NEWS RELEASE
COUCHICHING CONSERVANCY
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The Couchiching Conservancy is proud to announce significant achievements stemming from its youth workshops aimed at enhancing habitat connectivity and wildlife conservation in the region.
Through engaging initiatives such as Wildlife on Roads and Release the Wild, young volunteers have made a tangible impact by removing 224 metres of obstructive fencing and documenting over 15 wildlife observations on local roads. These efforts play a crucial role in preserving and restoring natural corridors vital for wildlife movement.
“This summer, the Couchiching Conservancy had the privilege of connecting with youth from across our community,” said Danielle Houston, grant and project co-ordinator. “It’s heartening to witness so many young individuals taking proactive steps to safeguard our environment, especially amid the pressing challenges of the climate crisis.”
Twenty-four dedicated young volunteers participated in workshops focused on addressing habitat connectivity issues as part of the Angela Rehhorn Commemorative Project. This initiative aims to foster meaningful connections between youth and nature in the Couchiching region, empowering them to become stewards of their natural heritage.
Habitat connectivity involves preserving natural pathways that link diverse habitats, enabling wildlife to move freely and access vital resources such as food, shelter, and breeding sites. However, barriers like fences and roads disrupt these pathways, posing significant threats to wildlife populations.
The community is invited to support ongoing efforts by participating in the Wildlife on Roads monitoring program. Volunteers will assist in surveying sections of County Road 45, where wildlife-vehicle collisions are prevalent. Observations will contribute to the global iNaturalist database, supporting critical research efforts. Explore our current findings here.
Looking ahead, the conservancy is planning the construction of an eco-passage in October. This innovative project aims to mitigate roadkill and reduce accidents in high-risk areas by up to 90 per cent. Continued volunteer support is essential to gather data vital for the success of this initiative. If you’re interested in making a difference, please contact Alysha Henry for more information at [email protected], or check out the youth web page.
“Together, we can make a profound impact on wildlife conservation,” added Danielle Houston. “We encourage anyone interested in making a difference to reach out to Alysha Henry at [email protected] or visit our youth web page for more information.”
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