UTRCA at Western University for Science Olympics
UTRCA at Western University for Science Olympics This spring, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) participated in the Science Olympics held at Western University. The Science Olympics is a fun and engaging way to learn about subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, and Math through friendly, group competition. Students from grades 9 to 12 from across Southwestern Ontario competed in over a dozen stations against other schools [...]
Walkerton 25th Anniversary
Walkerton 25th Anniversary May 2025 marks 25 years since the water contamination event in Walkerton, a pivotal moment that reshaped how we approach drinking water safety across the province. This anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come in protecting the sources of our drinking water and to recognize the collective effort that continues to strengthen Ontario’s leadership in water safety. In response, Ontario took decisive [...]
2025 Oxford Children’s Water Festival a Resounding Success
2025 Oxford Children’s Water Festival a Resounding Success The Oxford Children’s Water Festival returned to Pittock Conservation Area from May 13 to 17, 2025, welcoming over 3,500 students for a week of hands-on environmental learning and outdoor fun. Hosted by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), the festival offered engaging activities focused on water conservation, environmental science, and community stewardship. Students from across the watershed explored interactive stations [...]
UTRCA Participates in MECP Spills Training
UTRCA Participates in MECP Spills Training If you noticed the bright green water in Crockett Drain in Dorchester earlier this month, do not be alarmed! On June 3, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) hosted a spills response training in Dorchester. This training was held at Dorchester Conservation Area, which is managed by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). Staff from both the UTRCA and the [...]
Perth Children’s Water Festival in St. Marys
Perth Children’s Water Festival in St. Marys The 2025 Perth Children’s Water Festival on Sunday, May 25, 2025 was a great success with over 800 people attending. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) would like to thank our sponsors, community partners and volunteers who helped make it possible. Water Festival Organizing Committee: Avon Maitland District School Board Don Gibson Huron Perth Public Health Ontario Clean Water Agency Ontario [...]
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 [...]