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 …
Welcome 2025 Summer Staff
This year we’re happy to have three new conservation-minded faces on staff for the season! You may run into Ethan, Lily and Izzy over the next few months. Izzy is likely to greet you at Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve trail head and is happy to answer any questions. Ethan and …
Thank You Carden Challenge Participants
On a rainy Friday night in May, bird watching teams gathered on the Carden Alvar waiting for the clock to tick down to 6pm. On the signal they raced (quietly, birders race quietly) to begin counting as many different bird and animals species as they could over the next 24 …
Field Notes: Reptile Monitoring
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 …