Fall Tree Powers a Success
Fall Tree Powers a Success 500 more trees will be planted in the watershed thanks to the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s Tree Power programs this fall! The UTRCA partnered with the Township of Perth South and the Town of St. Marys to provide residents with the opportunity to purchase native hardwood trees. Tree pick up days were held on Saturday, September 30 and Saturday, October 14, respectively. [...]
New Extended Season at UTRCA Conservation Areas Offers Plenty of Fall Recreation Opportunities (media release, October 10, 2023)
New Extended Season at UTRCA Conservation Areas Offers Plenty of Fall Recreation Opportunities The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has added an extra six weeks of day-use access to Fanshawe and Wildwood Conservation Areas this fall. Effective Monday, October 16th, the Extended Season will run until Thursday, November 30th. “The past three years have seen a marked increase in day-use visitors to our Conservation Areas, and many of [...]
Conservation Authority Urges Caution around Watercourses (flood bulletin, October 8-10, 2023)
Conservation Authority Urges Caution around Watercourses (flood bulletin, October 8-10, 2023) Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety Issued October 8, 2023 at 12:15 pm; Valid until October 10, 2023 The Upper Thames River watershed has received between 20 to 65 mm of rain over the past 24 hours and there is the possibility that an additional 5 to 10 will fall today. The ground is fairly saturated and the [...]
Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 27, 2023)
Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 27, 2023) Saturday, September 30, marks the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This day was created to promote awareness of Canada's Residential School System, in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80 – to honour survivors, their families, and communities. Commemorating the tragic history and ongoing impacts of [...]
Free Family Event at Wildwood Conservation Area on Saturday, September 23 (media release, September 19, 2023)
Free Family Event at Wildwood Conservation Area on Saturday, September 23 Wildwood Conservation Area (CA) is hosting a free Autumn Open House this Saturday, September 23 from 1 pm to 4 pm. This free family event is a celebration of the first day of fall and has a variety of fun and educational programming including a story hike, dam tours, horses, and more. “The Autumn Open House is a [...]
New Fishing Dock at Dreamland in Dorchester
New accessible fishing dock at Dreamland in Dorchester The construction of a new accessible fishing dock at Dreamland in Dorchester was spearheaded by the Mill Pond Committee with work being completed by Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff. This pier was installed to encourage people to fish from the constructed dock as opposed to having foot traffic along the water's edge which damages the vulnerable vegetation. After further [...]
New Extended Season at UTRCA Conservation Areas
New Extended Season at UTRCA Conservation Areas As the season of change approaches, we are looking forward to a new offering this fall. After listening to your feedback, we are introducing an Extended Season at Fanshawe and Wildwood Conservation Areas (CAs)! The Extended Season will offer an additional six weeks of day-use access to hiking, biking, and enjoying the lakes and green spaces. Here’s what you need to know: Amenities [...]
Sales Continue for Tree Power in Perth South and St. Marys
Sales Continue for Tree Power Residents of Perth South and St. Marys are reminded to take advantage of the current Tree Power programs. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has partnered with Perth South and St. Marys municipalities to once again offer affordable trees to residents. Trees are $25 each. Available species include: Autumn Fantasy Maple Downy Serviceberry Native Red Maple Red Oak Sugar Maple Tulip Tree [...]
UTRCA Staff Host OPACA Members at Thorndale Demonstration Farm
UTRCA Staff Host OPACA Members at Thorndale Demonstration Farm In August, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) stewardship staff participated in the Ontario Professional Agri-Contractors Association (OPACA) car tour along with custom operators, farming equipment representatives, and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs staff. The tour included stops at the ADS Canada manufacturing plant, A&L Canada Laboratories soil testing facility, and the Thorndale Demonstration Farm. At [...]
Turtle Hatching Season Winding Down During the 30th Year of Reptile Conservation Program
Turtle Hatching Season Winding Down During the 30th Year of Reptile Conservation Program Based out of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles (SOARR) is one of the longest running and most successful reptile research and recovery programs in Canada. With efforts spanning three decades within the Upper Thames River watershed and beyond, many significant milestones have been achieved over the decades. One of [...]