It is hard to fathom protecting our favourite wild places all on our own. There is so much to know, so much money needed, so much expertise required. With The Couchiching Conservancy, protecting nature for future generations is possible.
Art at Grant`s Woods: “Art is Where You Find It”
The Couchiching Conservancy land trust has partnered with the Orillia Museum of Art and History to present a special event of installation artworks along the trails of the Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve. Funding for this project was generously provided by the Ontario 150 program.
In the News: Falling in Love with Rivers
There is nothing better to paddle than a river. I find it to be a perfect metaphor for life.
Special: When the land gets a hold on you
Sometimes a little patch of earth seeps into you until it gets a little hard to discern where it ends and you begin.
It’s funny that we don’t have a word for that feeling, though countless people have experienced it across the ages.
How the Conservancy Manages Forests
A great majority of the conservation lands that are managed by the Couchiching Conservancy contain woodlands. These forests may be magnificent hardwood stands, thick cedar swamps, or a wonderful mix of both conifer and hardwood; two properties even have those arrow-straight rows of planted pines. No matter what the composition, each forested area is closely monitored and managed by Conservancy staff.
American Tree Sparrow; a welcome visitor
Although it may not be as colourful and dazzling as other birds of winter such as chickadees, nuthatches, blue jays, juncos and northern shrikes, The American Tree sparrow is a welcomed visitor. One cannot deny its beauty either, for with its rufous- coloured crown and stripe behind its eye, the streaking on its back and the dark spot on its predominantly gray breast, it is a lovely looking bird.
Tamarack: A different conifer
The name tamarack comes from an Algonkian word meaning “wood to make snowshoes”, telling us just how important this tree species was to the First Nation community.
Generous benefactor passes away
William “Bill” Grant, who donated Grant’s Woods to the Couchiching Conservancy a decade ago, passed away in late May. Mr. Grant had been a resident at Birchmere Retirement Home but was in failing health for the past year.