Avon River Fish Study
Avon River Fish Study On Monday, August 17, staff from the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and members of the city of Stratford’s Energy and Environment Committee gathered along the Avon River just east of the St. Vincent Street dam to do a fish study. They conducted some electrofishing exercises to collect and record the fish species that were found in that section of the river. This is [...]
Tree Power returns to Lucan Biddulph
For Immediate Release Tree Power returns to Lucan Biddulph The Township of Lucan Biddulph, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) have partnered for a third year to make native trees available and affordable for Lucan Biddulph residents through the Tree Power program. There will be 125 trees available, all for $30 each. Orders will open online on Tuesday, August 18. The trees will be available for pick [...]
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos)
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) The Eastern Hog-nosed Snake is one of Ontario’s most unique snake species and certainly worthy of attention. From their unique snouts to their dramatic displays, these little critters are packed with interesting traits and behaviors. This species's most distinguishing feature is its upturned nose, which gives this species its name. Those snouts are more than just a cute feature - they are vital [...]
Thames River Regulated Area Map Update
Thames River Regulated Area Map Update The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is updating regulated area maps along the Thames River using improved scientific data, technology, and mapping tools to more accurately identify natural hazards and regulated features. The updates include the following study areas: Delaware Study Area – from the western limits of the City of London to the UTRCA watershed boundary near Delaware. South Thames Study [...]
Stewardship Staff Site Visits Underway
Stewardship Staff Site Visits Underway With winter wheat harvest now complete, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) stewardship staff have been busy conducting site visits and assessing potential erosion control projects across the watershed. The post-harvest period provides an excellent opportunity to identify and address issues related to water runoff, soil erosion, and field drainage. With fields more accessible and erosion-prone areas easier to observe, staff are busy working [...]
2026 Annual Pittock Staff BBQ and Awards
2026 Annual Pittock Staff BBQ and Awards On a sunny July 30th afternoon, our amazing staff team came together for the annual Staff Social BBQ at Pittock Conservation Area (PCA). It was a well-deserved celebration of hard work, dedication, and team spirit. Also on hand were Tracy Annett, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) General Manager, along with other staff. Their support and kind words reinforced how valued the Pittock [...]
St. Marys Tree Power Gains a New Partner
August 17, 2026 St. Marys Tree Power Gains a New Partner The Town of St. Marys and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) have struck a new partnership with Festival Hydro for the 2026 St. Marys Tree Power program. The UTRCA’s Tree Power program offers affordable native hardwood trees to watershed residents, through partnerships with its member municipalities and sponsors. This is the fifth year the program has been offered in St. Marys and the first with Festival Hydro as a sponsor. St. Marys residents can purchase a tree via UTRCA's online shop starting Tuesday, August 18, at 9 am. [...]
Tree Power returns to Perth South!
For Immediate Release Tree Power returns to Perth South! The Township of Perth South and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) have once again partnered to make native trees available and affordable for residents. The Perth South Tree Power program launched in 2021 and has been held annually since. Tree orders for this year will open online on Tuesday, August 11 at 9 am. The trees will be available for pick up at the Kirkton Community Centre on Saturday, September 26. [...]
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 [...]