Thorndale Demonstration Farm Tour
Thorndale Demonstration Farm Tour On September 5, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) stewardship staff hosted a public tour of the Thorndale Demonstration Farm, showcasing the suite of agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) implemented on the farm that are aimed at improving and protecting soil health and water quality. The tour highlighted innovative drainage practices including the contoured controlled drainage system, newly installed StormTech storm water retention system, and [...]
The Multi-Barrier Approach: What goes into keeping your drinking water clean
The Multi-Barrier Approach: What goes into keeping your drinking water clean In Ontario, most municipalities have the privilege of accessing safe and clean drinking water simply by turning on a tap. This is made possible by unique legislation designed to protect municipal drinking water from source to tap. A multi-barrier approach to ensuring water safety was introduced following the tragic Walkerton, Ontario incident in 2000. This approach aims to [...]
University of Guelph Field Tour Day
University of Guelph Field Tour Stewardship staff from the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) hosted staff from the Universities of Guelph and Waterloo as well as Environment Canada on Tuesday, August 20th to showcase a number of agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) that have been implemented throughout the watershed. BMPs included in the tour were focused on erosion control and included a water and sediment control basin, a grassed [...]
World Water Monitoring Day 2024
World Water Monitoring Day 2024 Wednesday, September 18, 2024 is World Water Monitoring Day and it recognizes the crucial role monitoring plays in the conservation efforts at organizations including the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). What is water quality? Water quality is the measure of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water. What is water quality monitoring? Water quality monitoring is the regular testing and analysis of [...]
St. Marys Tree Power returns for a third year! (media release, September 9, 2024)
For immediate release Monday, September 9, 2024 St. Marys Tree Power returns for a third year! The Town of St. Marys and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) have once again partnered on St. Marys Tree Power to make native hardwood trees available and affordable for residents of St. Marys! St. Marys residents can purchase a tree via UTRCA's online shop now. The trees will be available for [...]
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 [...]