Photo By: Richard Lamoureux

EVENTS & NEWS


Muskoka Conservancy runs events year-round, so there is always an opportunity to get involved. We have monthly Nature Quests, which are guided hikes that take place on one of our nature reserves. Some of the past Nature Quests have been birdwatching, mammal tracking, and looking for amphibians in vernal pools. In addition to these, there are several other events that take place throughout the year including webinars, nature talks, and much more. 


To find out more about our upcoming events, email info@muskokaconservancy.org or call 705-645-7393 ext 200.

27 Mar, 2024
Join our April webinar with guest speaker, Laura Thomas! Date: Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Location: Zoom platform (link sent after registration) To register, email Camryn at info@muskokaconservancy.org Discover the benefits of having native plants in your Muskoka garden. Learn which native plants are best at supporting wildlife in Muskoka as well as the plants best suited to your Muskoka landscape. From shallow rocky soils to shorelines and tree-shaded gardens, you will learn which plants will thrive in your garden. Learn design and maintenance tips that will ensure your native plants look great and will thrive regardless of your style of garden. Laura operates, Hidden Habitat, a native plant nursery that grows wildflowers, grasses and shrubs native to Ontario. They sell Ontario native wildflower seeds, sustainably harvested from their cultivated fields in Muskoka and offer ecological landscaping and garden design services.
18 Mar, 2024
Join Conservation Coordinator, Amanda, for an Urban Nature Quest, following a portion of the Trans Canada Trail right within the Town of Bracebridge. We will provide introductory information about the plants, animals, and waterways found within Urban settings and the tools you can use to learn more about the Nature that is all around us. Date: Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (approx.) Location: Trans Canada Trail, Bracebridge This Nature Quest is geared for those who are newer to exploring nature  To Register: Email or call Camryn at info@muskokaconservancy.org or (705) 645-7393 ext. 200 What to bring: - Appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather, shoes you don’t mind getting a bit muddy - Water and a snack - Allergy or other emergency medicine if needed - Binoculars or a camera are recommended
18 Mar, 2024
Join our March webinar with guest speaker, Dr. Neil Hutchinson! Date: Tuesday, March 19th, 2024 Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Location: Zoom platform (link sent after registration) To register, email Camryn at info@muskokaconservancy.org Dr. Neil Hutchinson has been working as a water quality scientist since 1976 and has observed changes in the nature, the geographic scope and sources of the pollutants and problems that have emerged and been tackled in that time. We have moved from an awareness of highly toxic synthetic pollutants being discharged from relatively few sources to non-toxic pollutants (some of which, like phosphorus and carbon dioxide, are essential to life) being discharged on a planetary basis. As our pollutants of concern become less toxic, the management complexity required to address them becomes more complex and involves more people and more levels of organization. There has also been a recurring theme of scientific enquiry, blissful ignorance or denial and predictions of economic mayhem until scientific persistence galvanizes public attention, politicians are forced to act and the environment responds. These will be illustrated with several examples which lead to the failure to address the problem of climate change and can inform the approach to road salt management.
15 Feb, 2024
Job Description Muskoka Conservancy is currently seeking a post-secondary student to fill the spring-summer position of Program Coordinator. The successful candidate will assist our permanent staff as we work together to advance our mission: nature conservation in Muskoka. The ideal candidate is a personable, energetic outdoors enthusiast with a passion for making a difference. The Program Coordinator is a wide-ranging position that will have a support role in all aspects of the nature conservancy. This includes field work, communications, events, supporting volunteers, and more. On any given day you may find yourself: working alongside volunteers building a trail working with biologists to conduct species inventories talking to people about nature conservation at a community event leading or supporting a Nature Quest guided hike installing signage wading in muck to remove invasive species by hand during the height of mosquito and/or black fly season creating content for e-bulletins, web site and newsletters generating positive posts for social media processing event registrations, answering phone calls routine office tasks such as data entry Objectives of this Role Advance the nature conservation mission and values of Muskoka Conservancy Engage volunteers and participants Continuous improvement, learn from each experience Safely assist in execution of outdoor programs Create and implement a conservation-minded program of your choice Daily Responsibilities Support permanent staff as directed Participate in work parties to complete conservation objectives (example: removal of invasive species) Participate in outreach and nature quest events Assist in Nature Reserve monitoring Support community science projects, including snake monitoring and invasive species management Support annual fundraising event, including planning, auction support, and communications Contribute photographs and other content for e-bulletins, newsletter, social media Skills and Qualifications Team player (responsible, reliable, adaptable, collaborator, listener, active participant) Respect for nature Comfortable working outdoors in typical Muskoka settings, including deep bush, on the water, and in wetlands An understanding of health and safety in field and office environments Enthusiastic willingness to learn, knowledge of local flora and fauna is an asset Good physical fitness and endurance with ability to hike through rough terrain for up to 5 km with a pack and tools Outdoor experience Secondary School Graduation Diploma, enrollment in a post-secondary program in environmental science, ecology, biology or a related field Cooperative and courteous with people Operate various hand tools More about the position 35 hours per week · Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (16-weeks) Completion bonus Flex-time Salary: $21.55 per hour Anticipated start date: Early May To apply , please follow this link to Indeed : https://ca.indeed.com/viewjob?from=appshareios&jk=5659d11af080296f
14 Feb, 2024
Join our Winter Tree ID Webinar Hey buds, want to learn how to identify the trees of Muskoka in their winter conditions? Join Conservation Coordinator, Amanda, to learn the tips and tricks for identifying trees by only their twigs, buds, and bark! Plus, you’ll get a copy of Muskoka Conservancy’s Key and Guide to Winter Tree ID! Date: Tuesday, February 27th, 2024 Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Location: Zoom Platform (link will be sent after registration) Email Camryn at info@muskokaconservancy.org to register.
06 Feb, 2024
The Michael Foster Photography Contest begins now! This year's theme: "PLAY" The winner will receive a mounted copy of their photo and named at Muskoka Conservancy's AGM as the recipient of the Michael Foster Photography Award winner for 2024. Please submit your photos to info@muskokaconservancy.org by April 30th, 2024 for consideration. To be eligible, the photo must have been taken in the last 12 months. A maximum of 4 photo entries per person. Michael Foster was a very accomplished photographer and Muskoka Conservancy has been blessed with many of his stunning images of our nature reserves. Michael had an eye for the beauty of Muskoka and a love for our natural landscape. We are so pleased to be offering this award in his memory.
24 Jan, 2024
Muskoka Conservancy has acquired 597-acres for nature conservation Muskoka Conservancy is proud to announce that it has purchased a 597-acre property in southeast Gravenhurst, the latest acquisition in its mission to advance nature conservation in Muskoka. “We could not have done this without excellent donors and funding partners,” said Scott Young of Muskoka Conservancy. “The previous owners each made a significant donation of land, without which, frankly, we would have had a challenge building the momentum to see this through. I’d like to thank Alan Young, Brad Ford, Don Scott, William Fitchett, and Gerard Newman for their generous gifts.” “As it worked out, we are extremely happy and grateful to have attracted excellent funding partners to complete the purchase. We owe many thanks to the Maple Cross fund, the Kenneth M Molson Foundation.” Funding support was also provided from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC)’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF) to Ontario Land Trust Alliance and its partners, including Muskoka Conservancy. The program supports nature-based projects that promote carbon storage and capture while providing important habitat for species at risk and/or species of cultural and local importance. Additional funding was provided from The Greenlands Conservation Partnership. The Greenlands Conservation Partnership helps conserve ecologically important natural areas and protect wetlands, grasslands and forests that help mitigate the effects of climate change. Through the Greenlands Conservation Partnership, a total of $38 million has been invested to date by the Ontario government. Additional match funds are raised from other sources, such as individual donations and foundation support through the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Ontario Land Trust Alliance, and other levels of government. MC’s new conservation land borders on the Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park. It features mature mixed forests, rock barrens, wetlands, and a small lake. The property is a former hunt camp that has several kilometers of trails, some of which extend into Crown Land and the neighbouring Provincial Park. “Protecting more natural areas, including this property near the Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park, will increase recreational opportunities for the public,” said Andrea Khanjin, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Partnering with conservation leaders like the Ontario Land Trust Alliance and its members, including Muskoka Conservancy, has allowed us to expand conservation in Ontario. Since 2020, our collaborative efforts, through the Greenlands Conservation Partnership, has resulted in the protection of 420,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land – equivalent to more than two and a half times the size of the City of Toronto.” “Muskoka Conservancy’s immediate priority is to get to know the land, its ecosystems, habitat types and species,” says Young. “Based on that, we will develop a conservation plan that prioritizes nature conservation. In the not-too-distant future we would like very much to offer this new reserve as a hiking destination for nature lovers.” MC plans to explore the potential uses of the land for nature education programming, bird watching, nature photography, and recreational activities like hiking and snowshoeing. “This is a unique and significant property with habitat for several known species at risk,” says Amanda Porter, MC’s Conservation Coordinator. “We expect to find Blanding’s turtle, Eastern Hog-nosed snake, and several bird species that are endangered or at risk. Our conservation planning will have to take these factors into consideration. It’s a nature reserve first and foremost.” This latest addition becomes MC’s largest nature reserve, surpassing the 419-acre Bear Cave-Koetitz Nature Reserve north of Lake Rosseau. MC’s protected lands now total 4,597 acres, with almost 70,000 feet of natural shoreline, and 700 acres of wetlands. MC as 53 properties across Muskoka.  “We are over the moon with joy that we were able to find the partners and resources to make this project a reality,” said Bob Weekes, Conservancy Board Chair.
03 Jan, 2024
Join Guest Speaker, Peter Love, to learn about Climate and Energy Conservation! Peter will speak about climate change as the most important environmental issue to face mankind and the role of man made greenhouse gas emissions in creating this problem. He will highlight the fact that 81% of Canada’s man-made greenhouse gas emissions come from the production of use of energy. He will also note that about 60% of the energy consumed in Canada is wasted in conversion. Based on this, he will summarize the importance of energy conservation, the benefits of conservation and its challenges. He will refer specifically to what you can do at home, at work and in school as well as the role for businesses and governments. This presentation will highlight the close relationship between energy conservation and nature conservancy. Peter Love provides strategic and policy advice on energy policy issues and serves on several corporate and non-profit boards. For the last 12 years he has been teaching university courses on energy efficiency and recently updated his free on-line textbook. Previous roles have included Chief Energy Conservation Officer of Ontario and member of the team at Pollution Probe in the 70’s that developed the 3 R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle. He currently serves as Chair of the Centre for Community Energy Transformation as well as Toronto 2030 District. He has had a cottage in Muskoka for more than 50 years and currently serves as volunteer Treasurer of Muskoka Conservancy. Date: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Location: Zoom Platform (link will be sent after registration) Email Camryn at info@muskokaconservancy.org to register.
03 Jan, 2024
Join our Animal Prints at Pen Lake Nature Quest with Special Guest Leader, Becca! Date – Saturday, January 13th, 2024 Time – 10:00AM – 12:00PM (approx.) Where – Pen Lake Farms Nature Reserve, North Lake of Bays (Exact location and parking information will be provided with registration) Join Guest Hike Leader, Becca, at Muskoka Conservancy’s Pen Lake Farms Nature Reserve for a fun morning hike! We will spend some time looking for and identifying animal prints in the field and forest habitats of the Nature Reserve! Plus take home a print out of “Key to Muskoka Mammals” and its counterpart, “Tracks and Trails Guide Chart”! To Register: Email or call Camryn at info@muskokaconservancy.org or (705) 645-7393 ext. 200 What to bring: Appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather Water and a snack Allergy or other emergency medicine if needed Binoculars or a camera are recommended
07 Dec, 2023
Join our December webinar featuring Guest Speaker, Christina Hunter! The holidays can bring about a lot of unwanted waste. But it doesn't have to! Join Christina Hunter for tips and tricks on how to cut back on waste this holiday season - from decorating to stocking stuffers, to meal prep and more. Christina is the Chair of Little Sprouts Eco Club and a former Director at Muskoka Conservancy from 2015-2020. She co-created Reusable Revolution, a community group that promotes zero-waste living, and highlights local companies that help to make it easier on our own journeys to zero-waste. You'll leave with the knowledge of how to create a zero-waste holiday, and the determination to see it through. Date: December 19th, 2023 Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Location: Zoom platform (link will be sent after registration) Email Camryn at info@muskokaconservancy.org to register

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The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.



Robert Swan

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