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 [...]
Tree Power returns to Lucan Biddulph (media release, August 21, 2025)
Tree Power returns to Lucan Biddulph The Township of Lucan Biddulph, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) have partnered for a second year to make native trees available and affordable for Lucan Biddulph residents through the Tree Power program. There will be 250 trees available, all for $30 each. Orders will open online on Thursday, August 21. The trees will be available [...]
ProtectingOurWater.ca: A New Resource Website
ProtectingOurWater.ca: A New Resource Website The Thames-Sydenham Source Protection Region would like to introduce our new resource website, www.ProtectingOurWater.ca. This website will serve as the education and outreach hub for Source Water Protection in the Thames-Sydenham Source Protection Region. It’s delivered in partnership with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and municipal partners to equip residents, businesses, and planners with knowledge and tools to protect our shared water [...]
Installation of Vegetated Mats at Pittock Conservation Area
Installation of Vegetated Mats at Pittock Conservation Area For the first time, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has installed live vegetated mats as part of a new restoration initiative at Pittock Conservation Area. Each mat, measuring approximately 0.25 m², was pre-seeded with native wetland plants, including broadleaf cattail, common arrowhead, and soft-stem bulrush. These species are well adapted to the shallow water conditions found in Southwestern Ontario. [...]
Tree Power returns to Perth South! (media release, August 18, 2025)
For Immediate Release Tree Power returns to Perth South! The Township of Perth South and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) have once again partnered to make native trees available and affordable for residents. The Perth South Tree Power program launched in 2021 and has been extremely well received each year with trees selling quickly. Tree orders for this year will open online on Tuesday, August 19 at [...]
Dams and Clams: Helping Aquatic Species in Lake Victoria
Dams and Clams: Helping Aquatic Species in Lake Victoria Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff recently waded in to help aquatic wildlife following an unplanned drawdown of Lake Victoria in Stratford. Water levels in the man-made lake slowly receded after a sluice gate in the RT Orr Dam could not close completely due to debris during a storm on July 24. The gradual decrease in water levels gave [...]
Perth South Tree Power returns!
Perth South Tree Power Returns! The Township of Perth South and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) have once again partnered to make native trees available and affordable for residents. The Perth South Tree Power program launched in 2021 and has been extremely well-received each year, with trees selling quickly. Tree orders for this year will open online on Tuesday, August 19 at 9 am. The trees will [...]
Annual Pittock Staff BBQ and Awards
Annual Pittock Staff BBQ and Awards On a sunny afternoon at Pittock Conservation Area (PCA) on July 24th, our amazing team came together for the annual Staff Social BBQ—a well-deserved celebration of hard work, dedication, and team spirit. The event featured a classic summer menu of juicy hamburgers, sizzling hot dogs prepared by master chefs Steve and Elijah, and a sweet treat of ice cream topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. It [...]