Record Year for Endangered Reptile Recovery in Southern Ontario (media release, September 8, 2026)
Record Year for Endangered Reptile Recovery in Southern Ontario September 8, 2026 The Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles (SOARR) Program, part of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), is celebrating its most successful reptile incubation season to date, with a record 984 nests incubated in 2026, surpassing the previous record set in 2025 by approximately 200 more nests. Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle hatchlings in SOARR lab, photo [...]
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.
Green Municipal Fund supports Ingersoll Community Tree Planting (media release, September 3, 2026)
Green Municipal Fund supports Ingersoll Community Tree Planting September 3, 2026 The Town of Ingersoll, in partnership with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), is pleased to announce the Ingersoll Park Naturalization and Riparian Enhancement Project. This three-year project will see 4,315 native trees and shrubs planted by local students and community volunteers in six Ingersoll parks. The project is made possible through generous support from the Growing [...]
Wet August Causing Water Levels to Rise (flood bulletin, August 31 – September 4, 2026)
Wet August Causing Water Levels to Rise Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook 2026 Flood Event #7, Bulletin Number 1 (Issued August 31, 2026, at 12:00 pm noon; valid until September 4, 2026, at 12:00 pm noon) An average of approximately 150 mm of rain has been measured in the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) watershed over the past 30 days, with close to 275 mm measured in [...]
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 [...]