Low Water Conditions in the Upper Thames Watershed
Low Water Conditions in the Upper Thames Watershed The summer’s hot, dry weather has led the Low Water Response Team for the Upper Thames River watershed to declare a Level 1 Low Water advisory. The advisory is part of a three-tiered system used in Ontario to inform the public of local low water conditions. The key indicators used to evaluate low water conditions are precipitation over the past one [...]
Turtle Program Spotlight!
Turtle Program Spotlight! This August the Species at Risk team and Community Education team were able to come together to provide a spotlight on the amazing turtle conservation work of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) through three different events. The 2025 Reptiles at Risk Friends and Family Day hosted on Saturday, August 23, was a huge success! With over 120 people in attendance, we were able to [...]
Public Health Ontario’s New Water Testing Portal Toolkit
Public Health Ontario’s New Water Testing Portal Toolkit Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) drinking water source protection staff is pleased to announce the launch of Public Health Ontario (PHO)’s new Water Testing Portal Toolkit. The portal provides a modern, streamlined way for Ontarians to test and access results for their private drinking water systems. This initiative is designed to make testing faster, more efficient, and more accessible, while [...]
Volunteering at a Freshwater Mussel Survey with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
Volunteering at a Freshwater Mussel Survey with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a Freshwater Mussel Survey with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). It was such a rewarding experience! For those who may not know, the Thames River supports one of the richest communities of freshwater mussels in Canada. Historically, it was home to 32 [...]
Fall Tree Power sales underway
Fall Tree Power sales underway There are currently three Tree Power sales underway across the watershed, providing residents with affordable native tree species to plant on their property. Looking to green your yard, provide habitat for animals, and reduce home cooling costs? Take advantage of these great programs! Volunteers help hand out trees at the 2024 Perth South Tree Power Perth South Tree Power has 10 species [...]
Nature London Donation Supports UTRCA Turtles at Risk Program and New Prairie Habitat
For Immediate Release Sept. 10, 2025 Nature London Donation Supports UTRCA Turtles at Risk Program and New Prairie Habitat Nature London is donating $20,000 to the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) over four years to kick-start a Turtles at Risk education program and expand a tallgrass prairie restoration project. For more than 30 years, the UTRCA has been working to bring local turtle populations back from the brink [...]
UTRCA Seeks Community Support for Children’s River Safety Program (media release, Sept. 9, 2025)
For Immediate Release Sept. 9, 2025 UTRCA Seeks Community Support for Children’s River Safety Program To help more children build lifelong water safety skills, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is seeking to expand its River Safety Program for Grade 2 students. This program teaches young children how to stay safe around local rivers, creeks, and reservoirs. The UTRCA is turning to community members to help reach more [...]
Upper Thames River watershed in Low Water Situation (media release, August 28, 2025)
For immediate release August 28, 2025 Upper Thames River watershed in Low Water Situation The summer’s hot, dry weather has led the Low Water Response Team for the Upper Thames River watershed to declare Level 1 Low Water advisory. The advisory is part of a three-tiered system used in Ontario to inform the public of local low water conditions. “Precipitation and stream flows are the key indicators we use [...]
Upper Thames River Watershed in Level 1 Low Water Condition (low water update, August 27, 2025)
Upper Thames River Watershed in Level 1 Low Water Condition (low water update, August 27, 2025) This summer’s low rainfall and prolonged hot temperatures have resulted 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 ensure a healthy aquatic habitat. UTRCA [...]
St. Marys Tree Power Returns (media release, August 22, 2025)
For Immediate Release St. Marys Tree Power Returns The Town of St. Marys and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) have partnered again on the St. Marys Tree Power program to make native hardwood trees available and affordable for residents. St. Marys residents can purchase a tree via UTRCA's online shop now. The trees will be available for pick up in St. Marys on Saturday, October 4. “We [...]