Tree Power comes to Lucan Biddulph (media release, September 4, 2024)
For Immediate Release Wednesday, September 4, 2024 Tree Power comes to Lucan Biddulph The Township of Lucan Biddulph, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) have partnered to make native trees available and affordable for Lucan Biddulph residents through the Tree Power program. This program originated in London, Ontario 13 years ago and seeks to create a greener and [...]
Reptile Research and Conservation – An Uphill Battle (media release, August 29, 2024)
For Immediate Release August 29, 2024 Local Reptile Research and Conservation faces Uphill Battle Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles (SOARR) is one of the longest running and most successful reptile research and conservation programs in Canada. For over 30 years, SOARR has worked with some of the most at risk species in Ontario, including the Spiny Softshell Turtle. Thanks to the efforts of SOARR, this unique turtle species has [...]
Join the Community Precipitation Monitoring Project – It’s Easy!
Join the Community Precipitation Monitoring Project - It's Easy! Through the Community Precipitation Monitoring Project, you can contribute to community science without leaving your own backyard! How does it work? First, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff will install a simple yet sophisticated rain gauge system on your property. Each day after, you will measure daily precipitation and record the results in the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow [...]
Tree Power returns to Perth South! (media release, August 20, 2024)
Tree Power Returns to Perth South! The Township of Perth South and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) have once again partnered to make native trees available and affordable for residents. The Perth South Tree Power program launched in 2021 and has been extremely well received each year with trees selling quickly. Tree orders for this year will open online on Tuesday, August 20 at 9 am. The [...]
Have your say on the UTRCA Lands Strategy: Online Public Survey Open
Have your say on the UTRCA Lands Strategy: Online Public Survey Open The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is inviting comments on its new Conservation Areas and Lands Strategy (or Lands Strategy). The strategy outlines our guiding principles, goals, and objectives for the lands the UTRCA owns and/or manages, and sets the direction for our lands for the next 10 years. This is mandated by the Province, which requires [...]
New Storm Water Retention System at the Thorndale Demonstration Farm
New Storm Water Retention System at the Thorndale Demonstration Farm This summer, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) stewardship staff installed a new StormTech storm water retention system at its Thorndale Demonstration Farm. This installation is the newest addition to a suite of agricultural best management practices (BMPs) implemented on the farm to improve soil health and water quality while maintaining productivity. The StormTech system uses hollow, bottomless chambers [...]
Rea Meadow Rises from the Ashes
Rea Meadow Rises from the Ashes In 2021, a controlled burn was set to the Rea Meadow in the Fanshawe Pioneer Village. While it may seem counterintuitive at first, fire helps eliminate non-native and woody vegetation while stimulating plant growth. Since the meadow was planted in 2006 – one of our earliest prairie restoration projects – Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff conduct a controlled burn every few [...]
Bed-level Crossing Creates a Win-Win for Both the Landowner and the Thames River Watershed
Bed-level Crossing Creates a Win-Win for Both the Landowner and the Thames River Watershed At the request of a West Perth landowner, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff recently developed a plan for a Flat Creek stream crossing that would create a safe and stable vehicular crossing and have a positive impact on the creek. The existing point of access across the creek was a combination of [...]
The Incredible Dragonfly
The Incredible Dragonfly There is something magical about dragonflies. Evolving some 300 million years ago - long before dinosaurs - dragonflies were one of the first winged insects to inhabit the Earth. Five to 12 centimeters is their typical wingspan today, but fossil records show specimens with wingspans up to 60 cm! Some scientists speculate that high oxygen levels during the Paleozoic era allowed them to reach their enormous size. [...]
Wild Grapes
Wild Grapes Many people have a love-hate relationship with wild grapes, but love ‘em or hate ‘em, they play an important role in our natural environment. There are three species of native wild grape that occur in the Thames River region, the most common being riverbank grape (Vitis riparia). As the name suggests, it is found near rivers and streams or wherever sunlight is available. Their roots hold the [...]