Thames River and Smaller Waterways Running High after Rain The recent rain has streams, ditches, and rivers across the Upper Thames River watershed running fast and high. Rain gauges across the watershed measured 35-55 mm of rain since Wednesday morning, with many gauges receiving 55 mm of rain. Residents are reminded to use extreme caution near all watercourses and stay out of all flooded areas. Stream banks can be [...]

Significant Rain Forecast for Wednesday, Watercourses Expected to Rise For immediate release, April 1, 2025 With rain forecast for Wednesday, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) reminds everyone to stay away from streams, ditches, and rivers. Weather forecasts are predicting 30-75 mm of rain across the Upper Thames River watershed, starting late Wednesday morning and lasting into early Thursday morning. Ground conditions are already saturated from the spring [...]

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 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 [...]

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   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 [...]