Discover, Play, Learn: Oxford Children’s Water Festival Family Night Returns to Pittock Conservation Area (media release, April 28, 2025)
For Immediate Release April 28, 2025 Discover, Play, Learn: Oxford Children’s Water Festival Family Night Returns to Pittock Conservation Area The Oxford Children’s Water Festival Family Night is back in Woodstock at Pittock Conservation Area from 5-8 pm on May 15th, 2025. This event is packed with exciting, hands-on activities to teach children and youth about the importance of water while having fun with friends and family. Event highlights include: [...]
You Can Help Reptiles at Risk this Earth Day (media release, April 17, 2025)
For Immediate Release April 17, 2025 You Can Help Make a Difference for Reptiles at Risk this Earth Day The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is celebrating Earth Day with exciting news about local conservation efforts that are helping turn the tide for some of Ontario’s most at-risk reptiles. In 2024, our Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles (SOARR) program had one of its most successful years yet. Thanks [...]
Heavy Rain Leads to High Water Levels Across Thames River Watershed
Heavy Rain Leads to High Water Levels Across Thames River Watershed Watercourses across the Upper Thames River watershed were on the rise in early April, thanks to heavy spring rain. With weather forecasts calling for up to 75 mm of rain on saturated ground, there was the potential for a significant flood event. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) issued a Water Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook on [...]
Recognizing Young Conservation Innovators at the Thames Valley Science and Engineering Fair
Recognizing Young Conservation Innovators at the Thames Valley Science and Engineering Fair This April, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff had the exciting opportunity to participate in the Thames Valley Science & Engineering Fair, held at Western University. For over a decade, UTRCA, in partnership with Lower Thames Valley and Kettle Creek Conservation Authorities, has proudly judged the competition and presented the Conservation Award to a Junior Division [...]
Progress Towards Water Quality Goals in the Upper Thames River Watershed
Progress Towards Water Quality Goals in the Upper Thames River Watershed In 2016, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) implemented a Strategic Plan to help support environmental sustainability within the watershed, with one of the key areas focusing on improving water quality. The goal for water quality throughout the UTRCA jurisdiction is to improve each subwatershed’s report card score by one letter grade by the year 2037. Conservation [...]
Down by the River: Stream of Dreams Brings Back Memories for Dearness Home Residents
Down by the River: Stream of Dreams Brings Back Memories for Dearness Home Residents This spring, the beloved Stream of Dreams program came to Dearness Home. Over 500 fish will be painted by residents, their loved ones, visitors to the day program, and staff. In June, the fish will form a beautiful mural outside of Dearness, representing the residents’ hopes for the Thames River. Herb, a 91-year-old resident of [...]
2025 Conservation Area Season
2025 Conservation Area Season The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s Conservation Areas (CAs) are open for the 2025 season! Both Fanshawe and Wildwood CA have been open for day-use access on a daily basis since April 1. On May 1, 2025 Fanshawe, Pittock and Wildwood Conservation Areas CAs will open for overnight and seasonal camping. These three beautiful parks offer many wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities. Fanshawe CA, [...]
2024 Recap: Water Quality Monitoring Infographic
2024 Recap: Water Quality Monitoring Infographic
Oak Wilt Awareness
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
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 [...]