New Drainage Recycling System at Wildwood Demonstration Farm
New Drainage Recycling System at Wildwood Demonstration Farm The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has unveiled a new solar-powered drainage recycling system at the Wildwood Demonstration Farm near St. Marys, Ontario, helping showcase innovative ways farmers can adapt to extreme weather conditions while improving water management on their land. The 18-acre field had a history of poor drainage including prolonged surface ponding, which delayed planting and reduced crop yields. The new [...]
Source Protection Promotion at Children’s Water Festival
"Protecting the Source" at the 2026 Children’s Water Festival From May 12 to 15, the Thames-Sydenham Source Protection Region proudly participated in the 2026 London-Middlesex Children’s Water Festival at Fanshawe Conservation Area. The festival provided a fun and interactive opportunity for students to learn more about drinking water protection, where their water comes from, and the science behind keeping it safe. Throughout the event, students took part in a [...]
Emergency Preparedness Week
Emergency Preparedness Week Emergency Preparedness Week is observed across Canada during the first full week of May. This year’s theme - “Be Prepared, Know Your Risks” - is an important reminder, especially when it comes to flooding. April marked the 89th anniversary of the 1937 Thames River flood, when 150 mm (6 inches) of rain fell over five days. Communities in the Upper Thames River watershed were devastated when floodwaters rose, causing [...]
Fanshawe Conservation Area receives Community Spirit Award
Fanshawe Conservation Area receives Community Spirit Award In January, LondonOntarioSports.com, London's Trusted Source for Sports News and Information, announced that Fanshawe Conservation Area (FCA) was the winner of the 2026 Community Spirit Award! Established in 2025, the Community Spirit Award recognizes Southwestern Ontario individuals and groups who change and better the lives of others through sports, leisure, and recreation. FCA staff were honoured to receive the award at a ceremony [...]
GREEN Leaders Summit Highlights Student-Driven Environmental Actions (media release, May 14, 2026)
Media Advisory For Immediate Release May 14, 2026 GREEN Leaders Summit Highlights Student-Driven Environmental Actions Approximately 400 grade 7 and 8 students will gather at Huron University on May 22nd to share how they are making a difference in their communities through the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority’s (UTRCA) GREEN Leaders program. Representing 16 classes from across the watershed, students have spent months exploring local environmental challenges and developing hands-on “Action Projects” that turn their ideas [...]
London-Middlesex Children’s Water Festival Family Night Returns to Fanshawe Conservation Area (media release, May 11, 2026)
For Immediate Release May 11, 2026 London-Middlesex Children’s Water Festival Family Night Returns to Fanshawe Conservation Area The London-Middlesex Children’s Water Festival Family Night is back in London at Fanshawe Conservation Area from 5-8 pm on May 14th, 2026. This event is packed with exciting, hands-on activities to teach children and youth about the importance of water while having fun with friends and family. Event highlights include: Water-themed activity [...]
Camping opens at UTRCA’s Conservation Areas (media release, April 30, 2026)
April 30, 2026 For Immediate Release Camping opens at UTRCA’s Conservation Areas Camping season is set to begin at the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s three Conservation Areas (CAs)! Fanshawe CA in London, along with Wildwood CA in St. Marys and Pittock CA in Woodstock, will officially open for the camping season at 8 a.m. on Friday, May 1 with the season running until Sunday, October 18, 2026. “We’re ready to launch another busy camping season at our CAs. A majority of our staff from last year [...]
Students Take Action for Lake Erie at Regional Summit in Sarnia and Point Edward (media release, April 30, 2026)
For Immediate Release April 30, 2026 Students Take Action for Lake Erie at Regional Summit in Sarnia and Point Edward More than 100 high school students from across the western Lake Erie basin gathered in Sarnia and Point Edward on Wednesday for the Lake Erie Student Summit, a hands-on event focused on building the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to protect this globally significant freshwater ecosystem. Organized by the Upper [...]
The UTRCA Contributes 855.76 Hectares to Canada’s 30×30 Project in Partnership with Ontario Nature (media release, April 28, 2026)
For Immediate Release April 28, 2026 The UTRCA Contributes 855.76 Hectares to Canada’s 30x30 Project in Partnership with Ontario Nature The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), in collaboration with Ontario Nature, is proud to announce the contribution of 855.76 hectares of natural areas and provincially significant swamp land towards Canada’s target of protecting and conserving 30% of our lands and waters by 2030, known commonly as the 30×30 [...]
Popular UTRCA Park Pass Program Continues to Grow
Popular UTRCA Park Pass Program Continues to Grow The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s popular Library Park Pass program is underway for another year! The UTRCA has partnered with libraries throughout the watershed to provide day-use vehicle passes for their patrons. Library users can “check out” a day-use vehicle pass from their local library to be used over a three-day period. These passes will allow for day-use entry [...]