From Myth to Moth: The Fascinating Polyphemus
From Myth to Moth: The Fascinating Polyphemus Upon arriving at work in early July, many Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) employees were delighted to see a beautiful Polyphemus moth (Antheraea Polyphemus) by the entrance to the Watershed Conservation Centre. This moth belongs to a group called Saturniidae, known as giant silk moths. It is one of the largest moths in North America, with a wingspan of about 15 [...]
Oxford Clean Water Program
Oxford Clean Water Program The Oxford Clean Water Program provides financial assistance to landowners in Oxford County to implement water quality protection practices including erosion control structures, wetland creation, tree planting, decommissioning of unused wells, and more! Visit the Clean Water Program website for a full list of eligible projects. Oxford County provides funding for projects delivered through local Conservation Authorities. Some projects are eligible for stacking with other [...]
Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project at Maglin Site Furniture
Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project at Maglin Site Furniture The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) partnered with Maglin Site Furniture in Woodstock to use green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) features to alleviate stormwater issues on the east side of their building. GSI uses natural elements to manage stormwater (rainwater and urban runoff) close to its source. A rain garden measuring 58 metres long and 4 metres wide was installed to [...]
London Environmental Network (LEN) Sustainability Social
London Environmental Network Sustainability Social On July 3rd, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) hosted the first event in a new series of London Environmental Network gatherings called Sustainability Socials. The series is designed to connect change makers, inspire collaboration, and advance local sustainability efforts. Each Sustainability Social spotlights a unique theme, offering space for idea exchange, resource sharing, and community building across sectors. The first event was [...]
Indigenous Solidarity and Awareness Network Event
Indigenous Solidarity and Awareness Network Event On June 18, the Indigenous Solidarity and Awareness Network - Oxford held its second of four Reconcili-ACTION events at Ingersoll Town Hall. Supported by Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff and funded through the Oxford Community Foundation’s Stevenson Fund, the series features Indigenous Elders and knowledge holders speaking about environmental health, ecological justice, and Indigenous Ways of Knowing. This second session, [...]
Community Event at Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
Community Event at Chippewas of the Thames First Nation On June 16th, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Partnership and Watershed Science staff participated in a community event held at Antler River Elementary School. Hosted by the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation’s Treaties, Lands, and Environmental Department, the event showcased community partnerships and projects centered around shared ecological goals. The UTRCA booth featured information on watershed health, the [...]
Celebrating Stewardship at Breakfast on the Farm
Celebrating Stewardship at Breakfast on the Farm The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Stewardship team recently took part in Farm and Food Care Ontario’s much-anticipated Breakfast on the Farm event at Hoenhorst Farms Ltd. in Innerkip. It was a special opportunity to showcase the silage bunker filtration system the UTRCA team helped install with landowner Cox years ago — a system that filters out runoff through multiple stages [...]
School-wide Bioblitz at Antler River Elementary School
School-wide Bioblitz at Antler River Elementary School In early June, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and Bird Friendly London visited Antler River Elementary School in Chippewas of the Thames First Nation for a full school bioblitz! Throughout the day, students worked together to document as many species as they could in an area of forest right behind the school. Students found over 20 native species, including wild geranium, [...]
Summer at Wildwood Conservation Area! (media release, June 19, 2025)
For Immediate Release June 19, 2025 Summer at Wildwood Conservation Area! Wildwood Conservation Area (CA) is fully embracing the summer season with a variety of planned programming designed to educate and entertain visitors. Alongside its scenic trails, reservoir, and campground, the CA has reintroduced popular presenters while also incorporating new activities aimed at engaging audiences of all ages. The following special events are planned at Wildwood CA: Good Morning [...]
Rainfall Watches and Warnings issued in the Upper Thames River Watershed (media release, June 18, 2025)
Rainfall Watches and Warnings Issued in the Upper Thames River Watershed Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in the London area, and a Rainfall Warning in the Stratford area. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority’s (UTRCA) rain gauges have measured 5-15 mm of rainfall so far today, with another 10-25 mm in the forecast. The Rainfall Warning issued by ECCC in Stratford area [...]