Endangered Kidneyshell Mussels Return to Medway Creek
Endangered Kidneyshell Mussels Return to Medway Creek Hundreds of endangered Kidneyshell mussels have returned to Medway Creek, marking an exciting milestone in the effort to restore a species that was once lost from the Thames River watershed. DFO Research Scientist Todd Morris holds a Kidneyshell Mussel Freshwater mussels are often called the "livers of the rivers" because they naturally filter water, remove particles from the water column, [...]
Capturing Conservation Through Photography
Capturing Conservation Through Photography As a student in the Honours Bachelor of Photography program at Sheridan College, I had the opportunity to complete my internship with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). Throughout my internship, I photographed a wide variety of subjects while learning about the important work happening behind the scenes. From Conservation Areas and recreational activities to wildlife and environmental units, every day brought a new experience. One of the [...]
Buckthorn Replaced with Native Trees and Shrubs in Ellice Swamp
Buckthorn Replaced with Native Trees and Shrubs in Ellice Swamp If you’ve ever had the opportunity to visit the vast expanses of forests, swamps, marshes, and remnant bog habitats of Ellice Swamp just north of Stratford, you’ll understand what a special place it is. At approximately 1,100 hectares, Ellice Swamp is the largest remaining natural area and wetland in the Upper Thames River watershed. It is recognized as a [...]
New Boardwalk installed at Shakespeare Conservation Area
New Boardwalk installed at Shakespeare Conservation Area Visitors to the Shakespeare Conservation Area will be able to use a new boardwalk, recently installed by Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff. Shakespeare Conservation Area (CA) is located 8 km east of Stratford and just north of the Village of Shakespeare. This small CA features a dam and pond, a pavilion and day use area, and a short woodland [...]
The Upper Thames Phosphorus Reduction Program is Now Open and Accepting Applications
The Upper Thames Phosphorus Reduction Program is Now Open and Accepting Applications The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is excited to announce that Year 3 of the Upper Thames Phosphorus Reduction Program is now underway, with funding available to help farmers and landowners implement practical projects that reduced phosphorus, improve soil health, protect local waterways, and strengthen farm operations. This year introduces new funding categories as well as [...]
Huron University College Scotiabank Scholars 2026
Huron University College Scotiabank Scholars 2026 Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Community Education staff partnered with Huron’s Scotiabank Scholars for a 5th year, offering an intensive high school English credit and breaking down barriers for students from across the watershed. This year, the theme was water. On the first day of the course, students visited Fanshawe Conservation Area where they learned about the UTRCA’s core missions and challenges. [...]
Summer Events in the Watershed
Summer Events in the Watershed This June, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and the Museum of Ontario Archaeology (MOA) partnered on several events! Medway Heritage Festival On June 13, over 400 people gathered at the MOA for an immersive day of cultural and environmental programming! Over 30 community partners and vendors were on site, showcasing their local work and connecting with Londoners. The UTRCA was grateful to [...]
Head and Heart Research Fellowship visits the UTRCA
Head and Heart Research Fellowship visits the UTRCA Student from the Head and Heart Fellowship, offered through the University of Western's Office of Indigenous Initiatives, visited Fanshawe Conservation Area where they toured the Watershed Conservation Centre including a stop at the Turtle Lab for a visit with Scott Gillingwater, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Species at Risk Biologist. The students also participated in water quality testing through the collection [...]
UTRCA Watershed Flood Status: Normal
UTRCA Watershed Flood Status: Normal There are no current flood bulletins in the UTRCA watershed. Check flows in the Thames River watershed. Find out more about Flood Bulletins.
Special Weather Statement Issued (flood bulletin, June 17-21, 2026)
Special Weather Statement Issued Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook 2026 Flood Event 6, Bulletin Number 1 (Issued June 17, 2026, at 14:30, Valid until June 21, 2026, at 12:00 noon) Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a Special Weather Statement calling for up to 40 mm of rain in the region, with a risk of severe thunderstorms starting this evening and overnight. More generally, forecasts are [...]