A Bustling Fall at Wildwood Nature School  Upper Thames River Conservation (UTRCA) Education staff at Wildwood Conservation Area had a very successful fall Nature School session with two full programs (Falcons and Fledglings and Eagles) and two Professional Development Day programs. The Falcons and Fledglings (parent and tot) were an inquisitive group who loved to explore animals, sounds, and colours. They spent a lot of time learning how to [...]

What is Thundersnow? Have you been wondering if there is a name for the snowy thunderstorms you’ve been seeing across the watershed? These wintery thunderstorms are called Thundersnow.   Late Friday, January 12, 2024 the Upper Thames watershed experienced Thundersnow as a result of a Texas low moving over the Great Lakes and into Southern Ontario. This storm included heavy snow, wind gusts, thunder, lightning, as well as approximately 15.88 [...]

Learn More about Protecting Drinking Water Sources   Do you know how you can help protect sources of drinking water?   Stay informed about protecting drinking water in the Thames-Sydenham and Region by connecting with our new social media accounts! Our new Facebook page and LinkedIn page focus on how you can help protect drinking water.  Our social media campaigns are in full swing, aiming to boost awareness about drinking water [...]

UTRCA Hosts Annual Flood Coordinators Meeting  On December 14, 2023, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) hosted its annual Flood Coordinators meeting. The meeting was open to flood coordinators from watershed municipalities and local First Nations, as well as staff from other agencies, including:  Middlesex, Oxford, and Perth Counties  Health units  Neighbouring conservation authorities  Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Flood Forecasting Centre  Local police and fire departments  [...]

Helping Teachers to Teach Outdoors  Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Community Education staff led two Outdoor Learning sessions for over 50 London District Catholic School Board kindergarten teachers as part of a school board-wide Professional Development Day.   Teachers that signed up for the sessions learned tips for setting up and facilitating outdoor learning experiences in school yards. For example, they considered the assets within their own outdoor spaces [...]

Find Out Hoo Learned, Played, and Explored at Fanshawe Nature School this Fall!  Have you ever felt a true connection to a natural space where you can feel completely secure to relax, explore, and let your senses be your guide?  “Owls and Owlets” had this experience during the six morning sessions of Fall Fanshawe Nature School. Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Community Education staff have developed a safe [...]

New Bridge Installed in Dorchester Conservation Area  Have you spotted the new bridge in Dorchester Conservation Area (CA)?   The bridge – constructed on a flatbed trailer with wood decking and a steel frame – was designed and installed by Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff and funded by Thames Centre in December 2023. It’s 54 feet long and wider than its predecessor.  Built in the 1960s, the previous [...]

A New Threat: Beech Bark Disease  What is Beech Bark Disease?  Beech Bark Disease (BBD) is a new threat affecting American Beech trees (Fagus grandifolia) in Canada’s hardwood and mixed forests. This disease is the result of an insect-fungus complex caused by a non-native insect, beech scale (Cryptococcus fagisuga), coupled with a Neonectria fungus.   Beech scale comes from Europe and first arrived in Nova Scotia in the 1890s. [...]