UTRCA Receives Funding for Celebrating Natural Connections Events (media release: August 16, 2022)

With the support of municipalities and community organizations, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has obtained more than $230,000 in funding support from the Canadian Heritage Celebration and Commemoration Program Reopening Fund.  The funds are being used to host a series of free “Celebrating Natural Connections” public events in natural spaces across the Upper Thames River watershed.

“Celebrating Natural Connections will feature 10 public hikes and two virtual hikes, led by community groups and UTRCA environmental education staff,” said Teresa Hollingsworth, UTRCA Community and Corporate Services Manager. “There will also be activities, displays, and presentations, and a commemorative item will be installed at many locations to recognize the contributions of local front line workers. Local artists and municipalities will be involved, as well as hiking, naturalist, and angler clubs.”

The UTRCA would especially like to invite all those community members that have been instrumental in helping others through the pandemic.

The first event is taking place at Burgess Park in the City of Woodstock on Saturday, August 27, from 10 am to 2 pm. For more information about the upcoming events, please visit: www.thamesriverevents.ca

“We’re thrilled to receive the fund enabling us to host these events in our watershed,” said Hollingsworth. “Throughout the pandemic, we were reminded of the importance of our natural spaces for people’s well-being and we’re honoured to provide programming for the public at these sites. These Celebrating Natural Connections events also let us join our community partners and municipalities in recognizing the efforts of front line workers in the response to COVID-19.”

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.

Contact: Teresa Hollingsworth, Manager, Community and Corporate Services