UTRCA at 4th Annual EarthFest On April 25, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) celebrated Earth Day by participating in London’s 5th annual EarthFest celebration. Held at the London Public Library Centre Branch and Citi Plaza, the festival welcomed more than 2,000 attendees who wandered through interactive displays set up by over 100 exhibitors and artists who shared local approaches to sustainability, ecological justice, and the protection and [...]

UTRCA Out in the Community: Science Rendezvous and Emergency Preparedness Day  On May 9, UTRCA Education staff were out in force across London, connecting with the community at two exciting events happening simultaneously in the city.  At Western University, the UTRCA participated in Science Rendezvous — Canada's largest free science festival — featuring their Species at Risk turtle booth. The interactive station introduces visitors of all ages to the [...]

London Environmental Network Sustainability Social   On June 2, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) hosted its second London Environmental Network Sustainable Social. The series is designed to connect change makers, inspire collaboration, and advance local sustainability efforts. Each Sustainability Social spotlights a unique theme, offering space for idea exchange, resource sharing, and community building across sectors.  The theme of this Social was Green Stormwater Infrastructure and included tours [...]

Wáhta’: Honouring the Leader of Trees  True environmental stewardship thrives at the intersection of community, education, and diverse knowledge systems. On June 1, this collaborative spirit came to life at the Westminster Ponds Centre during the Wáhta’: Honouring the Leader of Trees community planting project. Supported by the Environmental Action Incubator Grant from the London Environmental Network (LEN), Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) community education and partnerships staff joined high school students from [...]

Stream of Dreams and Dearness Home Partnership featured at Therapeutic Recreation Ontario Conference  The power of art, environmental stewardship, and intergenerational connection took centre stage as representatives from the UTRCA and Dearness Home recently presented their innovative partnership at the annual Therapeutic Recreation Ontario Conference.  The presentation highlighted the powerful role that creativity, environmental stewardship, and community partnerships can play in enhancing quality of life through the creation of [...]

From Campus to Conservation: MES Students Intern at UTRCA  This summer the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) welcomes University of Western Master of Environment and Sustainability (MES) candidates Bethany and Russell as Community Partnership interns!   After completing her undergraduate degree in Ecology at the University of Guelph, Bethany applied for the MES program to gain interdisciplinary and hands-on experience in the sustainability field. Her passion for the environment is rooted in community engagement and education, and she is thrilled to be a part [...]

GREEN Leaders Student Summit Celebrates a Year of Student-Led Action in the Watershed  On May 22, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Education and Partnership staff welcomed 16 Grade 7 and 8 classes from across the Upper Thames watershed to Huron University for the annual GREEN Leaders Student Summit — a celebration of student curiosity, environmental action, and community connection.  The GREEN Leaders program is a year-long, inquiry-based environmental [...]

Why Spring Recharge Matters: What Groundwater Monitoring Wells reveal about the health of the Thames River Watershed  When people think about water in the Thames River watershed, they often picture rivers, streams, and lakes -- but a significant portion of the watershed's water is stored underground. Groundwater occupies the spaces between soil particles and fractures in bedrock beneath our feet. It provides drinking water for many rural residents, supports [...]