WELCOME! Our Passport to Nature has been created with YOU in mind — those who want to explore the wild outdoors, experience new things & meet nice people. To make the most of your Passport, here are five basic steps to plan your next adventure and get involved with The Couchiching Conservancy.
OUR THANKS! To the businesses who have supported the Passport to Nature program and our conservation efforts. These environmentally-minded businesses are making our community better! SUPPORT LOCAL. To our wonderful committee for dedicating countless hours to the program: Kathy Hunt, Janet Machan, Jamie Ross, Jane Sloley, Susan Crowe, Sarah Papple, Samantha Vessios, and Tanya Clark. And to our Board of Directors for all of their support and proud volunteers who help make our Passport to Nature a huge success! PRIZE PARTNER:
PROMOTIONAL PARTNERS:
Township of Severn, GuidEd, OrilliaMatters
PASSPORT TO NATURE IS ORGANIZED BY
The Couchiching Conservancy is a non-profit, non-government land trust dedicated to protecting nature today, for current and future generations. Our work is powered by community members, supporters, businesses, volunteers and foundations. Since 1993, we have helped protect thousands of acres of wilderness – an area double the size of the City of Orillia! We operate on the territory of the Anishnaabeg.
Want to learn more and get involved? Reach out to us! OFFICE: 1485 Division Rd West, Orillia, ON L3V 0X6
couchichingconserv.ca 705 326 1620
Finished with your Passport? Pass it to a friend!
CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES Here's a quick look at what we've got planned for you! YEAR-ROUND Experience The Wildlands Road Trip Experience Carden Road Trip Family FUN Collection
2022
Sat, Apr 23 May 1 - 31 Wed, May 4 May 27 - 28 Sat, June 18 Sat, July 16
Earth Day Clean Up Spring Challenge Birding by Ear Carden Challenge Print Making in The Woods Paddle Party on The Black River
Aug 1 - 31 Sat, Aug 27 Sat, Sept 17 Oct 1 - 31 Sat, Oct 1 Sun, Nov 13
2023
Wed, Jan 18 Feb 1 - 28 Sat, Mar 4
Summer Challenge Musical Mystery Tour Yoga & Reflection on The Land Autumn Challenge Painting The Wildlands Books n' Beer Club Flora of The Kawarthas Winter Challenge Annual General Meeting
PLAN YOUR VISIT DID YOU KNOW?
Many of the nature reserves The Couchiching Conservancy and partners help to protect have marked walking trails and footpaths! Ongoing care of these reserves, including seasonal trail maintenance, is made possible by our members, volunteers and supporters. Check out what's close to you!
SIMCOE COUNTY • Adams Nature Reserve (NR)
KAWARTHA LAKES • Cameron Ranch NR
• Alexander Hope Smith NR • Carthew Bay NR • Church Woods NR • Grant’s Woods NR
(Carden Alvar Provincial Park) • Kris Starr Sanctuary • North Bear NR
• Jennett Woods NR
• Reid NR
• Sweetwater Farm NR
• Windmill Ranch - Sedge Wren
• Agnew NR • Scout Valley Easement
ur map!
Flip to o
TAG US
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Find more information and download trail maps on our website: couchichingconserv.ca
@couchco nserv #WildW ithCC
From the home page, hover over What We Do in the menu and click Nature Reserves & Easements. Here you can learn more about a reserve and gain access to a selection of trail maps. When you visit a nature reserve, please be prepared for the weather conditions, and let someone know where you are. Outdoor activities have inherent risks – use of our trail systems are done at your own risk.
Passport to
THE WILDLANDS
EXPERIENCE THE WILDLANDS ROAD TRIP
AVAILAB LE ALL YEA R LONG!
SELF-LED Download this experience when you're ready to adventure! Did you see that? Was it a Great Blue Heron? Or maybe it was a Belted Kingfisher!? You never know what you will discover in the Black River Wildlands, just outside of Orillia. Home to hundreds of species, the Wildlands is a mixture of wetlands, forests and magnificent Canadian Shield. There is so much to explore. Register to gain access to this Experience for tips from locals to do your own road trip of the region! Share your photos with us at #WildWithCC
Passport to
CARDEN ALVAR
EXPERIENCE CARDEN ROAD TRIP
AVAILAB LE ALL YEA R LONG!
SELF-LED Download this experience when you're ready to explore! Discover a globally rare landscape, just outside of Orillia, home to over 250 species. The Carden Alvar is unlike anything you have seen before, with grykes, disappearing rivers and carpets of wildflowers. You will want to take your time to listen to the birds sing and get a closer look at the many wildflowers and plants growing in the spring and summer. Register to gain access to this Experience for tips from locals to do your own road trip of the region! Share your photos with us at #WildWithCC
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Passport to
KIDS ACTIVITIES
FAMILY FUN COLLECTION
AVAILAB LE ALL YEA R LONG!
SELF-LED
Download this experience at anytime! Have fun with the wondrous world of nature. Organized by seasons, the many activities provided in our Family FUN Collection are designed to keep you connected to nature throughout the year. From our fun fact word-searches to our hands-on activities, there is sure to be something for everyone. Registration is required to gain access to your downloadable activities. Gear up for days of exploration! Nature beckons.
NOTE TO SELF:
my Keep a small journal of .. activities and drawings so Drop it off in February The Conservancy can share findings at their AGM on March 4!
Passport to
SCOUT VALLEY
EARTH DAY CLEAN UP LEADERS: KATHY HUNT & JANET MACHAN PARTICIPANTS: UNLIMITED
SAT APRIL 23 10 AM
Kick off your spring by giving back to nature and cleaning up the places we all love to explore. Join us for a group clean up at Scout Valley in Orillia - one of The Conservancy’s public easements OR choose to pick up garbage throughout your neighbourhood or favourite walking place. Garbage bags will be provided at the group clean up, but please bring your own gloves & water.
MEETING SPOT:
325 Line 15 N, Orillia, ON L3V 6H1 Regan House
Passport to
SPRING CHALLENGE
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
MAY 1 - 31
SELF-LED Submit your tracking sheets by June 7! Turn off stress and turn on your sense of adventure by taking a walk on the wild side. Walk our trails and you might see tender buds on trees, early blooming wildflowers, spring migratory birds and first sightings of butterflies and bees. Register to access our printable Walk on the Wild Side Challenge guide to select which of our nature reserves you want to explore and to keep a record of every visit. Submit your tracking sheet to be entered to win a cool prize! The more time you spend in nature on our reserves, the more you help preserve and protect these special places. Prize package donated by Hardwood Ski & Bike, valued at $100
Passport to
LISTENING
BIRDING BY EAR
WED MAY 4 7 PM
LEADERS: IAN COOK & TANYA CLARK This is a Zoom presentation with a maximum of 100 log-ins. Witchey-witchey-witchey…who is that bird? A big part of being able to identify birds is your ability to ID by song! Learn how to get started with birders Ian Cook and Tanya Clark in this interactive presentation with sound clips of common birds, strategies to help you memorize songs and species to focus on. The perfect Carden Challenge primer! to ID Psst.. Were you able the bird above? s photo, Learn more about thi te! bsi and others on our we
The 18th Annual
CARDEN CHALLENGE May 27 at 6pm - 28 at 6pm At home & on the alvar Edition any experience & knowledge level count individually or with friends Count as many species as possible in 24 hours
RAISE MONEY TO PROTECT THE CARDEN ALVAR, A GLOBALLY RARE LANDSCAPE NEAR ORILLIA, ONTARIO! GREAT PRIZES & TROPHIES!
LEARN MORE AT WWW.COUCHICHINGCONSERV.CA
Passport to
GRANT'S WOODS cool!
PRINT MAKING IN THE WOODS
SAT JUNE 18 10:30 AM
LEADER: GILLIAN LOWRY PARTICIPANTS: 12 Sign up to create a piece of wearable, eco-friendly art under the Grant’s Woods gazebo with local artist Gillian Lowry. Known for her ecological designs that celebrate local gems, Gillian has created a special design for The Couchiching Conservancy to share with everyone. Bring a cotton clothing item to print on, and prepare to get messy!
Passport to
REID NATURE RESERVE
PADDLE PARTY ON THE BLACK RIVER
SAT JULY 16 10 AM
LEADER: PHIL CARELESS & LISA NEVILLE PARTICIPANTS: 15 Phil Careless and Lisa Neville will lead you on a paddle from the Rosebush Landing entry at Reid Nature Reserve, to the foot of Ragged Rapids and back! We will attempt to identify species along the river as we go. Bring your own canoe or kayak and dress for the weather. Life jackets are mandatory and must be worn. Intermediate skill set.
MEETING SPOT:
Further instructions will be provided with registration.
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Passport to
SUMMER CHALLENGE
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
AUG 1 - 31
SELF-LED
Submit your tracking sheets by September 7! Turn off stress and turn on your sense of adventure by taking a walk on the wild side. Walk our foot trails or paddle our waterways and learn to identify different types of trees, vibrant wildflowers, water and wetland plants, reptiles and amphibians, birds, butterflies and bees. Register to access our printable Walk on the Wild Side Challenge guide to select which of our nature reserves you want to explore and to keep a record of every visit. Submit your tracking sheet to be entered to win a cool prize. The more time you spend in nature on our reserves, the more you help preserve and protect these special places. Prize package donated by Hardwood Ski & Bike, valued at $100
2 0 E a s t We s t R d , Pelee Island ON N0R 1M0 W W W. P E L E E I S L A N D . C O M
Can you spot the missing link? This map is a great example of how we're working together to create conservation corridors! Thanks Aiesha!
Passport to
A SECRET LOCATION
SAT AUG 27 6 PM
MUSICAL MYSTERY TOUR LEADER: SAMANTHA VESSIOS PARTICIPANTS: 50 Do you like surprises? Being entertained? Warm summer evenings? Then this is the event for is you! Register for this mysterious guided tour near Orillia to receive access to our secret location. We’re bringing local talent together to support protecting nature for present, and future generations. You never know who or what you’ll hear, spot, or cross paths with along the way… Please come prepared for the weather, bring water, and a chair if you would like to have a seat along the way.
MEETING SPOT:
Further instructions will be provided with registration.
SEPT 10
Chris Monette Photography
105KM OR 140KM ROUTES
Travel along the beautiful gravel and tarmac roads of Simcoe County and Kawartha Lakes. The ride encompasses the extraordinary Carden Alvar Provincial Park. The Carden Alvar is a rare and unique ecosystem, its grassland, wetlands and woodlands hosting over 230 bird species, 140 butterfly/dragonfly species and 450 plants. The goal of The BluMoose cycling events is to raise charitable funds in memory of Danya Leemhuis who died in an accident on March 9, 2018.
This event is organized by a third party as a fundraising event, with proceeds supporting The Couchiching Conservancy.
WWW.THEBLUMOOSE.COM
US DOWN! W O L S ’T N ID D 2021 er of fundraisers b m u n a to s k n a Th s, our annual organized by other en Challenge, rd a C & re tu a N to Passport ds of people. sands ou th h it w d te ec n we con
Passport to
SWEETWATER FARM
YOGA & REFLECTION ON THE LAND
SAT SEPT 17 10 AM
LEADER: CAT O'CONNOR PARTICIPANTS: 12 Unplug and reconnect with your natural environment - discovering your true creative power & wisdom through nature, silence, meditation, yoga, and reflection. This is an experience for everyone interested in exploring and appreciating your outer & inner landscapes... the places that bring peace, clarity and joy. Join yoga teacher Cat O’Connor at Sweetwater Farm Nature Reserve as you immerse yourself in the sounds of nature. Practice gentle yoga, meditation, and journaling by the river to help you reconnect with your own inner truth and knowing. BYO: Mat, Journal, Pen, Water
MEETING SPOT:
Further instructions will be provided with registration.
nd the o y e b t “Ou ht doing g i r f o a ide doing, g n o r w and a field. there is u there.” o y t e e I'll m - Rumi
Passport to
AUTUMN CHALLENGE
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
OCT 1 - 31
SELF-LED Submit your tracking sheets by November 7! Turn off stress and turn on your sense of adventureby taking a walk on the wild side. Walk our trails to take in the beautiful fall foliage, colourful varieties of lichen and fungi and see migratory birds in flight. Register to access our printable Walk on the Wild Side Challenge guide to select which of our nature reserves you want to explore and to keep a record of every visit. Submit your tracking sheet to be entered to win a cool prize. The more time you spend in nature on our reserves, the more you help preserve and protect these special places. Prize package donated by Hardwood Ski & Bike, valued at $100
Passport to
ADAMS
PAINTING IN THE WILDLANDS
SAT OCT 1 10 AM
LEADER: DOUG COOPER PARTICIPANTS: 12 Immerse yourself in the beauty of the changing seasons by joining Doug Cooper, a well-known artist from Washago, for an outdoor acrylic painting workshop. This 3-hour workshop will take place at the Adams Nature Reserve located on the north side of Coopers Falls Road, approximately 7 km west of the village of Washago, providing stunning vistas to inspire you. Participants are asked to bring their own painting supplies and dress for the weather as it will go rain or shine. Come out and partake in this “plein air” experience!
MEETING SPOT:
Further instructions will be provided with registration.
Ontario Lakeside Family Fun all year! Visit us online or call 1.800.461.0243 for details.
BAY V I E W W I L DWO O D . c o m
Passport to
A SPECIAL PROPERTY
CC staff 02/22
BOOKS N' BEER CLUB
SUN NOV 13 2 PM
LEADER: SARAH PAPPLE PARTICIPANTS: 12 Make the dark days of November something to look forward to with this book club meeting in the bush! Participants will read Michael Christie’s Greenwood at their own pace before the club meets and brings their thoughts to this local Nature Conservancy of Canada trail. Local librarian, Sarah Papple, will guide the chat about the novel while you work up your thirst to continue the discussion at Quayle’s Brewery! Support local by picking up a copy from your closest library or bookstore.
MEETING SPOT:
Further instructions will be provided with registration.
Passport to
FIELDS AND FORESTS
FLORA OF KAWARTHA LAKES
WED JAN 18 7 PM
LEADER: DALE LEADBEATER This is a Zoom presentation with a maximum of 100 log-ins. Winter is the perfect time to dream about summer fields & forests in full bloom. Dale Leadbeater, environmental consultant and field ecologist for over 40 years, has co-written the book on flora, Flora of Kawartha Lakes, becoming a vegetation expert on many of The Couchiching Conservancy reserves. In this webinar, she’ll take us on a virtual hike through the Kawarthas. We’ll connect landscapes, water bodies & plant communities – a botanical CSI into the plants around us: why they're there, the importance of sharing that info, and how they change through time & interact with the species (including people) who live among them. If you have some acreage, or you want to improve your skills & understanding while hiking, you won't want to miss this webinar!
DID YOU KNOW? In 2021, volunteers and staff made observations of more than 500 species at risk in our region, most of them on Conservancy nature reserves. All of these observations are submitted to the Ontario Natural Heritage Information Centre. I wonder how many we'll find in 2022...
Passport to
WINTER CHALLENGE
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
FEB 1 - 28
SELF-LED
Submit your tracking sheets by March 7! Turn off stress and turn on your sense of adventure by taking a walk on the wild side. Walk, snowshoe or cross-country ski our trails where you might see tracks of birds and animals in the snow, blue jays and cardinals, wild winter berries, and snow-covered evergreens. Register for our printable Walk on the Wild Side Challenge guide to select which of our nature reserves you want to explore and to keep a record of every visit. Submit your tracking sheet to be entered to win a cool prize. The more time you spend in nature on our reserves, the more you help preserve and protect these special places. Prize package donated by Hardwood Ski & Bike, valued at $100
The Frenette-Ling Family would like to honour The Couchiching Conservancy and all the creatures they protect by supporting the Passport to Nature
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Passport to
PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE
SAT MAR 4 2023
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Please register through our website. Our AGM is the buzz of the Conservancy calendar, with between 250–300 local environmentalists standing up for nature. From volunteers, to donors, to founders and board members, it's your chance to get to know us better! Members can vote and if you're new to the Conservancy, you can see how we run, ask questions about our work, our nature reserves, and impact. Absolutely all are welcome! Please check our website for updates and registration. Reading materials will be sent prior to the meeting through our e-newsletter. Whether it's online or in-person, we can't wait to see you!
PROTECT NATURE ON THE GROUND BY VOLUNTEERING! Do you love the outdoors? Are you passionate about land conservation? Looking to connect with like-minded individuals? JOIN US! As a volunteer, you play an important role in driving our local conservation efforts.
A FEW OF OUR MANY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
• Ambassador • Office Support • Land Steward • Property Maintenance
• Wildlife on Roads • Water Monitoring • Reptile & Amphibian Monitoring
Volunteers are the heart of The Couchiching Conservancy. They enable us to steward and manage over 50 nature reserves, drive projects and campaigns, and help build a community of supporters working to protect nature in the region. LEARN MORE AND APPLY THROUGH OUR WEBSITE:
couchichingconserv.ca/how-to-help/volunteer
GET OUT. CONNECT. PROTECT. ro fi t, W e a re a n on -p t n on -g ov er n m en ee d s n la n d tr u s t w h o te ct p ro Y O U R h el p to th e w il d p la ce s . in ou r re g io n .. HELP US PROTECT AN ACRE FOR ONLY $25! Your donation helps us manage the land and complete actions like trail maintenance, invasive species management and more.
BUILD CORRIDORS OF CONNECTED WILDERNESS In the face of a rapidly changing climate, the creation of wildlife corridors is critical. These are the bridges for species to move. Several high-priority zones have been identified within The Conservancy’s coverage area through mapping of species at risk occurrences, connection to existing protected areas, waterways, forest cover and more. Through this process, it was clear how important the Black River Wildlands region and Carden Alvar are. With increasing development pressure, we have a goal to raise $1.4M for the Corridors Campaign to help acquire new properties. We still need to raise approximately $500K – so every donation is important and moves us closer to our land conservation objectives.
Scan our QR Code to make a donation online! Prefer to donate by phone or mail? Reach Tanya Clark at 705-326-1620, or send a cheque payable to The Couchiching Conservancy: Box 704, Orillia, ON L3V 0X6 Charitable registration number: 13972 5030 RR0001
couchichingconserv.ca/donate
JOIN OUR WINE CLUB Cheers to Pelee Island Winery! Enjoy the fruit of the vine while supporting local conservation. In partnership with Pelee Island Winery, there’s a wine to suit all tastes including chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, merlot, and pinot noir to name a few. All are VQA, helping to support the Ontario agricultural community. Orders are placed twice a year and you can mix n' match your order! Prices are the same as wine purchased through the LCBO, and a portion is donated back to the Conservancy. Visit our website for more information or reach out to Courtney Baker at courtney@couchconservancy.ca
PASSPORT TO NATURE CANADA Passport to Nature in Canada is your invitation to experience the marvels of our natural world in communities across the country! Each passport describes guided events that often free and open to all! Where in nature will you travel this year?
A special thank you to The Gosling Foundation for inspiring environmental organizations and supporting engagement.
The beautiful photos is found throughout th ed id ov pr en be ve book ha by staff, contractors, s supporters & volunteer ! of The Conservancy
Full details on our website