UTRCA’s Tree Power comes to Thames Centre! (media release, March 27, 2025)
For Immediate Release March 27, 2025 UTRCA’s Tree Power comes to Thames Centre! The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s Tree Power program is making its debut in Thames Centre this spring. This popular program provides watershed residents with affordable native hardwood trees through partnerships with UTRCA municipalities and sponsors. “15,000 trees were planted in Thames Centre last year,” said Danielle Lockie, Chair of Thames Centre’s Environmental Advisory Committee. [...]
UTRCA Tree Power program returns to West Perth (media release, March 26, 2025)
UTRCA Tree Power program returns to West Perth The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has once again partnered with the Municipality of West Perth to host the second West Perth Tree Power this spring! This popular program provides watershed residents with affordable native hardwood trees through partnerships with UTRCA municipalities and sponsors. “We’re very happy to return to West Perth and get more trees into the hands of [...]
Festival Hydro Tree Power returns for 2025! (media release, March 20, 2025)
March 20, 2024 For Immediate Release Festival Hydro Tree Power returns for 2025! The popular Festival Hydro Tree Power program has returned, providing Stratford residents with affordable native trees. Sales open on the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority’s (UTRCA) website on Monday, March 24 at 9:00 am. Eight different species will be available including American Sycamore, Black Cherry, Norway Spruce, Paper Birch, Red Maple, Red Oak, Sugar Maple and [...]
Spring Shoulder Season returns to UTRCA Conservation Areas (media release, March 24, 2025)
Spring Shoulder Season Returns to UTRCA Conservation Areas Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff are busy preparing for the spring Shoulder Season at Fanshawe and Wildwood Conservation Areas (CAs). This adds four weeks of day-use access from Tuesday, April 1st until Wednesday, April 30th. It is the third year offering a Shoulder Season in response to the demand from visitors to the CAs. “We’ve been really pleased with [...]
Thamesford River Park Improvements
Lions River Park Improvements Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) recently completed work on the second phase of a project in Lions River Park in Thamesford. It includes the construction of multiple viewing areas and fishing steps that will give community members and anglers access to the middle branch of the Thames River, which stretches about 500 meters along the western border of the park. Previously, foot traffic along the [...]
Meet the Northern Cardinal
Meet the Northern Cardinal Affectionately known as redbird, the Northern Cardinal is often featured in white winter scenes because of their splash of colour. The male’s conspicuous red plumage, crested head, and warbling song make it one of the most identifiable and beloved birds in Ontario. Even the muted brown female has hints of warm, rosy accents. The bright crimson colour is thought to help attract a mate. Scientists [...]
The Annual Landowners Workshop is Coming to St. Marys!
The annual UTRCA Landowners Workshop is coming to St.Marys! Join the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) in St. Marys for an engaging evening focused on soil health, water quality, and sustainable farming. Hear from expert speakers on best management practices, conservation drainage, and how land stewardship supports aquatic life. Plus, learn about funding opportunities available to landowners! Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM [...]
Great Lakes Education Workshop Builds on Retrospective Report Findings
Great Lakes Education Workshop Builds on Retrospective Report Findings On Wednesday, February 12th, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) hosted a Great Lakes Education Workshop as part of a larger project funded by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). This project focused on a retrospective review of the Great Lakes Student Conferences, which MECP funded and supported across the province over the past decade. As [...]
Seedy Saturdays in London and Woodstock
Seedy Saturdays in London and Woodstock Spring is in the air and on the land! As folks begin to plan their gardens and start their seeds, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Partnerships and Education staff participated in Seedy Saturday events on March 1st and 8th in London and Woodstock, respectively. In London, 1000 + visitors took in the over 60 exhibition booths at the Carling Heights Optimist Community [...]
Source Water at The Farm Show: Protect Your Private Drinking Water!
Source Water at The Farm Show: Protect Your Private Drinking Water! From March 5th to 7th, the Thames Sydenham and Region Source Protection Region was represented at the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority's booth at the London Farm Show. We provided Public Health Ontario drinking water sample bottles for the public to test their private drinking water wells. If you own a private well, check out Public Health Ontario's [...]