SHARE:  

If this email isn't displaying properly, please {View as Webpage}


CC Logo Black _small_.png

October 2022

Facebook  Instagram

Couchiching,


On September 17, I joined our Passport to Nature event at Sweetwater Farm Nature Reserve, Yoga & Reflection on The Land, lead by Cat O'Connor in the Black River Wildlands. Part of the experience was to journal after some restorative yoga next to the limestone rapids. Here are the words that flowed from my hand:

As I lay upon the earth, I stare into the warm grey sky. Grass surrounds me, tall & limber. The stream rushes by in the distance providing soothing sounds of strength & solace. Crickets chatter, birds sing, and bees buzz by looking for sweet nectar before the cool weather officially sets in.


These are the moments that remind me why protecting nature is so important. To share the land with those who appreciate it and understand the power it holds. Filling us with feelings of a time that once was, and hope that maybe, just maybe, we can continue hanging on to pieces like this, forever. 


"Every heart has a hidden treasure. A secret wish. A silent dream. A goal to long for." - Jill Wolf


What's whispering inside of you?

Samantha Vessios

Engagement Organizer

2023 Annual General Meeting

Starlings taking flight on Bluebird Ranch by John F. Wright

It's hard to believe we're already starting to plan our next Annual General Meeting on Saturday, March 4. We would love to see you in person, but understand we need to remain cautious, and are aware the possibility of Covid ramping back up over the fall/winter season is very likely. 


With that in mind, we're looking to you to see how you feel about moving back to an in-person event, or if you'd prefer to keep it online for another year.

I WOULD PREFER TO ATTEND THE 2023 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:
In-person
Online

Hunting Season


As we transition into fall, hunting season opens in rural areas.

 

It’s a favourite time for most people to get outside and go for a hike because the bugs are gone, the air is crisp, and the leaves turn the landscape into a work of art. Here are some things to consider as you head out the door on your next adventure:

White-tailed Deer by Phil Crawley

While hunting is not permitted on our nature reserves, be aware that if you are planning to visit the Kris Starr Sanctuary this fall, a member of the Starr family does have hunting rights by special arrangement. You can call the office in advance of your visit for more detailed information.   

 

Another thing to be aware of is that hunting may also happen on properties neighbouring our nature reserves.

 

We recommend wearing a brightly coloured jacket or hat such as hunter orange when visiting nature reserves during hunting season. Be careful at dawn or dusk when colours such as red and green appear brown.

 

A reminder that pets should always be leashed while on Couchiching Conservancy nature reserves.

 

For more information about hunting regulations and seasons, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry website to view the 2022 Hunting Regulations.

 

(https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-hunting-regulations-summary)

-Brandon


Brandon Guoth is the Reserve Steward for The Couchiching Conservancy. You can reach him at: 

brandon@couchconservancy.ca or 705-326-1620

Corridors Campaign: Alvar Addition in the Works

Drone footage by Aiesha Aggarwal and Brolin Devine

One of the key activities of our organization is working with interested land owners to protect environmentally significant wilderness and connecting the protected places in our region. We are always working on new land protection. Some discussions happen quickly, while others take longer.


I happened to be looking at past newsletters, and a ‘Did you know’ box caught my eye from the January 2000 issue. At the time, the Conservancy was seven years old, and completely volunteer run.


At the time we owned 285 acres, managed 844 acres and had 450 acres through easements.


As we approach our 29th anniversary, so much has changed. Today's "DID YOU KNOW?" box would say:

We own - 3,384 acres

We manage or have helped protect - 8,902 acres

Conservation easements - 2,155 acres


(There are no handshake agreements - we are more formal now)


This is all thanks to people like you. Truly. People who renew their membership every year, call to make a donation, volunteer their time. People who know that protecting our precious Earth is the solution to so many problems.


And that photo at the top of this section? That's the next property we are working to protect within the Corridors Campaign. You're likely well versed on this Campaign as our proactive way to be ready when land protection opportunities arise. We'll share more soon, but if you are ready to renew your commitment to this work, give me a call to make a gift or donate online here.


I wonder what the "DID YOU KNOW?" box will say in another 30 years...

-Tanya


Tanya Clark is the Fundraising & Engagement Manager for The Couchiching Conservancy. You can reach her at: 

tanya@couchconservancy.ca or 705-326-1620

Monarch Butterfly at Ron Reid NR by Samantha Vessios

Your Green Legacy


On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, supporters of our Heartwood Fund ventured out to three nature reserves in the Black River Wildlands region.


The Heartwood Fund was developed to ensure the places we protect today will be supported well into the future - no matter what happens in the world. These legacy gifts is the most important gift a person can make.

MORE ABOUT HEARTWOOD

The BluMoose Alvar ride helps protect the Carden Alvar


Over 80 people helped raise well over $16,000 this year! They completed a 100km or 140km route, taking them through the Alvar region. This event is coordinated by Adrian Leemhuis and Lorraine Morris in memory of their son Danya Leemhuis.


Danya loved the alvar, and we are grateful to honour his memory in this way. Our thanks to everyone involved.

Photo by Chris Monette

Ways To Get Involved

Wine Club - Final Call


Get your orders in!

After much discussion we have decided this will be our last Pelee Island Winery order.

 

We are grateful to all of the long-time members, and all of our volunteers who helped organize, order and deliver wine.

I'D LIKE TO ORDER

OVE Benefit Concert


Wednesday, November 9 the Orillia Vocal Ensemble sings to support The Couchiching Conservancy and helps protect nature for future generations!


The musical evening will take place at St. Paul's Centre in Orillia at 7:30 pm, entrance is by donation. 

Photo: Song Sparrow by Toby Rowland

Books n' Beer Club


Walk and talk on this local Nature Conservancy of Canada trail on Sunday, November 13 to discuss Michael Christie's Greenwood, followed by drinks at Quayle's Brewery!


Support local and borrow a copy from the library.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Fall is the perfect time to download our Family FUN Collection! 


Gather items from your backyard (not our nature reserves please!) and create unique pieces like the Autumn Leaves Placemat found in our pre-planned activities guide.


Share your creations with us!

#WildWithCC


Visit our Passport to Nature page

CC Logo Black Leaf _small_.png

PROTECTING NATURE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

We operate on the territory of the Anishinaabeg

Facebook  Instagram  YouTube
WHERE TO NEXT?
PROTECT AN ACRE

Charitable #: 13972 5030 RR0001

Office: 705-326-1620