London Participates in the City Nature Challenge
London Participates in the City Nature Challenge Earlier this spring, from April 24 to 27, London participated in its fourth annual City Nature Challenge run by Bioblitz London and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA).The City Nature Challenge (CNC) is a global event designed to get people outside, engaging with nature, and helping to make iNaturalist observations. It is a bioblitz-style event that encourages people to find and [...]
Spring Tree Planting on Medway Creek
Spring Tree Planting along Medway Creek This spring, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) led three days of tree planting along the Medway Creek as a part of the Freshwater Enhancement of the Medway Watershed project, funded by the Canada Water Agency. These tree plantings are part of a 3-year project featuring live staking and tree planting along the creek in areas with minimal vegetation that are experiencing [...]
Hundreds of Students Take Action for Lake Erie
Hundreds of Students Take Action for Lake Erie This spring, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) wrapped up a year-long regional education and stewardship initiative that brought over 500 high school students face-to-face with the challenges — and the possibilities — of caring for Lake Erie. The Lake Erie Student Summit and Stewardship (LESS) project was a collaborative effort between the UTRCA and five partner Conservation Authorities (CAs) across the western Lake Erie basin: [...]
Butternut Archive Update: Spring 2026
Butternut Archive Update: Spring 2026 On June 4, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff retrieved and planted 40 grafts from 14 different parent Butternut trees from across Ontario, as part of our partnership with the Forest Gene Conservation Association (FGCA) and their efforts to conserve and restore Butternut throughout Ontario. Butternut is listed as Endangered both federally and provincially as a result of the Butternut Canker (Ophiognomonia clavigignenti- juglandacearum), a fungal pathogen. Butternut Canker has been [...]
Perth Children’s Water Festival Returns to Stratford for a Day of Family Fun – Volunteers Needed! (media release, May 19, 2026)
For Immediate Release May 19, 2026 Perth Children’s Water Festival Returns to Stratford for a Day of Family Fun – Volunteers Needed! On Sunday, May 24, families are invited to dive into a world of water at the Perth Children’s Water Festival, taking place at Lower Queens Park in Stratford from 1 - 4 pm. Children, youth, and the young-at-heart will enjoy an afternoon of hands-on activities focused on [...]
Ready for Summer! Seasonal Staff Join Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas for the 2026 Season
Ready for Summer! Seasonal Staff Join Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas for the 2026 Season As our Conservation Areas (CAs) open for the 2026 season, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is thrilled to welcome a new team of seasonal staff at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock CAs. Each year, these dedicated individuals play an essential role in ensuring our parks remain safe, enjoyable, and well-maintained for all [...]
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 [...]