Learn More about Protecting Drinking Water Sources
Learn More about Protecting Drinking Water Sources Do you know how you can help protect sources of drinking water? Stay informed about protecting drinking water in the Thames-Sydenham and Region by connecting with our new social media accounts! Our new Facebook page and LinkedIn page focus on how you can help protect drinking water. Our social media campaigns are in full swing, aiming to boost awareness about drinking water [...]
UTRCA Hosts Annual Flood Coordinators Meeting
UTRCA Hosts Annual Flood Coordinators Meeting On December 14, 2023, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) hosted its annual Flood Coordinators meeting. The meeting was open to flood coordinators from watershed municipalities and local First Nations, as well as staff from other agencies, including: Middlesex, Oxford, and Perth Counties Health units Neighbouring conservation authorities Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Flood Forecasting Centre Local police and fire departments [...]
Helping Teachers to Teach Outdoors
Helping Teachers to Teach Outdoors Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Community Education staff led two Outdoor Learning sessions for over 50 London District Catholic School Board kindergarten teachers as part of a school board-wide Professional Development Day. Teachers that signed up for the sessions learned tips for setting up and facilitating outdoor learning experiences in school yards. For example, they considered the assets within their own outdoor spaces [...]
Find Out Hoo Learned, Played, and Explored at Fanshawe Nature School this Fall!
Find Out Hoo Learned, Played, and Explored at Fanshawe Nature School this Fall! Have you ever felt a true connection to a natural space where you can feel completely secure to relax, explore, and let your senses be your guide? “Owls and Owlets” had this experience during the six morning sessions of Fall Fanshawe Nature School. Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Community Education staff have developed a safe [...]
New Bridge Installed in Dorchester Conservation Area
New Bridge Installed in Dorchester Conservation Area Have you spotted the new bridge in Dorchester Conservation Area (CA)? The bridge – constructed on a flatbed trailer with wood decking and a steel frame – was designed and installed by Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff and funded by Thames Centre in December 2023. It’s 54 feet long and wider than its predecessor. Built in the 1960s, the previous [...]
A New Threat: Beech Bark Disease
A New Threat: Beech Bark Disease What is Beech Bark Disease? Beech Bark Disease (BBD) is a new threat affecting American Beech trees (Fagus grandifolia) in Canada’s hardwood and mixed forests. This disease is the result of an insect-fungus complex caused by a non-native insect, beech scale (Cryptococcus fagisuga), coupled with a Neonectria fungus. Beech scale comes from Europe and first arrived in Nova Scotia in the 1890s. [...]
Past tree planting efforts reaping rewards
Past Tree Planting Efforts Reaping Rewards There is a saying “The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago, the second-best time is today.” Luckily, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and others have been planting trees on public and private land for well over 30 years and today we are reaping the benefits of past restoration efforts. The 2022 UTRCA Watershed Report Cards documented a [...]
Watershed Report Cards Shared Far and Wide
Watershed Report Cards Shared Far and Wide The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) released its 2022 Watershed Report Cards in early 2023. Since then, staff have been giving presentations to municipal committees, field naturalist clubs, municipal staff, anglers groups, partnership groups, university students, and stakeholders across the Upper Thames River watershed. The initial media release spurred interview requests from several local papers and media outlets as the report cards [...]
Wet Weather Expected – Caution Advised Around Watercourses (flood bulletin, January 8-15, 2024)
Wet Weather Expected – Caution Advised Around Watercourses Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook (Issued January 8, 2024; valid until January 15, 2024) A series of low-pressure systems are forecast to enter the province and slowly track across the region over the next five days. Weather forecasts are calling for 20 to 35 mm of rain, along with some snow, for the Upper Thames River watershed tomorrow (Tuesday) with more rain [...]
Water Levels Remain High (flood bulletin, December 30, 2023 – January 2, 2024)
Water Levels Remain High Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety (Issued December 30, 2023 at 2:40 pm; valid until January 2, 2024) The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is reminding residents that although water levels are dropping, they remain high in all watercourses. With the holiday break in progress, parents and caregivers are asked to keep children and pets away from all watercourses. Banks adjacent to rivers, creeks, and [...]