Couchiching Conservancy set to re-open nature reserves

The Couchiching Conservancy is pleased to share that public access to the Nature Reserves will re-open on Thursday, May 14, 2020, with the exception of the Adams Nature Reserve, which will remain closed.

The decision was made to re-open conservancy reserves following the announcement that provincial parks and conservation areas are beginning to re-open this week.

Staff and volunteers have been working throughout the pandemic but the Conservancy’s office and all physical structures remain closed.

Guidelines set out by the province will remain in place to keep our community safe, such as physical distancing.

An additional guideline we are asking of trail users is if a parking area is at or near capacity, they visit at another time, or visit a different trail to decrease the chances of crossing paths with others.

Staying on the trail is always important to protect plants and insects. Volunteers and staff put considerable effort into creating and maintaining good trail systems on some Nature Reserves to reduce impact on the land and keep species safe.

A reminder that the Nature Reserves are not off-leash dog parks, and to show the forest, species and other trail users respect, your dog is to be kept on a leash. You should not allow your dog to come in contact with others.

The protection of thousands of acres of wilderness, and the care and maintenance of the trails is powered by supporters. This pandemic will end, but our promise to protect nature is forever.

While the pandemic will subside, the environmental crisis will continue and will demand a response. We want to emerge from this strong, and responsive to those demands. We are ensuring that the Conservancy will be here for the long term. If your budget allows, please consider making a gift for nature today. And if now is not a good time, we will be here for you.

We have heard from supporters on how much they miss visiting the Nature Reserves. You can share your photos of your visits to these Reserves on our social media - #WildwithCC @couchconserv on Instagram and Twitter and @couchichingconservancy on Facebook.

The Couchiching Conservnacy is a non-profit, non-government land trust powered by a community of people, businesses and foundations dedicated to protecting nature for future generations. You can take action for nature by becoming a member, volunteering or donating to power local efforts to safeguard wilderness in our region. To learn more, please visit www.couchichingconserv.ca
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