Live Staking with University of Western Ontario  On April 25th, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) partnered with a group of University of Western graduate and undergraduate students on a stream bank stabilization and natural buffer zone project along a stretch of Medway Creek that runs through Western’s campus.   The project included the planting of 200 native shrubs and trees along what was previously a turf grass lawn [...]

UTRCA Presents to City of London's Community Emergency Management Program Committee On April 20, Eleanor Heagy, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Communications and Marketing Coordinator, gave a presentation to the City of London Community Emergency Management Program Committee at the City’s Emergency Operations Centre. The presentation was an overview of Conservation Authorities and the UTRCA, flooding on the Thames River, and the UTRCA’s flood forecasting, warning, and response [...]

UTRCA Community Partnership Specialist receives Conservation Award  Tom Cull, Community Partnership Specialist with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), received a Conservation Award from Nature London in recognition of his outstanding volunteer work with Antler River Rally.    More than 10 years ago, Tom, his partner Miriam, and their son Emmett, started picking up garbage while taking their regular walks along the river. Tom grew this passion into [...]

Students Tackle Erosion and Flooding through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics  An early spring often means rushing water, overflowing creeks, and waterlogged parks. With climate change, the issue of flooding is widely predicted to become more severe and frequent. Students in the Thames Valley District School Board are aware of this problem and are busily brainstorming solutions.   This spring, Fanshawe Community Education staff visited 15 Grade 5 classes [...]

Second Annual EarthFest a Success On April 22nd, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) celebrated Earth Day by participating in London’s second annual EarthFest celebration. Located at multiple downtown locations including the London Public Library Centre Branch, Citi Plaza, and along Dundas Place, the festival welcomed over 2,000 attendees who wandered through interactive displays. There were over 100 exhibitors and artists who shared  local approaches to sustainability, ecological [...]

Meet our new Vice Chair  At its Annual General Meeting, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) held elections for its 2023 Board including its new Vice Chair, Sandy Levin. Sandy is a familiar face to the UTRCA as he was Chair of the board in the past. He answered some questions about his role.  How will you approach your new role as Board Vice Chair?   My role is [...]