Greetings!

Spring has finally arrived, and what better way to celebrate than getting out in Nature? In this e-newsletter we are sharing how we celebrated Earth Day, a Strategic Planning survey, a Supporter Spotlight, information on the 15th Annual Carden Challenge, and more!

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Protecting nature for future generations
Earth Day Clean Up at Wilson Point Wetland Nature Reserve, Orillia
On April 22nd, over 30 volunteers celebrated Earth Day by cleaning up Wilson Point Wetland and surrounding neighbourhood. We covered around 1.5 km of the neighbourhood, and in the span of 2 hours, filled over 50 garbage bags. Some of the waste we collected included a television, bed sheet, tires, and dozens of coffee cups and water bottles. Thank you to everyone who helped give Wilson Point Wetland a fresh start for Spring!
The 2019 Passport to Nature Booklet is Coming Soon!
The Passport to Nature booklet will be ready in the next two weeks! With 20 events planned to get you out to some of the Nature Reserves and learning about what makes this region special, there is so much to look forward to.

Registration is open for the first event! On Saturday, May 11 from 7am - 11am, join birder Greg Sadowski at the Thomas C. Agnew Nature Reserve and seek out spring warblers! More information and registration: click here.

In the meantime, check out our Events Calendar for details on other events.
Have Your Say...
The Couchiching Conservancy Strategic Planning Steering Committee is in the process of developing our next Five Year Plan.

As a member and supporter, we are interested in your input. Please take a few minutes to complete our survey to the best of your ability. Your answers will be anonymous.  
Supporter Spotlight: Dale Leadbeater
Advisory Council Member & Supporter

Dale A. Leadbeater, B.Sc., B.Ed., R.P.Bio., P.Biol., graduated from the University of Toronto, then worked in the Botany Department where she administered the Green Plant Herbarium. A Field Associate of the Royal Ontario Museum and life member of the Field Botanists of Ontario, she has presented talks on many natural heritage topics, organized conferences and led outings as well as teaching Ecological Land Classification. An enthusiastic supporter of Land Trusts, Dale lives on a 200-acre Conservation Easement near Kirkfield.
Get your binoculars ready- the 15th Annual Carden Challenge is May 24-25th
The Carden Challenge is a 24 hour bird and biodiversity event to r aise funds to support the stewardship of Carden’s alvar and habitats. Teams of four adventure through the alvar, counting as many species as possible during the 24-hour period.

We are lucky enough to have celebrity birder, Justin Peter, join us for this event.

A quote from Justin:
“ On my first visit to the Carden Alvar (to participate in the prescribed bird at Cameron Ranch in 2012), I was struck by the similarities of the vegetation to my home turf, which shared the same limestone bedrock from Ordovician times. I fancied that the Carden Alvar must represent a primeval picture of my ‘home habitat’ prior to creeping residential development. Since my first visit, I’ve made at least one annual pilgrimage to the Carden Alvar to rekindle my connection to ‘Old Ontario’. It is reassuring that we have this place and I hope it is here for the enjoyment of all in perpetuity! ”
Did Someone say Wine?
The 2019 Pelee Island Wine Club orders are due Ma y 7th. Pick your favourite 12 wines to make a case. There’s a wine to suit to all tastes including chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, merlot, and pinot noir to name a few. A portion of the wine orders support The Couchiching Conservancy to help protect and manage natural spaces in the region.

If you are interested in joining the Wine Club please email Courtney, at courtney@couchconservancy.ca.
Phone: 705-326-1620
Mail: Box 704, Orillia, ON L3V 6K7
Office: 1485 Division Rd W, Orillia, ON L3V 6H2
Looking for a new area to explore? Check out the Alexander Hope Smith Nature Reserve.

 The Reserve is located in the core of The Land Between and showcases the diverse habitats found in the transition zone along the southern edge of the Canadian Shield. This property provides vital habitat for species in danger of disappearing.