Bridge Installation Creates Loop Trail at Hodge’s Pond
Bridge Installation Creates Loop Trail at Hodge’s Pond Looking around Hodge’s Pond, it’s hard to believe that it was once agricultural land. From lush forests to several wetland cells and a meandering creek, it is an excellent example of a naturalized landscape. Improvements made throughout the years have not only had a positive impact on the environment, including improved water quality and wildlife habitat, but visitors have also benefitted [...]
Monitoring New Prairie Restoration Sites
Monitoring New Prairie Restoration Sites The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is establishing two new tallgrass prairies, one within Wildwood Conservation Area (CA) (12.7 ha) and the other in Fanshawe CA (10.3 ha). These prairies are being created to provide habitat for Eastern Meadowlarks and Bobolinks under an agreement with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO). This is part of compensation requirements for habitat losses as a result of [...]
Hope and Action Climate Change Symposium
Hope and Action Climate Change Symposium On November 1st and 2nd, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff from across multiple units participated in the Hope and Action Climate Change Symposium hosted by Museum London. The Symposium was designed to help celebrate and share positive actions that organizations across London are taking to confront climate change. The event featured of two days of programming, with the first day involving [...]
In-field Soil Health Assessment Training Workshop
In-field Soil Health Assessment Training Workshop Earlier this fall Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Stewardship staff led an in-field soil health assessment training event near St. Marys in partnership with Soil Resource Group (SRG), the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Farming and Agribusiness (OMAFA), Soils @ Guelph, and the Ontario Soil Network. The event was an opportunity for farmers and rural landowners to get their hands dirty while learning [...]
UTRCA Receives 17.4 Million from the Canada Water Agency for Stewardship Projects to Reduce Phosphorus Loads from Entering Lake Erie (media release, Nov. 13, 2024)
For Immediate Release November 13th, 2024 UTRCA Receives 17.4 Million from the Canada Water Agency for Stewardship Projects to Reduce Phosphorus Loads from Entering Lake Erie The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has a new funding program – the Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program – for landowners looking to introduce or expand agricultural best management practices (BMPs) on their properties. The program promotes the adoption of a variety [...]
Fantastic Fall with Fanshawe Nature School!
Fantastic Fall with Fanshawe Nature School! Let’s celebrate fall! This is what the participants (ages 2-5 with caregivers) of Fanshawe Nature School were thinking and doing while immersing themselves in one of their favourite places to be - in nature! Our fall session of Fanshawe Nature school was a delight from start to finish with our mornings filled with exploration, discovery and most importantly play! Highlights were helping the [...]
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Purchases 18 Acres Next to Sifton Bog from Auburn Developments and Drewlo Holdings (media release, Nov. 6, 2024)
For Immediate Release November 6th, 2024 Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Purchases 18 Acres Next to Sifton Bog from Auburn Developments and Drewlo Holdings The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) recently purchased 7.26 hectares (nearly 18 acres) of land from Auburn Developments and Drewlo Holdings. Located adjacent to Sifton Bog Environmentally Significant Area (ESA), this land is of high ecological importance. In fact, it is designated as an [...]
Join Walks, Talks, and Family Fun at the Hope and Action Climate Change Symposium: November 2nd at Museum London (media release, Oct. 28, 2024)
For Immediate Release October 28, 2024 Join Walks, Talks, and Family Fun at the Hope and Action Climate Change Symposium: November 2nd at Museum London The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) invites the community to attend the Hope and Action Climate Change Symposium to learn about the positive actions being taken by local organizations to address climate change. The event is being held at Museum London on November [...]
Property Owners along the Thames River in London invited to view UTRCA’s Updated Regulated Area Maps (media release Oct. 22, 2024)
October 22, 2024 For Immediate Release Property Owners along the Thames River in London invited to view UTRCA’s Updated Regulated Area Maps The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is undertaking a comprehensive review and upgrade of its regulated area maps along the Thames River through the City of London. Updating these maps enables the UTRCA and its municipal partners to use the most current information to identify hazards, [...]
Shoulder Season returns to UTRCA Conservation Areas, Offering Plenty of Fall Recreation Opportunities (media release, October 16, 2024)
October 16, 2024 Shoulder Season returns to UTRCA Conservation Areas, Offering Plenty of Fall Recreation Opportunities The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has scheduled another six weeks extension to its day-use access for Fanshawe and Wildwood Conservation Areas this fall. Effective Sunday, October 20th the Shoulder Season will run until Saturday, November 30th. “Last year was our pilot Shoulder Season project and the extended access was so well received [...]