Conservation Authority urges caution around Streams and Rivers (media release, March 4, 2026)
March 4, 2026 Conservation Authority urges caution around Streams and Rivers The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) expects this week’s warmer temperatures and rain will melt most of the snowpack and raise water levels in local rivers and streams. Everyone is reminded to use extra caution and avoid waterways and flooded areas. UTRCA staff conducted a snow survey on Monday, March 2, which reported an average of 50-70 mm of water content in the northern portion of the watershed, [...]
UTRCA’s West Perth Tree Power program Returns for Third Year (media release, March 4, 2026)
For Immediate Release UTRCA’s West Perth Tree Power program Returns for Third Year The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has once again partnered with the Municipality of West Perth to host the third West Perth Tree Power this spring! This popular program provides watershed residents with affordable native trees through partnerships with UTRCA municipalities and sponsors. “We’re glad that the Tree Power program has been so well received in West Perth. It’s a great way to get more trees planted thanks to our partnership [...]
Water Temperatures to Rise with Warm Temperatures and Rain this Week (flood bulletin, March 4-10, 2026)
Water Levels to Rise with Warm Temperatures and Rain this Week Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook (2026 Flood Event 3, Bulletin Number 1) Issued at: March 4, 2026, at 12:00 pm, Valid until: March 10, 2026, at 12:00 pm Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff conducted a snow survey on Monday, March 2, which reported an average of 50-70 mm of water content in the northern portion of [...]
Festival Hydro Tree Power is back! (media release, February 26, 2026)
For Immediate Release February 26, 2026 Festival Hydro Tree Power is back! The popular Festival Hydro Tree Power program has returned, providing Stratford residents with affordable native trees. Sales open on the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority’s (UTRCA) website on Monday, March 2nd at 9:00 am. Ten different species will be available including: American Sycamore, Basswood, Bur Oak, Hackberry, Paper Birch, Red Oak, Sugar Maple, Tulip, White Spruce and White Pine trees. “As we work to achieve the goals of [...]
London Hydro Tree Power Program Returns for 14th Year (media release, February 26, 2026)
February 26, 2026 For Immediate Release London Hydro Tree Power Program Returns for 14th Year London Hydro and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) have once again partnered for the 14th year of the Tree Power program. The program was initiated by the late Bill Kunz, a London Hydro employee who approached the UTRCA in 2012 with the idea of making native trees available and affordable for residents of London via London Hydro sponsorship. Over the [...]
UTRCA Honours Recipients of 2026 Conservation Awards (media release, Feb. 25, 2026)
For Immediate Release February 25, 2026 UTRCA Honours Recipients of 2026 Conservation Awards The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Conservation Awards, recognizing exceptional contributions to community engagement and environmental stewardship. This year’s Outstanding Resident Award was presented posthumously to Diane Irving to honour her many years of volunteer service and commitment to supporting community events. For nearly 20 years, Diane was a familiar and welcoming presence at the UTRCA’s Children’s Water [...]
Caution Advised as Streams and Rivers Continue to Rise (media release, February 20, 2026)
February 20, 2025 Caution Advised as Streams and Rivers Continue to Rise The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) reports local streams and rivers are continuing to rise and will stay high over the weekend and early next week, with water spilling into low lying floodplain areas that typically flood in the spring. The UTRCA reminds everyone to use extreme caution near all streams, rivers, ditches, and ponds. Stream banks may be slippery and unstable, and the water is very cold and fast-moving. Any ice [...]
Streams and Rivers Continue to Rise (flood bulletin, February 20-25, 2026)
Streams and Rivers Continue to Rise Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety 2026 Flood Event 2, Bulletin Number 2 (Issued at February 20, 2026, at 7:00 am; Valid until February 25, 2026, at 12:00 pm) This week’s above freezing temperatures and rain have started melting the snowpack in the Upper Thames River watershed. So far, the area has received about 10 mm of rain, with daytime temperatures rising above 0° [...]
How Do Birds Stay Warm in Winter?
How Do Birds Stay Warm in Winter? Hairy Woodpecker Living in Canada, where our winters bring snowstorms and sub-zero temperatures, it only seems logical that birds would fly south to avoid these harsh conditions. But while some species migrate for the winter, others stay year-round, never leaving their home. These resident birds have developed special adaptations and tactics to survive the cold. To endure our winters, birds need to solve two problems: [...]
2025 Fish Monitoring Results Tell Story of Resilience
2025 Fish Monitoring Results Tell Story of Resilience Taryn Smit and Rachel Saunders collecting aquatic monitoring data In 2025, our aquatic biology team visited 74 locations across the Upper Thames River watershed to check on the fish that call our creeks and rivers home. These locations ranged from farm crossings to city parks, familiar bridges in neighbourhoods, and school routes. Together, they give us a good picture [...]