Phosphorus in our Watershed
Phosphorus in our Watershed This January, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), with support from the Canada Water Agency, launched "Phosphorus in our Watershed," a specialized educational initiative for local Grade 9 Science students. In this three-part program, UTRCA Community Education staff reached nearly 100 students across four classes in the northern part of our watershed at Stratford District Secondary School and St. Michael Catholic Secondary School. [...]
Christmas and Winter for the Animals
Christmas and Winter for the Animals In December and January, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Education staff were delighted to host over 600 Kindergarten, Grade 1 and 2 students for our Christmas for the Animals and Winter for the Animals programs at Fanshawe Conservation Area. The wintery weather certainly cooperated with us, leaving a snowy landscape for the students to explore and enjoy! Students made lasting memories of [...]
Do You Have Invasive Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed, or Phragmites on Your Property?
Do You Have Invasive Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed, or Phragmites on Your Property? The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Invasive Species Collaborative Program Opportunity The UTRCA is developing a funding initiative to address the growing concern of three invasive plants: Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), and Phragmites (Phragmites australis). As part of this initiative, we are reaching out to landowners whose property may be affected [...]
UTRCA Watershed Low Water Status: Normal
UTRCA Watershed Low Water Status: Normal There is no current low water level advisory in the UTRCA watershed. Find out more about Low Water Response.
Upper Thames River Watershed no longer experiencing low water conditions (January 14, 2026)
UUpper Thames River Watershed no longer experiencing Low Water Conditions (January 14, 2026) A review of stream flows as well as 30 and 90 day precipitation data indicates that the Upper Thames River watershed has returned to Normal Low Water Conditions, thanks to the recent snow, rain, and snowmelt. The watershed had been in low water conditions since late August 2025. The Ontario Low Water Program was developed to support local response in the event of drought. Under this [...]
UTRCA Offers Winter PA Day at Stratford Perth Museum (media release, January 12, 2026)
For Immediate Release UTRCA Offers Winter PA Day at Stratford Perth Museum 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, January 30. 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 featuring snowshoeing, forest games, fossil ID, campfire cooking, bannock-making, discovering trains, and more! “We have such a great time at our PA days and we’re really excited [...]
Waterways Rising due to Warm, Wet Weather (media release, January 7, 2026)
January 7, 2026 Waterways Rising due to Warm, Wet Weather Streams and rivers are elevated thanks to yesterday’s warmer temperatures and rain. With above freezing temperatures and more rain forecast for the next few days, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) expects local waterways to keep rising due to runoff from rain and melting snow. The UTRCA reminds the public to use extreme caution near all waterways. Stream [...]
Warm-up Expected to Cause Elevated Water Levels (flood bulletin, January 7-14, 2026)
Warm-up Expected to Cause Elevated Water Levels Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook 2026 Flood Event 1, Bulletin Number 1 (Issued January 7, 2026, at 12:00 pm; Valid until January 14, 2026, at 12:00 pm) A warm-up with some rain forecast over the next several days is expected to cause runoff and elevated water levels in watershed rivers and streams. A snow survey conducted by the Upper Thames River Conservation [...]
UTRCA Encourages Continued Caution around Streams and Rivers (media release, January 2, 2026)
January 2, 2026 UTRCA Encourages Continued Caution around Streams and Rivers The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) reminds everyone to use extreme caution near all watercourses and to stay out of any flooded areas. Water levels in watershed streams and rivers have peaked and are now receding from the rainfall and snowmelt runoff received earlier this week. The UTRCA expects waterways to remain elevated into next week. With the ongoing holiday break, residents are reminded to use extreme caution near all watercourses and stay out of all flooded areas. As always, do not [...]
Water Levels Expected to Stay Elevated into Next Week (flood bulletin, December 31, 2025 – January 7, 2026)
Water Levels Expected to Remain Elevated into Next Week Water Conditions Statement - Water Safety 2025 Flood Event 5, Bulletin 3 (Issued December 31, 2025, at 10:30 am; Valid until: January 7, 2026, at 3:00 pm) Water levels in watershed streams and rivers have peaked and are now receding from the rainfall and snowmelt runoff received earlier this week. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) expects waterways to remain elevated into next week. With the ongoing holiday break, residents are reminded to use extreme caution near all [...]