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October 2022

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?

2023 Annual General Meeting

Starlings taking flight on Bluebird Ranch by John F. Wright

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

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.

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.

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

PROTECTING NATURE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

We operate on the territory of the Anishinaabeg

Charitable #: 13972 5030 RR0001

Office: 705-326-1620