We have great news and updates to share with you this month. First off, we have a newly formed Advisory Council to support our conservation efforts and create linkages across the province. There are two articles by staff members - both worth a read. We've featured a few upcoming events from the Passport to Nature and community events. Also, a call out for acorns!

Many thanks for your continued support. 
Green on white new logo
The ribbon cutting and official re-opening of The Couchiching Conservancy's office. Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the late William Grant and the contractors and volunteers who made this project possible.

Pictured: Mark Bisset, Margaret Pomeroy, Bruce Duncan, David Homer, Don Scott, Frank Steeve, Dorthea Hangaard, Kristi McKechnie, Errin Reilly and Ken Thomson.

Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. 
Newly Formed Advisory Council

We are very pleased to announce that eight community leaders have joined our newly formed Advisory Council.

This group offers increased linkages and profile in the Orillia region and Simcoe County, in the GTA, and in the university community and helps to broaden and deepen the already considerable resources of the Conservancy from its staff, board, and volunteers.

The Council has already demonstrated benefits as the AC has helped attract a major foundation's funding this summer; and provided a boost to fundraising with a   $5,000 challenge gift if we add 25 new monthly donors by November 30, 2016.

Co-Chaired by Robert Sullivan and James Stewart, both long time supporters.


Tree Condo Photo
Area Study Offers a Way Forward on Climate Change
By Dorthea Hangaard

As of this summer, scientists now say extreme climate change is no longer a future scenario, but something that is already upon us, and the recent climate data from NASA agrees:  July 2016 had the earth's warmest absolute temperatures since human civilization began.

So while reading a report called, " Planning for Climate Change in Muskoka" last March, I was surprised to realize I felt calm...maybe even hopeful.


The Ins & Outs of Easements
By David Hawke

As many readers know, the Couchiching Conservancy is a land trust organization. But what does "land trust" really mean? Do we keep people out of these special places? Do we buy, sell and trade land? How long are we required to look after a particular parcel of land? When it comes to real estate, there are many questions that need to be asked, and answered, before decisions are made.



October 28: Things that go bump in the Night! - Full, waitlist available
November 5: Canadian Storytelling Night - info here
November 13: Feeder Birds - space available
December 20: Kids' Christmas Bird Count - space available
January 21: Tracks in the Snow - almost full
February 20: Snowshoe Copeland - space available
 
Please save the date for our Annual General Meeting 
on Saturday, February 4, 2017
Ahh nuts! Looking for Acorns
From our friends at Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority:

"We're looking for acorns and nuts from healthy red oak and black walnut trees.
 
Each fall and winter, we gather acorns and nuts from trees in our watershed.  Working with a local tree nursery, these acorns and nuts are planted and grow into the seedlings that we use in our forestry program.
 
After the dry summer, we are having a hard time finding red oak and black walnuts with enough acorns and nuts to harvest.
 
If you own or know where we might find red oak acorns and/black walnuts in large amounts (about a bushel-basket worth!), please contact Alisha Tobola, NVCA's Forestry Technician, at 705-424-1479 ext. 269 or [email protected]."
Phone: 705-326-1620
Office: 1485 Division Rd West, Orillia, ON L3V 6H2
Mailing: Box 704, Orillia, ON  L3V 6K7


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