about the different activities that we taken part in with volunteers and staff through the winter. This post is updated often.
Caring for the Land We Love – Fall/Winter 2015
With assistance from volunteers, we care for over 12,000 acres of diverse land across the region. Stewardship activities include property monitoring, taking species inventories, trail maintenance and more. Learn about what we have been up to this Fall.
Protecting Habitat on the Carden Plain
Alvar environments boast ecological communities that are incredibly rare and worth protecting for future generations. Regionally, the globally-significant Carden limestone plain is an area of large, diverse, and relatively un-fragmented habitat including alvars, shrublands, grasslands, forests, and wetlands.
Elliott Woods: The jewel of the Moraine
Elliott Woods is a well-loved property that was donated in 2006 by Heather and Don Elliott. Learn more about the unique features of this jewel and plan your next outdoor adventure.
Tim-brrrr – exploring the Kris Starr Sanctuary
The Kris Starr Sanctuary is a mixture of alvar and Canadian Shield, with a diverse variety of species. The Head Rivers runs through a section of the property, and to the north, the property connects to the Queen Elizabeth II Provincial Park creating a vast wildlife corridor. Learn about the history of the property here.
How do you save a piece of wilderness?
The concept of a land trust came to this region in the early 1990s when a handful of motivated people were looking for new ways to preserve wilderness areas.
Conservation action made possible by volunteer team
With involvement in more than 40 natural properties and a very small paid staff, The Couchiching Conservancy would be in a tough spot if not for a small army of dedicated volunteers. Many of those volunteers make up property teams which help us look after the lands under our care.