London Environmental Network Sustainability Social   On June 2, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) hosted its second London Environmental Network Sustainable Social. The series is designed to connect change makers, inspire collaboration, and advance local sustainability efforts. Each Sustainability Social spotlights a unique theme, offering space for idea exchange, resource sharing, and community building across sectors.  The theme of this Social was Green Stormwater Infrastructure and included tours [...]

Wáhta’: Honouring the Leader of Trees  True environmental stewardship thrives at the intersection of community, education, and diverse knowledge systems. On June 1, this collaborative spirit came to life at the Westminster Ponds Centre during the Wáhta’: Honouring the Leader of Trees community planting project. Supported by the Environmental Action Incubator Grant from the London Environmental Network (LEN), Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) community education and partnerships staff joined high school students from [...]

Stream of Dreams and Dearness Home Partnership featured at Therapeutic Recreation Ontario Conference  The power of art, environmental stewardship, and intergenerational connection took centre stage as representatives from the UTRCA and Dearness Home recently presented their innovative partnership at the annual Therapeutic Recreation Ontario Conference.  The presentation highlighted the powerful role that creativity, environmental stewardship, and community partnerships can play in enhancing quality of life through the creation of [...]

From Campus to Conservation: MES Students Intern at UTRCA  This summer the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) welcomes University of Western Master of Environment and Sustainability (MES) candidates Bethany and Russell as Community Partnership interns!   After completing her undergraduate degree in Ecology at the University of Guelph, Bethany applied for the MES program to gain interdisciplinary and hands-on experience in the sustainability field. Her passion for the environment is rooted in community engagement and education, and she is thrilled to be a part [...]

GREEN Leaders Student Summit Celebrates a Year of Student-Led Action in the Watershed  On May 22, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Education and Partnership staff welcomed 16 Grade 7 and 8 classes from across the Upper Thames watershed to Huron University for the annual GREEN Leaders Student Summit — a celebration of student curiosity, environmental action, and community connection.  The GREEN Leaders program is a year-long, inquiry-based environmental [...]

Why Spring Recharge Matters: What Groundwater Monitoring Wells reveal about the health of the Thames River Watershed  When people think about water in the Thames River watershed, they often picture rivers, streams, and lakes -- but a significant portion of the watershed's water is stored underground. Groundwater occupies the spaces between soil particles and fractures in bedrock beneath our feet. It provides drinking water for many rural residents, supports [...]

A Splash of Success: Celebrating the 2026 London-Middlesex Children’s Water Festival The 2026 London-Middlesex Children’s Water Festival was a tremendous success, bringing together students, educators, community partners, sponsors, and volunteers for an inspiring week of hands-on environmental learning. Held at Fanshawe Conservation Area, from May 12 to 15, this year’s festival welcomed 3,500 students from across London to explore the importance of water through interactive activities. Event Highlights This [...]

Private Land Tree Planting Season for 2026  Another successful tree planting season wrapped up at the end of May with about 28,000 trees and shrubs being planted and distributed throughout the watershed. More than 30 landowners took advantage of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) planting services, helping to create wildlife habitat, reduce soil erosion, sequester carbon, and establish recreational opportunities. In addition to the crew’s efforts, another 75 landowners planted on their own to increase and restore natural ecosystems on their property.    The cooler temperatures in April and May were ideal [...]

UTRCA Talks Water Quality  In early April, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) water quality monitoring team made a visit to St. Anne’s Catholic School in London. The visit was part of the UTRCA’s GREEN Leaders program, which has reached 16 classrooms across the watershed, with the goal of exploring local environmental issues and creating a hands-on plan to make a real-world impact. During the Water Quality presentation [...]

Freshwater Forensics: UTRCA Brings Watershed Science to Western's Science Olympics  On May 28, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Education Staff participated in the Western University Science Olympics, an annual event that draws more than 700 high school students from across Southwestern Ontario to campus for a day of hands-on STEM challenges.  This year, the UTRCA hosted the "Freshwater Forensics" challenge competition — a station that invited student [...]