Oak Wilt Awareness  Oak Wilt is a serious, invasive tree disease caused by the fungal pathogen Bretziella fagacearum. First confirmed in Canada in Niagara Falls in May 2023, this disease affects all Oak species, with Red Oaks being especially vulnerable—often dying within 2 to twelve months of infection. White Oaks may survive longer but still suffer from gradual decline.  The fungus spreads in two major ways: underground through root [...]

River Safety Program Wraps Up Another Successful Season  The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s River Safety Education Program has wrapped up another successful season, teaching Grade 2 students how to stay safe near rivers, creeks, and streams. This interactive, in-class program highlights the Thames River watershed through hands-on activities, storytelling, and discussion. Linked to the Grade 2 Science (water cycle) and Health and Physical Education (safety) curriculum, it [...]

2025 Kickoff to Tree Planting  As spring emerges and winter is leaving for another season, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Forestry and Restoration staff are gearing up to dive into the 2025 tree planting season.   This spring, approximately 33,000 trees and shrubs will be planted and distributed throughout the watershed via our private land program. Twenty-nine landowners are working with UTRCA staff to create various types of tree planting [...]

Hope in the Land Expo  On Saturday, April 5th, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Community Partnership staff participated in Carolinian Canada's Hope in the Land Expo, a community event held at the Western Fair Agriplex. The event brought together local organizations to learn about and to celebrate the land, ecological justice, conservation efforts, and local biodiversity. UTRCA staff participated on a panel about protecting and enhancing ecological corridors; [...]

Find the UTRCA at Earthfest London   Looking for a way to celebrate Earth Day? Earthfest London is hosting a free festival in Citi Plaza and the Central Library on Saturday April 26th from 11AM - 4PM. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) will be there and programming will include lots of family fun! Ride your bikes (free bike valet parking) and marvel as Citi Plaza is transformed into [...]

Bringing the Local Watershed into the Classroom  In March, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s Community Education Coordinator, Karlee Flear, had the opportunity to present to Teacher Candidates at Western University’s Faculty of Education. The session, Place-Based Environmental Education: Using the Local Landscape in your Classroom, explored how teachers can connect students to their local environment using Conservation Authority resources and data.  The talk focused on the vital role [...]

2024 Black Redhorse Suckers Monitoring Update   The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has wrapped up the final year of a special three-year project to locate and monitor Black Redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei) throughout the watershed. This native fish species is recognized as a Threatened Species at Risk (SAR), and understanding where it thrives helps us protect and restore crucial aquatic habitats in the Thames River.   Why Black Redhorse Matters    [...]

Congratulations to Gord and Lisa Ross on the 2024 Oxford Stewardship Award! Gord and Lisa Ross received the Oxford Stewardship Award in late March for their impressive efforts in planting over 2,500 trees in South-West Oxford. Their work includes creating field windbreaks and establishing new woodlots to enhance wildlife habitat. A special congratulation also goes out to watershed residents Debbra and Gord Eddy of East-Zorra Tavistock, who were nominated [...]

Updates to the Thames-Sydenham and Region Source Protection Plan and Assessment Report under the Clean Water Act, 2006 – Public Consultation   The Source Water Protection Program focuses on safeguarding existing and future sources of drinking water for municipal systems within the Thames-Sydenham Region. This is accomplished through policies that are developed through a collaborative working group called the Source Protection Committee under the framework of the Clean Water Act, 2006.      [...]