Wetlands Conservation Partner Program  The Upper Thames Conservation Authority (UTRCA) received funding from the Province of Ontario through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program to conserve, restore, and improve wetlands in Ontario. This project aims to enhance and restore the functionality of nine hectares of wetland within the Upper Thames River watershed by removing invasive species and enhancing natural wetland features that have been impaired over time.   In total, [...]

Funding Announcement: Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program On November 13, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) announced it is receiving $17.4 million in funding over four years from the Canada Water Agency to support the Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program. This new initiative helps landowners implement agricultural best management practices (BMPs) that reduce phosphorus runoff, improving water quality in the Thames River and Lake Erie, while also boosting soil [...]

Thames River Regulated Area Map Update through the City of London  Earlier this year, the Ontario government updated the Conservation Authorities Act and associated regulations. This legislation requires Conservation Authorities to prevent or restrict development in or near natural hazards, such as floodplains, steep slopes, and wetlands.   As part of Ontario Regulation 41/24, Conservation Authorities are legally required to develop regulated area maps that depict the approximate location of [...]

Online Tree Store Now Open: Order Today and Plant in the Spring  Are you planning a tree planting project for the spring?   Whether you are planting a windbreak, buffer strips, or forest, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority’s (UTRCA) Tree Planting on Private Lands Program can help your project flourish.  There are two ways to participate:  Landowners can order trees from our online store to pick up in the [...]

Meadows and Prairies   Meadows and prairies are warm, sunny habitats brimming with a variety of plants and wildlife. They provide shelter, nesting sites, and food for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. They also play an important role in storing carbon and protecting soil from wind and water erosion.  Tallgrass Prairies  Prairies are ecosystems made up of deep-rooted native grasses and wildflowers that are able to withstand poor growing conditions [...]

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  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   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  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 [...]