In an effort to highlight the work you support, The Conservancy now has a monthly column in Orillia Matters. This was originally published on August 5th. I’m speeding along Highway 12 when I see a mother duck with a line of ducklings trying to cross ahead of me. There are …
Conservation Conversations
As published in Orillia Matters on Jan. 14, 2025 Meg Whitton spent 15 years as a morning show host of 104.1 The Dock and then Bounce Radio. She is now fumbling her way through a new career in conservation at The Couchiching Conservancy. She wants everyone to know about this …
Field Notes – Solar Eclipse & Wildlife Behaviour
People across the world prepared for and celebrated the solar eclipse on April 8, but what were wildlife doing? How did their behaviour change during this rare occurance? That was the question that spurred on a few of our staff to venture out on the solar eclipse day to get …
Recap of the first Youth Program Workshop
What do animal tracks, trail cameras and fencing have in common? A lot! This was the focus of our first Youth Program Workshop, which looked at barriers wildlife face on the landscape and what we can do to help. We kicked off the first 2024 event of the Angela Rehhorn …
Tracking wildlife in the winter
Snow provides a unique way of recording the passing-by of various species of wildlife. Their tracks and trails reveal not only what species are hanging around for the winter, but may also reveal some of their behaviours: Are they solitary or travelling as a family? Eating plants or catching prey? Denning in the snow or constantly moving?
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.
A Wild Partnership with the Ganaraska Trail
As we work to protect the Black River Wildlands just east of Washago, I have become aware of how much time I have wasted in a car to get to places I perceived to be pristine escapes.
Featured Bird: Cuckoos (Not Just on Clocks!)
I also was delighted by the farm houses, because in those days, most had a cuckoo clock.? I was also thrilled, with a little help, to pull the long chains which wound up the clock mechanisms. Little did I know that there was a real bird called a Cuckoo!
Featured Bird: Northern Flickers
We are blessed by Woodpeckers! Worldwide, there are 210 different species, but in Ontario we only have 9 of them.
Fantastic Tips for Spring Wildflower Photography
Using the camera on your smartphone or the automatic settings of your camera will provide you with a satisfactory but ordinary image. Here are some tips that will help you take extraordinary images of wildflowers.