Tree Power returns to London and Stratford  Mark your calendars! The Tree Power program returns for London and Stratford residents with tree sales opening in March 2023. The goal of this program is to create a greener and more beautiful community by providing affordable native hardwood trees for residents.  London Tree Power Tree Power started in London 11 years ago when the late Bill Kunz initiated a new tree planting [...]

Oxford Natural Heritage Systems Study Update  Through a contract with the County of Oxford, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is updating the Oxford Natural Heritage Systems Study using 2020 ortho-imagery (digital aerial photography). The previous study was completed in 2016 and used 2010 imagery.  The purpose of the study is to identify existing natural heritage systems in the county, as directed by the Provincial Policy Statement. Natural [...]

How Much Water is in the Snowpack?  Since the 1950s, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has monitored snow conditions through manual measurements across the watershed.  Between November and May, snow surveys are completed at the beginning and middle of each month. The surveys result in a collection of data related to the snowpack, including snow water equivalent, snow depth, and ground and snow crust conditions. The program [...]

Our Conservation Areas are Hiring!  In preparation for the 2023 season, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s three conservation areas are hiring for multiple positions.   Hiring is underway for:  Conservation Area Maintenance;   Conservation Area Operations;   Conservation Area Security;   Customer Service Representative;   Lake Patrol;   Lifeguard;   Park Operations Technician;   Park Operations Technician - Maintenance;   Park Operations Technician - Security, and   Trails Technician.  As a member of the UTRCA team, you [...]

Celebrating Natural Connections event at Wildwood Conservation Area  On Saturday, January 21, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) hosted a winter Celebrating Natural Connections (CNC) event at Wildwood Conservation Area. There was an overwhelming turnout to the event with close to 700 people in attendance.   The park was bustling as participants moved through the variety of activity stations, which included:  Aspens Ojibwe Horse Sanctuary  Bird Brains - Stratford Field [...]

UTRCA Welcomes New Board for 2023 On Tuesday, January 31, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) held a Board Orientation meeting for new and returning board members. The 17 municipalities within the Upper Thames River watershed appoint representatives to the UTRCA Board of Directors, consistent with the board membership established by the 1993 Order in Council. The members represent the local urban and rural communities, deciding on policies [...]

Demonstrating Best Management Practices across the watershed  The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has received funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) through the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health (COA).   This project will build on the success and lessons learned about best management practices (BMPs) from previous projects funded by COA. It will also test techniques to reduce [...]