Greetings! (Our apologies if you are receiving this again, there has been a glitch in the system.) Another year is coming to a close, and with it comes a time for reflection. Within this e-newsletter, you will find information on our art exhibit at the Orillia Museum, a letter from Ron & Janet, an update on the 17% goal and more. Read on... If this email isn't displaying properly, please View as a Webpage here.

Protecting nature for future generations

Happy 25th Anniversary!

From all of us at The Couchiching Conservancy, the Board of Directors and more...we would like to share this celebration and accomplishment with YOU! It has been 25 years since a small group of people sat around a kitchen table discussing the environmental challenges in their communities. Since then, people like you have stepped up to help protect nature and power the local conservation movement. And who benefits? Future generations of course, but also the hundreds of species in the region who rely on a healthy habitat, people who visit these wild lands and more. Again, THANK YOU and happy anniversary!

Thanks to the 150+ people who braved the weather and attended the opening of Legacy Landscapes , an art exhibit in celebration of 25 years of land conservation. Professional artists have created original artworks to celebrate these remarkable landscapes, which are on display at the Orillia Museum of Art & History until March 24, 2019. Their insights form a dynamic exhibition of landscape interpretation. The artworks are available for sale, and a catalogue of the pieces will be available before our Annual General Meeting in March 2019. Pictured : David and Juliana Hawke, curators of the exhibit

See Participating Artists and learn more about this event

How will you power the local land trust movement in 2019 & beyond?

As we move through our 25th year of land conservation efforts of the region, we are reminded of the people who have powered this work. It's people like you. People who are committed to caring for a healthy environment and a vibrant future. Land conservation faces many challenges, not just the time factor to protect as much as possible while we still can. There are legal battles, invasive species, diminishing funding opportunities and more. Founders and Conservancy Supporters, Ron Reid and Janet Grand talk about some of the challenges faced in our region, and how you can help.

Read what Ron and Janet have to say

Save the Date! The Couchiching Conservancy's Annual General Meeting Saturday, March 2, 2019 3:00pm - 5:00pm Hawkridge Golf & Country Club Speaker to be announced All are welcome to attend!

2019 Calendar, in support of The Couchiching Conservancy Cameron Curran has put together another calendar with some of his best nature photos. When you order your 2019 calendar for $15, $2 from each sale supports the protection of land in the region. Thanks to Cameron! Visit Cam's website for more information and to order: http://cameroncurran.ca/product/2019-calendar/

17% Pledge to Protect Nature We are incredibly happy to share that over 2,000 people signed The Couchiching Conservancy’s 17% Pledge to Protect Nature! This terrific group of individuals recognized the need to support the land trust movement and the special position land trusts hold in potentially helping Ontario reach its goal of having 17% of land protected by 2020. A lot has happened and changed since we introduced the pledge. Prior to the 2018 municipal election, we sent a letter to the Mayors and Councils, including running candidates, to highlight and recognize the 2,000+ people who care about land conservation. We urged municipalities to consider working with us to help protect important landscapes in their communities. Signing the pledge was the first step in helping Ontario reach this goal, but there is more work to be done. Let's keep talking about the importance of land conservation with our friends and family this holiday season. After all, it is a time to be grateful for all we have. Pictured : The Adams Nature Reserve, a 100+ acre property outside of Washago.

Website: www.couchichingconserv.ca Phone: 705-326-1620 Mail: Box 704, Orillia, ON L3V 6K7 Office: 1485 Division Rd W, Orillia, ON L3V 6H2

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Tag Us when you post photos of Couchiching Conservancy properties: @couchconserv

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