Protecting Conservation Area Infrastructure (UTRCA Weekly, December 24, 2021)
Protecting Conservation Area Infrastructure (UTRCA Weekly, December 24, 2021) Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff carried out a small project in mid-November to protect the Munro pedestrian bridge at Wildwood Conservation Area. Park staff had noticed that bank erosion had undercut adjacent trees and was impacting the bridge abutment, as can be seen in the photo below. To help stabilize the severely eroded and undercut stream bank, [...]
Climate Change Challenges UTRCA Reforestation Efforts (UTRCA Weekly, December 17, 2021)
Climate Change challenges UTRCA Reforestation Efforts (UTRCA Weekly, December 17, 2021) While spring tree planting activities often get all the attention, summer and fall maintenance is just as important to ensure newly planted trees survive. Planting a seedling is just the start -- vegetation control over the next two to three years is critical to ensure planting success. With tree and planting costs on the rise, maintenance becomes that [...]
Nature School at Wildwood back by popular demand (media release, December 13, 2021)
Nature School at Wildwood back by popular demand (media release, December 13, 2021) New this winter! The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has opened registration for a four week winter session of Wildwood Nature School. Located at Wildwood Conservation Area, near St. Marys, Wildwood Nature School is offering two different outdoor education programs in January and February of 2022. Children aged 18 months to five years, along with [...]
City of London Boating Ban Cancellation (special flood bulletin, December 12, 2021)
City of London Boating Ban Cancellation Special Flood Bulletin Issued December 12, 2021 at 10:40 am The Thames River within the City of London has receded below boating ban levels. The City of London Police may cancel the boating ban and inform the media. See Thames River flow and water level information Types of flood bulletins
Boating Ban in the City of London (special flood bulletin, December 11, 2021)
Boating Ban in the City of London Special Flood Bulletin Issued December 11, 2021 at 10:45 p.m. The Thames River within the City of London will reach boating ban levels overnight tonight. The City of London Police may implement the ban and inform the media. When river levels recede below boating ban threshold levels, email notification will be sent to Police Services and the Fire Department. See Thames River flow [...]
Public Reminded to Stay Away from Watercourses (media release, December 10, 2021)
Public Reminded to Stay Away from Watercourses (media release, December 10, 2021) With rain in the forecast and the ground already saturated, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) reminds residents to stay away from watercourses over the weekend. A strong cold front will make its way through southern Ontario bringing rain and strong winds to the Upper Thames watershed, beginning tonight and continuing into Saturday night. Environment and [...]
Rain Forecast Friday and Saturday (flood bulletin, December 10-13, 2021)
Rain Forecast Friday and Saturday (flood bulletin, December 10-13, 2021) WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY Issued December 10, 2021 at 11:00 am; Valid until December 13, 2021 A strong cold front will make its way through southern Ontario bringing rain and strong winds to the Upper Thames watershed, beginning tonight and continuing into Saturday night. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement predicting heavy [...]
Studying the Economics of Cover Crops (UTRCA Weekly, December 10, 2021)
Studying the Economics of Cover Crops (UTRCA Weekly, December 10, 2021) Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff have long recognized the environmental benefits of cover crops, and now are looking at their economic impact, too. Mike Funk, UTRCA Agricultural Soil and Water Quality Technician, explained that cover crops can have a direct impact on water quality and quantity, as they improve infiltration and reduce runoff during extreme rain [...]
Rain Forecast Sunday into Monday (flood bulletin, December 5-7, 2001)
Rain Forecast Sunday into Monday (flood bulletin, December 5-7, 2001) WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY (Issued December 5, 2021 at 1:00 pm; valid until December 7, 2021) A low pressure system will track east across the Great Lakes later Sunday and into Monday bringing strong winds and rain to the Upper Thames watershed. Forecasts are calling for 20-30 mm of rain in the region. Although this precipitation is not expected [...]
Community Science Volunteer Spotlight: Mike and Ruth John (UTRCA Weekly, December 3, 2021)
Community Science Volunteer Spotlight: Mike and Ruth John (UTRCA Weekly, December 3, 2021) This year, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has been working with 12 watershed property owners to pilot a new Community Precipitation Monitoring Project. Participants have been measuring and recording daily precipitation using the online Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) platform. CoCoRaHS is a community based network of volunteers across North America [...]