Camping Season begins at Wildwood Conservation Area (media release, April 23, 2024)
Camping Season begins at Wildwood Conservation Area Wildwood Conservation Area (CA) in St. Marys opens for another camping season on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. This marks the 56th camping season as Wildwood CA opened in 1968. “We’re looking to build on the success of last year – we had a great season with well attended events, new rental equipment and new visitors discovering what a beautiful spot Wildwood is,” [...]
Camping opens at Pittock Conservation Area! (media release, April 23, 2024)
Camping opens at Pittock Conservation Area! Seasonal and overnight camping at Pittock Conservation Area (CA) in Woodstock opens on Wednesday, May 1, 2024! The CA is a great option for all outdoor adventures. It hosts a variety of outdoor activities for the community, including five kilometres of hiking and biking trails, a disc golf course, a splash pad, and over 240 campsites. Pittock CA also offers a rental program [...]
Camping opens at Fanshawe Conservation Area! (media release, April 23, 2024)
Camping opens at Fanshawe Conservation Area Camping returns to Fanshawe Conservation Area (CA)! The CA, along with Wildwood CA in St. Marys and Pittock CA in Woodstock, will officially open for the camping season at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1 with the season running until October 20, 2024. “We’re looking forward to another busy camping season at Fanshawe. A majority of our staff from last year have returned [...]
UTRCA Approves Two Zone Floodplain Approach for London Subwatershed (media release, April 18, 2024)
UTRCA Approves Two Zone Floodplain Approach for London Subwatershed (April 18, 2024) The Board of Directors of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) approved a two-zone floodplain policy approach in part of London’s Mud Creek subwatershed at their April 16, 2024, meeting. The UTRCA protects people and property and supports safe development by regulating development in or near rivers, valleys, and wetlands under the Conservation Authorities Act. While the [...]
Rainfall Forecast Throughout Today (media release, April 11, 2024)
Rainfall Forecast Throughout Today (media release, April 11, 2024) A Texas Low has entered the region today, bringing with it the potential of 25 - 50 mm of rain in the Upper Thames River basin, on top of the 5-10 mm received so far. Locally higher amounts are possible for areas that receive thunderstorms. Rain is expected to continue throughout today, tapering into showers Friday morning. The Upper Thames River Conservation [...]
Rainfall Forecast throughout today (flood bulletin, April 11-15, 2024)
Rainfall Forecast throughout today Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook (2024 Flood Event 5, Bulletin 1) Issued at: April 11, 2024 at 09:00; valid until: April 15, 2024 at noon A Texas Low has entered the region today, bringing with it the potential of 25 - 50 mm of rain in the Upper Thames River basin, on top of the 5-10 mm received so far. Locally higher amounts are [...]
Thames River Clean Up Prep Underway!
Thames River Clean Up Prep Underway! On April 3, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) hosted an information and orientation session for coordinators of the Thames River Cleanup (TRCU), which will take place on or around the Earth Day weekend (April 20) in locations across the Upper Thames River watershed. TRCU founder and director, Todd Sleeper, presented a brief history of the initiative, which is celebrating its 25th [...]
Walnut Toxicity
Walnut Toxicity Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is a valuable native hardwood tree, found in deciduous forests in southern Ontario. The nuts are an important food source for wildlife and the wood provides valuable lumber. In a garden setting, the large fruit can be considered a nuisance, but the bigger concern is walnut toxicity. Black walnut trees produce a toxic substance, known as juglone. While many plants can tolerate the [...]
UTRCA Staff Participate in Young Conservation Leadership Program
UTRCA Staff Participate in Young Conservation Leadership Program The Young Conservation Leadership Program (YCP) is a year-long professional development program organized and facilitated by the Toronto Region Conservation Authority. YCP provides young professionals with essential skills required to transition into leadership roles in the conservation and environmental sectors. Participants attend three retreats where they focus on self-development, collaboration and partnerships, and future goals as leaders. Assignments are completed throughout [...]
Thames Valley Science and Engineering Fair – Conservation Award
Thames Valley Science and Engineering Fair – Conservation Award This April, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff helped judge the Thames Valley Science and Engineering Fair at Brescia College in London. For the past 10 years, UTRCA staff, in conjunction with the Lower Thames Valley and Kettle Creek Conservation Authorities, have judged and presented the Conservation Award to a Junior Division (Grade 6 through 8) project that [...]