National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30th, 2024
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30th, 2024 To mark September 30th, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) worked with the Indigenous Solidarity and Awareness Network (ISAN Oxford) to organize a Sunrise Ceremony which took place in the Bluegrass area of Pittock Conservation Area. Open to the public, the event drew close to fifty people. Elders Dan and Mary Lou [...]
Shape the Future of Our Watershed – Share Your Input into the UTRCA Watershed Strategy!
Shape the Future of Our Watershed – Share Your Input into the UTRCA Watershed Strategy! At the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), our mission is to: protect people and property from flood and erosion hazards and support safe development, protect and enhance water quality and a sustainable water supply, make science-based decisions and deliver landowner stewardship, provide natural spaces and recreational opportunities, and empower communities and youth. To [...]
TD Tree Days Planting at Chippewas of the Thames First Nations
TD Tree Days Planting at Chippewas of the Thames First Nations On September 25th, 2024, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) supported a tree planting generously funded by TD Friends of the Environment Fund. Student volunteers from the University of Western's Masters in Environmental Studies program joined community members to help with the planting. The day began with the students visiting the Mount Elgin Residential School Memorial to [...]
Métis Nation of Ontario planting
Métis Nation of Ontario planting The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) planted 75 trees adjacent to the Fanshawe Reservoir on September 28th, 2024. This is the third annual planting for which we’ve partnered with the MNO to create a wildlife corridor and reclaim a section of an agricultural field. We look forward to working with them again next year!
Climate Change Festival Spurs Hope and Action
Climate Change Festival Spurs Hope and Action The Hope and Action Climate Change Festival on September 21st at Fanshawe Conservation Area was a great success! Over 2,200 people attended and enjoyed tours of Fanshawe Dam and the LEED-certified Watershed Conservation Centre. This event was part of Doors Open as well as the kick-off to the Green in the City event series. Thank you to all the partners who took part in [...]
Celebrate the Thames
Celebrate the Thames On Saturday, October 5th, 2024 the "Celebrate the Thames" event took place in Lions River Park in Thamesford. Organized in partnership with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and Thamesford Lions Club and supported with generous funding from TD Friends of the Environment Fund. The day began with a special Water Ceremony performed by Wahsayzee Deleary. The event featured environmental education booths, Indigenous cultural education [...]
Growing Good Land Stewards at the Carolinian Forest Festival
Growing Good Land Stewards at the Carolinian Forest Festival Springwater Conservation Area was buzzing with over 2,000 students who attended the Carolinian Forest Festival from October 7-10 this year. After pouring out of school buses, the grade 7 and 8 students dispersed to 37 different activity stations set up along a hiking trail in Springwater Forest. Each station featured hands-on, interactive games and activities to teach the students about [...]
Stratford Invasive Plant Plan Community Information Session (media release, October 3, 2024)
For Immediate Release October 3, 2024 Stratford Invasive Plant Plan Community Information Session The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and the City of Stratford are hosting a Community Information Session regarding the Stratford Invasive Plant Plan which was recently approved by City Council. Himalayan Balsam in TJ Dolan Natural Area The Stratford Invasive Plant Plan was developed by the Invasive Species Centre at the suggestion of the [...]
Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Monday, September 30, marks the fourth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This day was created to promote awareness of Canada's Residential School System, in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80 – to honour survivors, their families, and communities. Commemorating the tragic history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is [...]
Fish Surveying in the Thames River
Fish Surveying in the Thames River Wet weather has made for a logistically challenging field season for our fish surveying team. The heavy rain has amounted to many days when the river water was too high and cloudy to work safely. Despite the challenging conditions, we have managed to survey a total of 69 sites in the Upper Thames River watershed, so far this year. White Sucker, Central Stoneroller, [...]