Seed Collection Program
Seed Collection Program Our Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Forestry staff have been hard at work sorting through a variety of seeds collected from a variety of public and private lands throughout the watershed. Each tiny seed holds the potential to grow into a strong native tree that will support healthier forests and ecosystems for generations to come. Our team carefully forecasts when trees will produce mature, high-quality [...]
Fall Tree Powers Complete
Fall Tree Powers Complete The watershed is getting greener! Thanks to everyone who purchased and picked up trees from our fall Tree Power programs - including residents of the Township of Perth South, Town of St. Marys and Township of Lucan Biddulph! This popular program provides watershed residents with affordable native hardwood trees through partnerships with Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) municipalities and sponsors. Perth South Tree [...]
Medway Creek Tree Planting
Medway Creek Tree Planting On October 7, with the help of Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff, over 100 native trees and shrubs were planted on the Medway Creek by Grade 6 and 7 students from London Christian Elementary School. Despite hard planting conditions, the student planters were able to get all of the trees in the ground in just under 2 hours! Tree species included Bur Oak, [...]
ESA programs with UTRCA Education Staff
ESA programs with UTRCA Education Staff October’s weather started out perfectly – sunny and warm – a great combination for teaching and learning in several of London’s Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs)! Students were invited to join Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Community Education staff at Sifton Bog, Medway Valley Heritage Forest, and Kilally Meadows. Schools chosen were within walking distance from ESAs and received funding to participate from [...]
Hope and Action Festival Brings Live Music and Family Fun to Fanshawe Conservation Area this October (media release, Oct. 15, 2025)
For Immediate ReleaseOctober 15, 2025Hope and Action Festival Brings Live Music and Family Fun to Fanshawe Conservation Area this October A weekend of creativity, community, and connection is coming to Fanshawe Conservation Area with the 2025 Hope and Action Festival. The festival opens on Friday, Oct. 24th with special programming for high school students from across the Upper Thames River watershed. They will come together for hands-on learning designed to spark hope [...]
Shoulder Season offers Plenty of Fall Recreation Opportunities at UTRCA Conservation Areas (media release, October 7, 2025)
October 7, 2025 For Immediate Release Shoulder Season offers Plenty of Fall Recreation Opportunities at UTRCA Conservation Areas The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has scheduled another six weeks extension to its day-use access Fanshawe and Wildwood Conservation Areas this fall. Effective Monday, October 20th the Shoulder Season will run until Sunday, November 30th. “We’re happy to be continuing with day-use access through the fall so people can [...]
UTRCA and Stratford Perth Museum Co-Host PA Day (media release, September 25, 2025)
For Immediate Release 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, October 10. The PA day will be held at the Museum in Stratford and is open to students aged 6 to 10. Staff have planned an entire day of outdoor and indoor fun including: [...]
Nature London Boosts Turtle Education and Prairie Restoration
Nature London Boosts Turtle Education and Prairie Restoration The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is excited to share that Nature London has donated $20,000 over four years to support turtles at risk and tallgrass prairie restoration in our watershed. This generous gift will allow our Southern Ontario at Risk Reptiles (SOARR) program and Community Education staff to team up on new hands-on learning opportunities. From turtle lab tours [...]
Summer Event Highlights at UTRCA Conservation Areas
Summer Event Highlights at UTRCA Conservation Areas As the leaves start to change colour, we’re reflecting on the wonderful events and experiences shared at Fanshawe, Pittock, and Wildwood Conservation Areas (CAs) this past summer. This year, we welcomed more than 500 participants and held 32 events that connected people of all ages with nature. One of the season’s most popular offerings was our series of Firefly Walks, which invited [...]
Dry Summer Allows for Rare Measurements
Dry Summer Allows for Easier Deep Water Measurements Each year, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff survey local rivers and reservoirs using GPS equipment. These surveys help us understand the shape and depth of waterways, which is important for creating accurate flood models and managing water levels. This summer’s dry weather gave our survey team a rare chance to measure areas that are usually too deep. Using a [...]