Swimming Upstream!
Swimming Upstream! There are now 375 more fish on fences in the north end of the watershed! This spring, students and staff from St. Joseph and St. Ambrose Catholic Schools in Stratford participated in the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s Stream of Dreams program. Through science and art workshops, participants are reminded that their painted recycled, recyclable fish represent all living things and their need for clean water. [...]
UTRCA hosts OMAFRA for a Field Tour
UTRCA hosts OMAFRA for a Field Tour Last month, Stewardship staff hosted a field tour for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). The tour highlighted innovative projects, both past and current that have been fully funded or in part by OMAFRA. The first stop was at the Thorndale Demonstration Farm to showcase a suite of Best Management Practices such as contoured controlled drainage, aimed at [...]
UTRCA hosts OMAFRA for a Field Tour
UTRCA hosts OMAFRA for a Field Tour Last month, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Stewardship Services staff hosted a field tour for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). The tour highlighted innovative projects, both past and current that have been fully funded or in part by OMAFRA. The first stop was at the Thorndale Demonstration Farm to showcase a suite of Best Management Practices [...]
Student Teachers Joined UTRCA Education Team this Spring
Student Teachers Joined UTRCA Education Team this Spring We would like to say a big thank you to the student teachers who chose to complete their "non-traditional" placements with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) this spring. Carly Felker, currently enrolled in Western University’s Faculty of Education, spent the month of April working with Fanshawe Education and Partnership staff. Carly helped with Stream of Dreams, Nature School, London-Middlesex [...]
AMDSB OE PD
AMDSB OE PD What do all those letters stand for? Avon Maitland District School Board Outdoor Education Professional Development! On May 17, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Education staff hosted teachers from the Avon-Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) for a Professional Development session about Outdoor Education at Wildwood Conservation Area. Judy Halpern, from the University of Laurier’s Faculty of Education, facilitated the day using inspiration from the book, [...]
Perth Children’s Water Festival Offers Hands-on Activities to Foster Water Stewardship and Conservation (media release, May 17, 2023)
May 17, 2023 For Immediate Release Contact: Vanni Azzano, Water Festival Coordinator Upper Thames River Conservation Authority 519-284-2829 ext 422 [email protected] Perth Children’s Water Festival Offers Hands-on Activities to Foster Water Stewardship and Conservation On May 28th from 1-4 pm, dive into the world of water through hands-on activities at the Perth Children’s Water Festival in Lions Park, Mitchell. The festival provides an interactive learning environment for families to discover the [...]
UTRCA launches the Collaborative Water Data Viewer (CWDV)
UTRCA launches the Collaborative Water Data Viewer The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is excited to announce the launch of the Collaborative Water Data Viewer (CWDV). This interactive, open-data portal can be used to access real-time environmental monitoring data from UTRCA and our partners. The UTRCA received funding for this project through Royal Bank of Canada’s Tech for Nature Grant, with the goal of enhancing data accessibility and integration. [...]
UTRCA Passes Available to Library Patrons
UTRCA Passes Available to Library Patrons The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has once again partnered with libraries in the watershed to offer park passes to library patrons. Using their library card, patrons can “check out” a day pass to gain access to Fanshawe, Pittock, and Wildwood Conservation Areas. “This is an important program for the UTRCA as it makes the parks even more accessible to people [...]
How to Attract Native Insect Pollinators to Your Garden
How to Attract Native Insect Pollinators to Your Garden Insect pollinators are essential in our ecosystems, providing vital services to fruit and vegetable crops, flowers, trees, and shrubs. The production of many foods (e.g., apples, cherries, blueberries, squash, and tomatoes) depends on pollinators. The loss of these insects would have far-reaching effects on our native plant communities and organisms that depend on them for shelter and sustenance. Generally, pollination is achieved by [...]
Introducing the Shared Waters Action Plan for the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
Introducing the Shared Waters Action Plan for the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority The Thames River is one of the most biologically diverse rivers in Canada. Its watershed comprises nearly 25% of the Canadian Lake Erie basin and is the largest riverine watershed in the Lake St. Clair drainage basin. As a result, the Thames River has the potential to significantly impact conditions in Lake St. Clair and contribute [...]