Lisa Gillette grew up in New York State in the 1960s, where she spent much of her childhood camping in state parks, developing a deep appreciation for the outdoors. In 2008, she and her partner, Gary, moved to the Hawkestone area. Although she knew very few people in the area, she had a connection with someone who worked at The Couchiching Conservancy, an organization dedicated to protecting local natural spaces. Realizing she and her friend had always shared similar interests, she decided to check it out.
The Couchiching Conservancy is not a single location but an entity that helps protect 58 different land parcels in the area. Its most popular site is Grant’s Woods in Severn, a place that houses the organization’s staff in a renovated farm house and features four kilometres of looped trails through some of Southern Ontario’s oldest trees. Intrigued, Lisa popped by the office to offer her volunteer services.
As a non-governmental land trust, Couchiching Conservancy has a range of volunteer opportunities to help preserve the area’s natural beauty. As land stewards, volunteers help monitor large properties by tracking invasive plant species, assessing water quality and monitoring wildlife such as reptiles or bats. They can serve as ambassadors, providing information and answering questions at local events or trail heads. They assist with conservation efforts such as removing derelict fencing allowing animals unhindered travel, installing trail cameras, or offering special skills like photography and carpentry.
Lisa and Gary volunteered at The Carden Festival, a past event that celebrated the unique beauty of the Carden Alvar. This rare landscape northwest of Kawartha Lakes, is known for its limestone terrain, which supports a rich range of wildflowers and bird species and is one of the few of its kind in the world. However, its limestone also makes the area vulnerable to quarrying. The protection of the Carden Alvar was one of the driving forces behind the founding of The Couchiching Conservancy in 1993.
Over the years, the festival highlighted the alvar’s rare species and attracted nature enthusiasts and experts alike. Lisa recalls attending a late-night event where experts identified moth species attracted to an illuminated sheet stretched between two trees. She was struck by the serene yet scientific nature of the evening – a blend of quiet wonder and in-depth learning.
Through her involvement with the Conservancy, she began to recognize familiar faces at other local organizations, such as The Sharing Place and The Leacock Museum, further deepening her connection to her new community. Volunteering had opened the door to a new social circle, helping Lisa and Gary settle into their new home.
Today, Lisa and Gary continue to volunteer as ambassadors. They answer questions, inform visitors about the Conservancy’s mission and ensure people follow the nature reserve’s guidelines. Lisa laughs recalling an encounter with a particular gentleman who was a bit indignant when reminded his dog needed to be on a leash. When Lisa explained she wasn’t a staff member but volunteered because of her belief in protecting nature, the man softened. She explained dogs can spread invasive plants, threaten wildlife or even meet a porcupine and get injured themselves. He thanked her for looking out for his dog and continued on his way.
The couple, both musicians, sometimes bring their instruments along during their volunteer shifts. They enjoy playing music for visitors – both humans and dogs alike – adding a personal and joyful touch to their time at the Conservancy.
Through their work with the Conservancy, Lisa and Gary not only contribute to the preservation of our natural spaces, but have also found a way to connect with their community, share their love of nature and make a meaningful impact in their new home.
