Couchiching Conservancy

Couchiching Conservancy Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Couchiching Conservancy, Nonprofit Organization, 1485 Division Road West, Orillia, ON.

The Couchiching Conservancy is a charitable non-profit land trust supported by individuals like you – people who want to ensure that special natural places are safeguarded for the future.

Thank you to everyone who came out to Passport to Nature’s Birding 101! 🐦🌿A special thank you to our knowledgeable guide...
06/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to Passport to Nature’s Birding 101! 🐦🌿

A special thank you to our knowledgeable guides, Andres, Joseph, and Junaid, for sharing their passion and expertise throughout the day.

Despite the weather, it was wonderful to spend time in nature, learn together, and support the protection of the Carden Alvar. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the day so meaningful.

And thank you to Nicole Rulff for capturing these beautiful photos 💚

Head to our website and check out more fun activities out on the land: https://couchichingconserv.ca/events-calendar/

06/04/2026

We went out on the land last week with local naturalist Bob Bowles, and saw and heard so much!

Bald Eagle
Gray Catbird
Early buttercup
Bluette
Early saffigrage
Smooth rose
Prairie smoke
Columbine
Cow moss
Reindeer lichen
Bald eagle
Black and white warbler
Columbine duskywing
Scarlet cup
Yallow
Brown headed cowbird
Icelandic lichen
Pepper grass
Medusa moss
Mossy stonecrop

And more!

Thanks Bob for sharing your knowledge.

We did it. Together.On May 28, 2026, the Lake Dalrymple Alvar officially became the 60th property protected by The Couch...
06/03/2026

We did it. Together.

On May 28, 2026, the Lake Dalrymple Alvar officially became the 60th property protected by The Couchiching Conservancy. This milestone wasn’t just a win for conservation - it was a testament to the power of community. In just seven months, over 330 of you were a part of the largest fundraising effort we have ever undertaken, and have contributed over $1,590,000 to date.

Lake Dalrymple Alvar is more than a new protected property - it’s:
- a haven for rare species;
- a unique shoreline;
- a fragile ecosystem where alvars thrive alongside wetlands and forests.

These landscapes are among the most endangered in our region, and protecting them ensures biodiversity, clean water, and resilience against climate change. This isn’t just land conservation - it’s a legacy for future generations.

This victory is part of our Land for Life campaign - a bold effort to protect priority habitats across the region before they’re lost forever.

The pressures on our local landscapes are intensifying. Development, climate change, and habitat loss don’t wait - and neither can we.

To protect more lands in 2026, we need your help. We have about $50,000 to raise to complete clean up and fencing projects on the Lake Dalrymple Alvar Nature Reserve. Additional donations will support the next properties we are working to protect. Learn more and donate here: https://couchichingconserv.ca/land-for-life/

Thank you again to every single one of you who helped make this possible 😊

06/02/2026

🌿🔎 Get ready to explore! Join us THIS SATURDAY for a BioBlitz at Kris Starr Sanctuary in the beautiful Carden area!

A BioBlitz is a one-day nature scavenger hunt where scientists, naturalists, and community members work together to discover and record as many species as possible. 🐸🦋🌱

Learn from expert guides Phil Careless, Matt Ireland, and Conservancy stewardship biologist Toby Rowland as they help participants discover herptiles, invasive species, and more. Prefer to wander? You’re welcome to explore on your own too!

✨ No experience needed — just bring your curiosity and love for nature. Register now, with the link below:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/zgzm69w

See you in the field!

06/01/2026

We got all three in! 🙌
No matter how we did it… we made it happen 😅

Now you know what to do 👀
Sign up for our monthly newsletter using the link below!
https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001hTSvaCrbOrjEHoBBvIEDtLNqxdoruPmYvO0U87kMtncTGpz29Z6GBZQxA6bQKFf0UobUXiusTuMV6oaD--lA0RQhQ8AKft1H4MSBx7FFygvEasxeRShoR1hk25z7a1EiQCM2AjQNEhp8z-t2lyocfY_ErQHCTCfn
Get monthly conservation updates, fun stories, upcoming events, and more delivered right to your inbox 🌿📬

05/28/2026

🌲✨ Step into a magical woodland adventure designed for children 10 & under ✨🌲

Families will explore a gentle forest trail, discover signs of wildlife, search for hidden forest friends, and enjoy a guided nature walk filled with curiosity and wonder.

Led by local educator and outdoor enthusiast David Giannunzio, this playful outdoor experience encourages children to slow down, explore, and connect with nature.

🍃 Perfect for young explorers
🐾 Wildlife discovery
🌿 Screen-free family fun
✨ Limited family spots available

📅 Sunday June 7th
📍 Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve
🎟️ Registration required
🔗 https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/2ksgfga

05/27/2026

Carden Challenge 2026! 🐦🐸🦢🌿🦋

We had 15 teams searching for as many species as they could find in 24 hours. Birds, Amphibians, Reptiles, Mammals, Butterflies, Dragonflies... they counted it all. The weather wasn't as favourable on Saturday afternoon, but Friday was perfect.

We are going through checklists and double-checking numbers... but we can announce...participants helped raise over $26,000! All funds raised help us with stewardship efforts of the alvar. That means actions such as managing invasive species like dog strangling vine, fencing projects, species monitoring, trail maintenance, and much more. A key part of protecting nature is taking care of it!

Thank you again so much to everyone who took part, donated, and helped with the event.

Featured photo of a Ruby Throated Hummingbird by

🌿 Our Summer Community Engagement Ambassadors will be out in the community all season long!Check out this list of upcomi...
05/26/2026

🌿 Our Summer Community Engagement Ambassadors will be out in the community all season long!

Check out this list of upcoming events and activities where you can stop by, say hello, learn more about local conservation, and get involved.

Save this post so you have all the summer event dates handy, send it to a friend, and feel free to reach out by email if you’d like to help out at any of the events 💚

Thank you! To everyone who took part in the Carden Challenge, and Birding 101. We had a beautiful Friday evening, and t...
05/25/2026

Thank you! To everyone who took part in the Carden Challenge, and Birding 101. We had a beautiful Friday evening, and then...some not ideal weather on Saturday. Either way, it was a great time looking and listening for species, and reflecting on the work to protect this Important Bird & Biodiversity Area.

Thank you:
- Philip and Ian
- Andres, Joseph and Junaid
- Challenge participants
- Challenge supporters
- Birding 101 participants
- The Roost
- Quaker Oaks
- Carden Recreation Centre
- Arcadia Earth
- Guess Where Trips
- Box of Paint Studio
- Cabinscape
- Mariposa Market
- Meg Whitton for organizing!

Behind the scenes we are busy doing the species tallies and summaries, and info will be shared on the website as soon as we can. We had over 70 people take part in the Carden Challenge, and raise over $25,000 for alvar conservation efforts! 👏👏🏻👏🏾

We’re so grateful for the community coming together in support of conservation, birds, and the beautiful Carden landscape!

Make sure you are signed up for our monthly newsletter so you are notified of Carden Challenge results. https://couchichingconserv.ca/ (link under Get Involved), or on Instagram - check our Link in Bio.

Pictures:
- *most* of the Carden Challenge participants
- sunset on the Alvar
- looking for birds at Carden Alvar Provincial Park
- Coffee on the roof, listening for birds and warding off mosquitoes and black flies

🐢 Today is World Turtle Day!Turtles are some of Ontario’s most vulnerable reptiles, facing threats from habitat loss, ro...
05/23/2026

🐢 Today is World Turtle Day!

Turtles are some of Ontario’s most vulnerable reptiles, facing threats from habitat loss, road mortality, pollution, and invasive species. Many native turtle species are now considered at risk, making habitat protection more important than ever.

At The Couchiching Conservancy, protecting wetlands and natural spaces helps create safe habitat for turtles and countless other species that depend on healthy ecosystems.

Want to help? Visit our website to learn more about local conservation efforts and consider making a donation to help protect critical wildlife habitat for future generations. 💚 https://couchichingconserv.ca/donate/

Address

1485 Division Road West
Orillia, ON
L3V6H2

Telephone

+17053261620

Website

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