Riparian Buffer Zone Planting at Thamesford Lions River Park
Riparian Buffer Zone Planting at Thamesford Lions River Park On Sunday, November 2, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) supported a planting of 52 native trees and shrubs in Lions River Park with the Thamesford Lions, Kintore-Thamesford Scouts, and community members. Tree species planted included Swamp White Oak, Burr Oak, Tulip, Red Maple, Sycamore, and White Cedar, and shrubs included Nannyberry, Serviceberry, and Red Osier Dogwood. The event [...]
Fabulous Fall with Fanshawe Nature School
Fabulous Fall with Fanshawe Nature School The preschool years are one of the most important times of a child’s life to be immersed in nature, and to foster that first appreciation and respect for our local natural spaces. Fanshawe Nature School does just that! Children ages 2-5 with their caregivers develop confidence and comfort in place-based learning, exploring, and playing! This fall session, we learned about our local creatures [...]
Highlights from the Hope and Action Festival
Highlights from the Hope and Action Festival Anishinaabe Elder Mary Lou Smoke On Saturday, October 25, over a thousand people visited Fanshawe Conservation Area to attend the Hope and Action Festival. The day began with an Indigenous ceremony led by Anishinaabe Elder Mary Lou Smoke. Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed an exciting array of activities, including a live raptor show, giant floor map interpretation, live local music, [...]
Reconciliation starts with Understanding
Reconciliation starts with Understanding The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority's (UTRCA) Team for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (TIDE) organized several learning opportunities for staff around the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The activities included: Lunchtime video screening of visit by comedian Jonny Harris to Oneida Nation of the Thames (via CBC Gem), Sunrise Ceremony at Pittock Conservation Area, led by Mary Lou Smoke, Reflections on land acknowledgements and [...]
Mini Forest at Fanshawe Conservation Area
Mini Forest at Fanshawe Conservation Area On October 20, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) in partnership with the London Environmental Network (LEN) planted a mini forest at Fanshawe Conservation Area! With the help of community volunteers and students from Western University’s Dirty Nature Writing Course, 300 native trees and shrubs were planted within 100 square meters. Earlier in June, the UTRCA and LEN, along with the help [...]
UTRCA and Stratford Perth Museum Co-Host PA Day (media release, November 10, 2025)
For Immediate ReleaseNovember 10, 2025 UTRCA and Stratford Perth Museum Co-Host PA Day The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and Stratford Perth Museum have partnered once again to co-host a Nature School PA Day on Friday, November 21. The PA day will be held at the Museum in Stratford and is open to students aged 6 to 10. Staff have planned a fun- filled day exploring the beauty of nature and the stories of different cultures and local history including: fire making, campfires, forest games, finding your way, homesteading, and more!“Students [...]
UTRCA Statement on Government of Ontario’s Conservation Authority Consolidation Announcement
October 31, 2025 For Immediate Release UTRCA Statement on Government of Ontario's Conservation Authority Consolidation Announcement On October 31, 2025, the Ontario Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks announced plans to create a provincial board-governed agency, the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency, to provide leadership, governance, and strategic direction to Conservation Authorities (CAs). We understand the Province will introduce amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act (CAA) to establish the Ontario [...]
Upper Thames River Watershed moves to Level 2 Low Water Condition (low water update, October 24, 2025)
Upper Thames River Watershed moves to Level 2 Low Water Condition (low water update, October 24, 2025) The summer’s below normal rainfall and above normal temperatures have continued into the fall, resulting in low stream flows across the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) watershed. These conditions can have an impact on the amount of water available for human use, as well as the amount of water available to [...]
Thames River Regulated Area Map Update – City of London
Thames River Regulated Area Map Update - City of London The revised draft regulated area map for the Thames River in the City of London, was posted on October 17, 2025, for a 30-day notification period, as required by Ontario Regulation 41/24. This updated draft reflects changes made following public engagement and is available for viewing on UTRCA’s map website and Engage Thames River. Questions or comments may be [...]
Community Helps Restore Habitat at Dorchester Mill Pond
Community Helps Restore Habitat at Dorchester Mill Pond On September 13, 2025, more than 30 community members came together at the Dorchester Mill Pond to take part in an aquatic species planting event organized by the Dorchester Mill Pond Committee and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). Participants planted a variety of native aquatic plants along the shoreline and the newly built crib wall, helping to stabilize the [...]