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Area Study Offers a Way Forward on Climate Change

In News by couchiching

As of this summer, scientists now say extreme climate change is no longer a future scenario, but something that is already upon us, and the recent climate data from NASA agrees: July 2016 had the earth’s warmest absolute temperatures since human civilization began. Not since records began, but thousands of years before that.

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Birding: A Woodpecker Summer

In Birds, News by couchiching

Feeding birds in the summer features a different cast of characters from the usual winter crew. Nuthatches, chickadees and blue jays disappear, distracted by the duties of nest-building and egg-sitting. In their place, local woodpeckers have become regular visitors to the peanut feeder just outside our window.

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17% Pledge Aims to Protect Nature

In News by couchiching

As a part of a Global mission to secure Earth’s biodiversity, Canada has committed to having 17% of land and inland water protected by 2020. Because Canada has 10% of the world’s forest, 25% of the world’s wetlands, and 20% of the world’s fresh water, achieving this goal will be influential across local and global scales.

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Birding on the alvar: Wilson’s Snipe

In Birds, News by couchiching

One of the more interesting birds in our region is the Wilson’s Snipe. Classified as a Shorebird, this species inhabits flooded grasslands, bogs and marshes. They are frequently seen, as this one in the accompanying picture, standing on a fence post scanning the surrounding area and uttering a very loud and weird “tuck-a-tuck-a-tuck-a-tuck” call!

Notes from the Field: Scout Valley

In Nature Reserves & Easements, News by couchiching

This summer drought has dried up may creeks around the region, and highlighted the importance of protected headwaters. Mill Creek originates in the wetland above Scout Valley and then winds it way through the forest and downhill to join up with Ben’s Ditch.

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When the Going Gets Tough, the Naturalist Gets Going

In News by couchiching

Knowledgeable, passionate and ambitious are three champion terms that describe avid outdoor enthusiasts and naturalists. As a young naturalist who is continually developing new and existing skills, I have found that taking part in adventures and nature studies always pose tremendous learning opportunities. Approaching these with a positive attitude is key for personal development, but it is not always easy. Sometimes small bumps in the road can challenge you as you learn, but ultimately better you as an aspiring professional in the field of environmental conservation.