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 …
Mitchell Bruce Nature Reserve Secured Through Generous Donation
In a significant conservation milestone for the Washago area, the Couchiching Conservancy announced today the protection of 85-acres adjoining Alexander Hope Smith Nature Reserve. The property was donated by Leslie and Irene Bruce who have strong ties to the area, and is named in honour of their late son Mitchell …
Amongst the Trees
As we set off on our adventure to the Adams Nature Reserve, the air was crisp with the first hints of autumn’s arrival. The afternoon sun cast a golden glow down on the changing leaves, painting the forest in a palette of fiery reds, golden yellows, and rustic oranges. The …
Soak up the rest of summer with our events and activities
Are you or your family members looking for unique adventures to get outside and enjoy the remaining weeks of precious summer weather? Then take a look at the events and activities offered by the Couchiching Conservancy through their Passport to Nature program. There are two in-person Passport to Nature events …
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 …
A Big Thank You to the Youssef-Warren Foundation
The Youssef-Warren Foundation is a Canadian family foundation that has benefitted conservation, arts, and healthcare organizations worldwide since 1997. They took a chance on our fledgling Community Science Program in 2017, and became annual supporters. As the foundation closes this year, we wish to send our heartfelt thanks for both …
Notes From the Field- Spring 2023
June 16, 2023- A Rare Reptile Find Since we started the Reptile Monitoring Community Science program in 2018 we have had a few species at the top of our ‘must find’ list. Some of these include Spotted and Wood Turtles, Eastern foxsnake, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, and Massasauga Rattlesnake. These are …
Striking a balance
I am sitting in the gazebo at Grant’s Woods and working remotely. There are so many birds singing – Black-throated Green Warbler, Brown Creeper, Eastern Meadowlark, Pileated Woodpecker. It’s a long list.
The value of sharing nature stories
I have a confession to make. I’m a bit jealous of David Hawke.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Dave, he acts as the eyes and ears on over 40 properties, works with volunteers to care for our land and is our Stewardship Program Manager.
Property Monitoring Special: Who wants to be a scientist?
Who doesn’t want to be a scientist? It is one of the most intriguing jobs on earth. Nothing else has that same sense of wonder and discovery applied to it.