Greetings!
Being alone in Nature is actually quite healthy, and slowing down from the urban-influenced pace of life is good for body, mind and soul. This pandemic has inflicted some awful circumstances to my family but finding the “silver lining to a storm cloud” has always been a comfort to me.
If you are familiar with the English term ‘bus man’s holiday’… that’s me. Pruning pine branches in our plantation to suppress blister rust damage has been a major activity so even after a busy day managing Conservancy properties, it is always a pleasure to take an evening wander within our home farm (branch loppers in hand).
While COVID is indeed serious, it is equally important to look after yourself beyond hand washing, distancing and masking. Hug a tree. Smell a wildflower. Marvel at the shape and colour of a mushroom. Keep it simple, keep it natural. We can do this.
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Plan a trip to a Nature Reserve with our interactive map |
Out of the 50 nature reserves we help protect with your support, 16 of them have trails that you can hike and explore. To make planning your adventure easy, we developed an interactive map on our website so you can see all the nature reserves, which ones you can access, have trails, and where they are located.
In our 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, we have committed to protecting an additional 4,000 acres of wilderness by 2025!
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Thank you BluMoose Riders! |
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Thank you so much to everyone who took part in the second BluMoose Ride, in memory of Danya Leemhuis. The registration fee supported The Couchiching Conservancy. Over $9,000 was donated to protect special natural places in the region.
A special thanks to Adrian Leemhuis and Lorraine Morris for organizing this event and to Chris Monette for taking great photos during the ride.
Save the date for next years' BluMoose Ride on September 12th, 2021!
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Events that connect you to nature from where ever you are |
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Otter drawing by Juliana Hawke |
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September Kids Challenge- You Otta Know, Colouring Contest |
There is still time left to participate in this colouring contest!
Our playful young otter has a lot of things to learn about nature. Can you help it identify some super interesting facts as you hike along one of our Conservancy trails? Colour your otter, give it a name and bring it on your hike.
Register below to receive the colouring page and learn how you can be entered into a draw to win a prize!
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Backyard Bird Feeding Webinar (via Zoom)
Wednesday, September 30
7:00pm-8:00pm
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During these stressful times, nothing is more rewarding or satisfying than watching and getting to know the birds that come to our feeders at home. Make your balcony or backyard a bird magnet!
Join Janet Grand as she shares with us:
- what are the important feeders
- what birds we can expect to see
- what different birds like to eat
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Photo: Blue Jay by David A. Homer |
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We are challenging you and your family to get outdoors and learn about nature, while helping to protect acres of wilderness.
From October 5th-9th, we will send you a new challenge with a different theme each day. The challenges takes you outdoors to explore nature and learn about species through art, puzzles, and search and find activities. Participate from anywhere in Ontario!
$25 donation per individual, which helps protect one acre of wilderness
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Late August to early November is when one of the largest bird migrations takes place. Birds travel thousands of kilometers for long durations as they make their way down South for the winter.
Over the years, migration has become more challenging for birds. Not only is climate change altering the migration and breeding times, food availability and nesting materials, but the loss of land is taking away critical stopover sites for species.
This is why protecting land is so important. Safeguarding natural spaces is critical for migrating species and it is up to us to make sure these places are available.
Photo: Sandhill Cranes by Marilyn Clark
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Ambassadors, can you help? |
We have the opportunity to attend two Orillia Fairgrounds Farmer's Markets in October and we need Ambassadors to run the booths.
Attending public events allow you to share the importance of land conservation with your community and inspire others to take action to protect our local environment. Not to mention you will be surrounded by pies, autumn veggies, and other amazing goods from local vendors.
We need your help on:
Saturday, October 3, 2020
7:00am-1:00pm
Saturday, October 17, 2020
7:00am-1:00pm
(you can choose how long you would like to help out)
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Joelle sends an e-newsletter to Ambassadors each month to update them on changes to the program, resources, and upcoming volunteer opportunities.
If you are an Ambassador and do not receive this e-newsletter, but would like to, please email Joelle at info@couchconservancy.ca.
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To keep you and other safe against covid-19, we have a number of protocols for Ambassadors to follow when volunteering at the booth. If you are interested in helping out please visit the Ambassador Page or email Joelle at info@couchconservancy.ca. |
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Three things to do this season: |
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Staff have shared their favourite nature related books, podcasts, movies, and more with you on our website! Grab a coffee or tea and curl up by the lake, at home, or by the fire while indulging in a staff pick. |
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Vermicomposting is a great way to compost from home as the weather gets colder. It requires minimal materials and the set up is easy. Make your house plants happy by feeding them the rich castings! |
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One way to prepare your garden for next season is by saving your seeds from this year's harvest. This is a simple and easy way to save money and make use of the little guys that often get composted!
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Thank you to everyone who tags us in their photos on social media. We love seeing you get outdoors and enjoy the places our supporters are working hard to protect.
Keep sharing your adventures with us! Check out our social media accounts below.
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Phone: 705-326-1620
Mail: Box 704, Orillia, ON L3V 0X6
Office: 1485 Division Rd W, Orillia, ON L3V 6H2
Charitable Registration #: 13972 5030 RR0001
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