This past month has been a flurry of activity. We celebrated the unveiling of the Taylor Nature Reserve, and started a new monitoring program. We have reminisced about the good times with Joelle, and welcomed Ryan Lamoureux back to the team. And the mountain of monitoring forms submitted by dedicated Citizen Scientists has been getting smaller and smaller as we catch up on data entry.
Despite the whirlwind of activity, pockets of quiet and reflection have marked this season. The first National Truth and Reconciliation day and the Indigenous Conservation Strategies presentation with Gary Pritchard, have given me a lot to think about. The conservation work that land trusts do has inherent ties to land ownership and accessibility. As the person who creates maps of those nature reserves, I am learning that there is a deeper implication to the lines and text that I choose to put or omit on a page.
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Aiesha Aggarwal
Conservation Researcher and Analyst
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Protecting Nature for Future Generations |
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The land on which we operate is the territory of the Anishnaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Wendat and Metis Peoples with whom we share the Upper Canada Treaties. |
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Unveiling of the Dr. Ron Taylor Nature Reserve
On a sunny day in mid September, a small group gathered together at what is now known as the Dr. Ron Taylor Nature Reserve. With family, friends and Conservancy members, we unveiled and did a walk of this 175-acre property.
Today is World Habitat Day and although we were not able to have everyone in person to celebrate, we do want to mark this important event. This is our collective success and has been made possible by so many! Our thanks to Ron and Charlene Taylor. You can watch the video recording of the event on our YouTube channel.
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Upcoming Indigenous-Led BioBlitz |
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AIESHA, DORTHEA & RYAN QUESTIONING WHETHER TO STAY HERE OR RETURN TO CIVILIZATION |
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Gary Pritchard (Curve Lake First Nation and Four Directions of Consulting) will lead three bioblitzes through the coming weeks. There’s rain in the forecast so we hiked into the site and erected some shelters. Bioblitz #1 will focus on Water and Benthics, #2 on Wetlands, Reptiles, and Amphibians, and #3 on Plants and Birds. Read more here: Re-defining Ecological Perspectives: An Indigenous-Led Bioblitz.
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Wishing Joelle well on her new adventure |
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It is with mixed emotions that we announce The Couchiching Conservancy’s Engagement Organizer Joelle Burnie is heading off on a new adventure.
Joelle, who has made an indelible mark on this organization, is realizing a long-held ambition to live in the mountains of British Columbia, and she has finished her stint with the Conservancy in early September.
While we are happy for her in that she is realizing a dream, we are very sad to see such a fine person leaving our team.
Joelle has distinguished herself since the day she arrived on staff. At a time when we were working hard to shift our culture outward to invite more people to take part in our work, Joelle played a critical role in applying engagement organizing concepts and keeping them in front of us at all times.
She is also just plain fun to work with, and her enthusiasm is contagious.
She will be missed.
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Canadian Conservation Corp Interns Claire Buchanan and Ryan Lamoureux spent the summer with us, working on creating and maintaining trails on the Nature Reserves, and pioneering the Monarch Monitoring Citizen Science program.
Watch a recap of their summer by clicking the video on the right.
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BluMoose Alvar Ride raises over $14,000! |
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Riders cycled 135km or 170km routes, travelling along the beautiful, quiet, tarmac and dirt roads of this area, both encompassing the extraordinary Carden Alvar Provincial Park.
This event is in memory of Danya Leemhuis and 100% of the money raised goes towards protecting nature in the region. Our thanks to Adrian Leemhuis & Lorraine Morris, the participants, Quayle's Brewery, Sip Sap Sucker and Chris Monette Photography.
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Inspired by Nature Calendar |
Order your 2022 calendar now, from Cameron Curran Photography! Two dollars from every calendar is donated to the Couchiching Conservancy. Filled with beautiful landscape and species images, this calendar is sure to bring you joy throughout the year!
11" x 17" when unfolded, or 8.5" x 11" when folded. Calendars are $20.00 each. Shipping extra (based on quantity and destination).
If you are interested in ordering, please email Cameron with the following information:
- Quantity of calendars
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Desired payment method: (e-transfer to photography@cameroncurran.ca, cash, or cheque)
- Mailing address, or desire/intent for free curbside drop off/ pickup
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November 30 - Citizen Scientists, Save the Date! Nature Counts Main Presentation. Focused presentations for each Citizen Science Monitoring Program will take place throughout November. Teams will be notified directly once presentation dates are finalized.
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Report your sightings of Wildlife on Roads |
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There is a new opportunity to get involved in species monitoring. We will be working with Kari Gunson (Eco-Care, Road Ecologist) to monitor wildlife on and near roads in our region. Observations, submitted through iNaturalist, will help pinpoint sections of roadway where animals are crossing frequently and unsuccessfully. This data can indicate where mitigation infrastructure such as wildlife bridges and culverts as needed.
A webinar (available as a recording) and outdoor workshop has already taken place with a great show of interest from volunteers (33 sign-ups!)
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Phone: 705-326-1620
Mail: Box 704, Orillia, ON L3V 6K7
Office: 1485 Division Rd W, Orillia, ON L3V OX6
Charitable Registration #: 13972 5030 RR0001
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