Stratford Winterfest 2024
Stratford Winterfest 2024 Stratford Winterfest started in 1998 as a one-day event to encourage residents to get outside and enjoy winter. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has participated in Winterfest since its inception, at times on the organizing committee and always by providing activities. The 2024 Winterfest was held in Upper Queen’s Park in Stratford on Saturday, January 27. This year, the UTRCA installed a Story Hike [...]
Oxford Stewardship Award
Oxford Stewardship Award The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) extends congratulations to Cobi and Steve Sauder who recently won the Oxford County Stewardship Award. The award recognizes landowners in Oxford County who make voluntary efforts to help protect the quality of the County’s natural environment including its soil, water, woodlands, and other natural features. The Sauders have demonstrated a strong stewardship ethic on their 100-acre farm in Zorra [...]
A Familiar Winter Bird: Black-capped Chickadee
A Familiar Winter Bird: Black-capped Chickadee Likely, it is the distinct song of the black-capped chickadee that makes it so identifiable. The most familiar call is the cheery “chick-a-dee-dee-dee”, which reputedly gave this talkative, little bird its name. While, to the human ear, the notes may sound simple, they are highly variable and astonishingly complex. A Chickadee Song Produced by both the male and female, their call is used for [...]
Tree Power program launches in West Perth (media release: February 13, 2024)
For Immediate Release February 13, 2024 Tree Power program launches in West Perth The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has partnered with the Municipality of West Perth to host the first West Perth Tree Power in 2024! This popular program provides watershed residents with affordable native hardwood trees through partnerships with UTRCA municipalities and sponsors. “We’re getting set up for a busy spring and we’re excited to get [...]
Black Redhorse Discovered in Fish Creek by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (media release, Feb. 13, 2024)
For Immediate Release February 13th 2024 Black Redhorse Discovered in Fish Creek by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff made an exciting find in the waters of Fish Creek in London, Ontario this summer – the reappearance of the Black Redhorse, Moxostoma duquesnei, a Threatened fish under the Species at Risk Act. This species of sucker, found in only a few rivers [...]
City of London Boating Ban Cancellation (flood bulletin, January 29, 2024)
City of London Boating Ban - Cancellation Issued January 29, 2024 at 2:15 pm The Thames River within the City of London has receded below the boating ban threshold. The City of London Police may cancel the ban and inform the media.
Watercourses remain above normal as snowmelt continues (flood bulletin, January 29 – February 5, 2024)
Watercourses remain above normal as snowmelt continues Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety Issued January 29, 2024 at 11:15 am; Valid until February 5 Weather forecasts are calling for daytime temperatures slightly above freezing over the next several days, nighttime temperatures slightly above or below freezing, and occasional minor precipitation. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) expects the watershed’s remaining snowpack to gradually melt, which will keep water [...]
City of London boating ban (flood bulletin, January 26, 2024)
City of London Boating Ban Issued January 26, 2024 at 5:15 pm The Thames River within the City of London has reached boating ban levels. The City of London Police may implement the ban and inform the media. When river levels recede below boating ban threshold levels, notification will be sent to Police Services and the Fire Department.
Streams and Rivers running high as Snowmelt Continues (media release, January 26, 2024)
Streams and Rivers Running High as Snowmelt Continues The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) urges the public to be cautious around local waterways over the weekend, as melting snow and rain keep water levels high. The UTRCA does not expect serious flooding at this time, but water will spill over the banks in low lying areas known to traditionally flood in the spring. Any remaining ice cover will [...]
Snow Melt Update (flood bulletin, January 26-31, 2024)
Snow Melt Update Flood Watch Issued January 26, 2024 at 10 am; Valid until January 31, 2024 The Upper Thames River basin received 30-50 mm of rain over the past three days. The snowpack in the watershed contained an estimated 20-40 mm of water equivalent before the rains began. The rain received, combined with above freezing temperatures, is melting the snowpack and the water is running off the land [...]