RiverFest23 at Western University 

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) participated in the second annual RiverFest event at Western University on September 21st. Riverfest23 featured a series of events from September 9th – October 3rd and was co-organized by the Indigenous Students’ Association, Indigenous Student Centre, and Western Sustainability. Riverfest’s goal is to reconnect students, staff, and faculty to the rivers that flow through campus. Hosting this event in September (re)introduces both current and incoming members of Western to the trails, natural features on campus, and the river. 

UTRCA teamed up with Western Libraries Map and Data Centre to hold a hands-on, immersive workshop on campus, “Connecting to the River through Data, Science & Maps”. The workshop allowed participants to explore data and maps from campus rivers while bringing them together through StoryMaps, with hands on interactive displays in the Weldon Library Community Room. There were stations showcasing the importance of water quality, the impact of land use practices on waterways, local actions from the latest UTRCA Watershed Report Cards, and samples of aquatic species found throughout the Thames River. The participants were engaged, asked great questions, and added to their appreciation of the rivers as a result of the event. Thank you to Western for including UTRCA in the event! 

Contact: Craig Irwin, Water Quality Specialist