Spring Shoulder Season Returns to our Conservation Areas   Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff are busy preparing for the spring shoulder season at Fanshawe and Wildwood Conservation Areas (CAs). This adds four weeks of day-use access from Wednesday, April 1st until Thursday, April 30th. It is the fourth year offering a shoulder season in response to the demand from visitors to the CAs. “We’re looking forward to welcoming [...]

Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) For many, the first calls of the spring peeper mark the return of spring. These tiny frogs are rarely seen but, during the spring mating season, they are often heard. At only three centimetres long, about the length of a paper clip, they are Ontario’s smallest frog. They are light brown or grey in colour and distinguished from other chorus frogs by a distinctive dark X-shape [...]

Southwestern Ontario Conservation Authorities at the London Farm Show In the first week of March, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) stewardship staff joined neighbouring Southwestern Ontario Conservation Authorities at the London Farm Show. Together, staff across the region highlighted stewardship programs that offer cost‑share funding and technical support to improve soil health, water quality, and natural habitat. Key initiatives include: phosphorus reduction programs, rural water quality programs, and restoration services [...]

Overnight Camping Reservations Now Available!  As of February 1st, you can make your overnight camping reservations for the conservation areas (CAs) in the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) watershed.   We’re proud to offer camping opportunities at these beautiful CAs, including Fanshawe CA (London), Pittock CA (Woodstock), and Wildwood CA (St. Marys). We invite you to explore nature, try camping, and adventure through our trails, making new memories with [...]

New Safety Feature at Wildwood Conservation Area  Visitors to Wildwood Conservation Area may have noticed some construction activity on the reservoir near the dam. The installation of a safety boom in the reservoir began in February. This important addition is in accordance with the Canadian Dam Association (CDA) guidelines.  The safety boom creates a visible barrier to prevent reservoir users from getting too close to the dam and the surrounding turbulent [...]

A Spring Full of Tree Power  The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is running four Tree Power programs this spring in London, Stratford, West Perth, and Thames Centre. Tree Power provides affordable native trees to residents, thanks to partnerships with sponsors and municipalities. Available tree species include American Sycamore, Paper Birch, Tulip Tree, White Spruce, and more! London Hydro Tree Power Tree pick up on Friday, April 10, [...]