TD Tree Days Planting at Chippewas of the Thames First Nations
TD Tree Days Planting at Chippewas of the Thames First Nations On September 25, 2025, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) supported a tree planting generously funded by TD Friends of the Environment Fund. Student volunteers from the University of Western’s Masters in Environmental Studies program joined community members to help with the planting, which took place on a naturalized tall grass prairie site near the river. After [...]
Autumn Clean- Up: Protecting Source Water While Prepping for Winter
Autumn Clean- Up: Protecting Source Water While Prepping for Winter As the leaves begin to fall and the days grow shorter, many of us turn our attention to autumn clean-ups around our homes and properties. While raking, pruning, and tidying are all part of preparing for winter, it’s also a perfect time to think about how these seasonal activities can impact our local drinking water sources. Thames-Sydenham Source Protection [...]
TD Tree Days Planting at Oneida Nation of the Thames
TD Tree Days Planting at Oneida Nation of the Thames On September 24, 2025, The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) supported a tree depot and community planting generously funded by TD Friends of the Environment Fund. Trees that were planted and/or given away included Tulip Tree, Paper Birch, Sugar Maple, Burr Oak, Red Oak, Bitternut Hickory, three varieties of pear, three varieties of apple, and three varieties [...]
Collecting Climate Data
Collecting Climate Data The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority's (UTRCA) Water Information Management unit monitors many sources of climate and hydrometric data in order to predict water level conditions. Data can include levels, estimated discharge rates, rainfall rates and cumulative totals, snow depth, and snow water equivalents. The UTRCA maintains six climate stations across their network as well as 21 rainfall rate precipitation gauges scattered across the watershed. [...]
Dorchester TD Tree Days
Dorchester TD Tree Days On September 28, 2025, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff and more than 25 community members gathered at the Dorchester Conservation Area for TD Tree Days, joining forces to plant 145 native trees and enhance the local landscape. Volunteers of all ages worked together to restore natural areas, improve habitat, and support local biodiversity. The event was funded by the TD Friends of the [...]
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 [...]