RT Orr Dam Work Complete
RT Orr Dam Work Complete The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has successfully completed the repair and reinstallation of the south sluicegate at the R. Thomas Orr Dam in the City of Stratford. The R. Thomas Orr Dam was constructed in 1964. It is located on the Avon River, a tributary to the North Thames River, in the City of Stratford. The dam and reservoir are a focal [...]
Mini Forest at Fanshawe Conservation Area
Mini Forest at Fanshawe Conservation Area This June, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and London Environmental Network (LEN) began the process of planting a mini forest at Fanshawe Conservation Area. The first step in successfully planting a mini forest? Site preparation! With the help of dedicated staff and volunteers, UTRCA and LEN staff began the process of preparing the site to be planted this fall. Using a [...]
UTRCA Park Pass Program continues
UTRCA Park Pass Program continues Once again, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has partnered with libraries through the watershed to provide day-use vehicle passes for their patrons. Library users are able to “check out” a day-use vehicle pass from their local library to be used over a three-day period. These passes will allow for day-use entry to Fanshawe Conservation Area in London and Wildwood Conservation Area outside [...]
Over 400 Students Participate in the 2025 GREEN Leaders Summit
Over 400 Students Participate in the 2025 GREEN Leaders Summit On June 3rd, over 400 grade 7/8 students from 16 classes in the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB), and the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board (HPCDSB) came together for the GREEN Leaders Student Summit. For the second year, the event was hosted by Huron University College where the campus and lecture [...]
Spring 2025 Tree Planting
Spring 2025 Tree Planting Season Wraps Up with 32,000 Trees Planted The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) recently finished another successful tree planting season with just over 32,000 trees and shrubs planted and distributed. More than 30 landowners in the watershed took advantage of the UTRCA planting services. In addition to the crew’s efforts, another 93 landowners undertook planting on their own to increase and restore natural ecosystems on [...]
Source Water Protection at the Children’s Water Festival!
Source Water Protection Attends Children's Water Festival! From May 13th to May 16th, the Thames-Sydenham Source Protection Region proudly participated in the 2025 Oxford Children’s Water Festival, held at Pittock Conservation Area. The event provided a fun and educational opportunity for students to explore the importance of drinking water protection and the science behind it. Throughout the festival, students engaged in hands-on learning activities that focused on the sources [...]
Grade 7 and 8 Students Showcase Environmental Action Projects at GREEN Leaders Summit (media release, June 2, 2025)
Grade 7 and 8 Students Showcase Environmental Action Projects at GREEN Leaders Summit Hundreds of students will gather at Huron University on June 3rd, 2025 to showcase how they are taking action for a greener future. These grade 7 and 8 students from the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB), and Huron Perth Catholic District School Board (HPCDSB) have been participating in the [...]
Tackling Giant Hogweed: the UTRCA’s Ongoing Effort to Protect Local Ecosystems
Tackling Giant Hogweed: the UTRCA’s Ongoing Effort to Protect Local Ecosystems Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Lands and Facilities staff have been hard at work managing one of Ontario’s most dangerous invasive species: Giant Hogweed. This invasive species not only threatens native species by outcompeting them but poses serious health hazards to people and wildlife due to its toxic sap. This spring, we’ve dedicated over 120 hours of [...]
Local Landowners Lead the Way in Phosphorus Reduction Efforts
Local Landowners Lead the Way in Phosphorus Reduction Efforts With funding from the Canada Water Agency, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) launched the Upper Thames Phosphorus Reduction Program in the fall of last year, to help reduce the amount of phosphorus reaching Lake Erie. While phosphorus enters the environment in many ways, one of the most challenging sources to manage is runoff from rain events, especially across [...]
Thames River Cleanup Wraps Up 2025
Thames River Cleanup Wraps Up 2025 On April 5th and 6th, the Thames River Cleanup held its 26th annual Earth Day cleanup. Over a thousand volunteers from across the watershed pitched in to clear tonnes of garbage and litter from along rivers, creeks, and green spaces. Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Partnership staff lead cleanups with the Friends of Medway Creek, Friends of Stoney Creek groups, and a [...]