Greetings!

The only sunrise I have seen in the past year was when Mark and I were carpooling to work one early winter morning. As we travelled along the highway, we saw about a minute of the sun rising above Lake Couchiching. Since then, I have been wanting to watch the sunrise again over the lake. But life was always busy, and I could never wake up early enough.

It wasn’t until this past month, when my life had slowed down, that I found the time to watch the sunrise. Not only was the view incredible, but I got to share it with dozens of ducks including Common Mergansers, Wood Ducks, Buffleheads, and Goldeneyes. With no where to be, I sat there with the warm sun on my face, soaking it all in. As simple as this moment was, it brought me an incredible amount of joy, so much so that I now start many of my mornings this way.

I think for a lot of us, self-isolation has put our busy lives on pause. It has caused us to slow down, take a deep breath, and appreciate what we have and what we have gotten to experience.

We all have a little thing that brings us joy, whether it’s reading this newsletter, spending time outside or watching a sunrise. Whatever it is, I hope you are finding the time to experience it.  

- Joelle Burnie

Engagement Organizer

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A beacon of hope since 1993

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, our hearts and minds are with front line health care workers, service providers, and everyone impacted. Reflecting the guidelines from the federal and Ontario governments, the decisions we have made to adjust our activities have been focused on keeping everyone safe.

In this extraordinary time, conservation continues to be work of hope. We know that your passion for protecting nature in our region endures. Your commitment continues, even amidst this virus. Fresh air somehow feels extra rejuvenating. The songs of American Robins and Cardinals gives us some levity.

The strength of our conservation efforts is now and has always been based on the commitment and passion of our people. Thanks to the guidance of the Board of Directors, staff and supporters over the past 26 years, The Couchiching Conservancy is resilient. Being financially prudent, advancing the Heartwood Fund, new fundraising efforts, and building our assets puts us in a position to weather these challenging times. We will get through this crisis, and your support is needed to continue our activities. Those of you who have chosen to make your donations earlier or become monthly donors are helping the Conservancy get through this hard time.

We know that people are rightly focused on supporting critical needs at the moment. At the same time, we remain focused on our acquisition goals to protect wild places in our region while the opportunities are still there. Staff and volunteers are continuing to work hard within the parameters of physical distancing to meet our responsibilities and obligations in caring for the land under our protection. We are innovating to ensure those still working are strictly adhering to physical distancing and travel restrictions. Only those living close to nature reserves or together in a household are active. Remarkably, there are still volunteers helping on 21 nature reserves. Some training continues as well using the video-conferencing platform Zoom.

This pandemic will end, but our promise to protect nature is forever. While the pandemic will subside, the environmental crisis will continue and will demand a response. We want to emerge from this strong, and responsive to those demands. We are ensuring that the Conservancy will be here for the long term.

If your budget allows,  please consider making a gift for nature today . And if now is not a good time, we will be here for you.

Video Series: At Home with The Couchiching Conservancy and Ask a Naturalist

While we aren't able to gather together, we are working to bring knowledge to you! There are two series - At Home with The Couchiching Conservancy and Ask a Naturalist. We will be sharing some of the things we are doing at home such as gardening tips, birding tips, and more! You also have the chance to submit questions or pictures you have about species or nature in general and we will have a naturalist answer them for you on video.

Click here to see the full playlist

Have questions about nature or want a species ID'd? Email tanya@couchconservancy.ca

The 24 hour birding and biodiversity marathon, the Carden Challenge, continues this year in an adapted way.

Participants will do the Challenge within an 8 km radius of their home. Teams of 4 - 5 people can connect remotely, and otherwise practice physical distancing to keep everyone safe. Participants will use the Carden Checklists and count as many species as possible between

Friday, May 29 at 6:00pm to Saturday, May 30 at 6:00pm .

All are encouraged to take part! You don't need to be an expert and this is a great opportunity to learn and dedicate time to counting species in your area.

Participants can raise funds through Canada Helps to help protect the alvar. We know these are uncertain times in many ways, and at the same time, we know people care a lot about Carden and want to help continue conservation efforts. By taking part in the Challenge or making a gift to sponsor a participant, you’re helping protect a globally rare landscape, care for the homes of Species at Risk and safeguarding the future of the alvar.

 

If you would like to take part or have questions, please email tanya@couchconservancy.ca