Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)
Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) For many, the first calls of the spring peeper mark the return of spring. These tiny frogs are rarely seen but, during the spring mating season, they are often heard. At only three centimetres long, about the length of a paper clip, they are Ontario’s smallest frog. They are light brown or grey in colour and distinguished from other chorus frogs by a distinctive dark X-shape [...]
Southwestern Ontario Conservation Authorities at the London Farm Show
Southwestern Ontario Conservation Authorities at the London Farm Show In the first week of March, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) stewardship staff joined neighbouring Southwestern Ontario Conservation Authorities at the London Farm Show. Together, staff across the region highlighted stewardship programs that offer cost‑share funding and technical support to improve soil health, water quality, and natural habitat. Key initiatives include: phosphorus reduction programs, rural water quality programs, and restoration services [...]
Overnight Camping Reservations Now Available!
Overnight Camping Reservations Now Available! As of February 1st, you can make your overnight camping reservations for the conservation areas (CAs) in the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) watershed. We’re proud to offer camping opportunities at these beautiful CAs, including Fanshawe CA (London), Pittock CA (Woodstock), and Wildwood CA (St. Marys). We invite you to explore nature, try camping, and adventure through our trails, making new memories with [...]
New Safety Feature at Wildwood Conservation Area
New Safety Feature at Wildwood Conservation Area Visitors to Wildwood Conservation Area may have noticed some construction activity on the reservoir near the dam. The installation of a safety boom in the reservoir began in February. This important addition is in accordance with the Canadian Dam Association (CDA) guidelines. The safety boom creates a visible barrier to prevent reservoir users from getting too close to the dam and the surrounding turbulent [...]
A Spring Full of Tree Power
A Spring Full of Tree Power The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is running four Tree Power programs this spring in London, Stratford, West Perth, and Thames Centre. Tree Power provides affordable native trees to residents, thanks to partnerships with sponsors and municipalities. Available tree species include American Sycamore, Paper Birch, Tulip Tree, White Spruce, and more! London Hydro Tree Power Tree pick up on Friday, April 10, [...]
Local Streams and Rivers still Hazardous (media release, March 10, 2026)
March 10, 2026 Local Streams and Rivers still Hazardous The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) urges the public to continue using extreme caution near all local waterways. Streams and rivers are still running high after the weekend’s rain and snowmelt, and more rain is on the way. Weather forecasts are calling for 20-50 mm of rain with possible thundershowers giving higher amounts, starting today and continuing through tomorrow. [...]
Forecast Rain will keep Water Levels Elevated (flood bulletin, March 10-15, 2026)
Forecast Rain will keep Water Levels Elevated Flood Watch - Update 2026 Flood Event 3, Bulletin Number 3 (Issued March 10, 2026, at 12:30 pm; Valid until March 15, 2026, at 12:00 noon) Warm temperatures and rain have depleted the snowpack in the Upper Thames River basin, with peak water levels occurring in area watercourses early Sunday, March 8, through early Monday, March 9, at typical spring freshet levels. High [...]
Streams and Rivers Hazardous as Spring Freshet Arrives (media release, March 6, 2026)
March 6, 2026 Streams and Rivers Hazardous as Spring Freshet Arrives The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) expects most of the remaining snow in the Upper Thames River watershed to melt this weekend, due to the warm temperatures, rain already received, and rain in the forecast. Local streams and rivers have been rising throughout the week, with temperatures above freezing most days and 5-20 mm of precipitation measured. [...]
Spring Freshet arriving this Weekend (flood bulletin, March 6-11, 2026)
Spring Freshet arriving this Weekend Flood Watch 2026 Flood Event 3, Bulletin Number 2 (Issued March 6, 2026, at 4:00 pm, valid until March 11, 2026, at 12:00 noon) The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) expects most of the remaining snow in the Upper Thames River watershed to melt this weekend, due to the prolonged warm temperatures, rain already received, and forecast precipitation. Watercourses have been rising throughout [...]
UTRCA’s Tree Power returns to Thames Centre! (media release, March 5, 2026)
For Immediate Release March 5, 2026 UTRCA’s Tree Power returns to Thames Centre! The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s Tree Power program is returning to Thames Centre for a second year. This popular program provides watershed residents with affordable native hardwood trees through partnerships with UTRCA municipalities and sponsors. “I helped residents load trees into their cars last year, and I was very impressed by the turnout,” says Thames Centre Councillor Danielle Lockie. “Tree planting is one [...]