New Lake Patrol Partnership with Stratford Police at Wildwood Conservation Area (media release, June 13, 2019)
June 13, 2019 - The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is partnering with the Stratford Police for lake patrols on Wildwood Reservoir. The lake patrol at Wildwood Conservation Area helps to ensure a safe and relaxing outdoor experience for all visitors. Media representatives are invited to join us on Thursday, June 20th, 10:00 am, at Wildwood Conservation Area for a boat tour of Wildwood Reservoir and an opportunity to [...]
Thames River Watershed Turtles have begun Nesting (media release, June 4, 2019)
June 4, 2019 - The 2019 turtle nesting season has begun and that means encounters with turtles along roads, in yards and along driveways. Currently, seven of Ontario's eight turtle species are listed as at risk. Even our most common species, the Midland Painted Turtle, is experiencing declines in some areas. Here are a few easy ways you can participate in turtle recovery and be part of a growing community [...]
Butternut Seed Orchard (media release, May 27, 2019)
May 27, 2019 - The UTRCA is working with the Forest Gene Conservation Association (FGCA) to preserve endangered native butternut trees. This species is threatened by butternut canker, a fungal disease, and protected under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. We are guided by the National Recovery Strategy for Butternut and continually fundraise to implement its recovery recommendations. "Archiving is a lengthy process that begins with finding butternut trees that are tolerating [...]
Accessibility and Restoration Project along Lake Victoria (media release, May 27, 2019)
May 27, 2019, Stratford, ON - The UTRCA recently repaired shoreline erosion and improved the accessibility of the walking trail on the north shore of Lake Victoria, between Waterloo and James Streets. The lake shoreline was slumping due to wave action, making the trail inaccessible for those with mobility challenges. Approximately two hundred feet of shoreline has now been stabilized through the construction of a timber cribwall with underwater rock [...]
More Rain in Forecast! (flood bulletin, May 1-5, 2019)
Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety (Issued May 1, 2019 at 10:10 am; valid until May 5, 2019) The Upper Thames River watershed has received between 10 and 20 mm of precipitation in the past two days, with an additional 10 - 30 mm forecast by the end of tomorrow. Forecasts vary and some include the potential for thundershowers. Significant runoff is not expected, but events over the past weeks [...]
New! Free Family Night at the London-Middlesex Children’s Water Festival (media release, May 1, 2019)
May 1, 2019 - The London-Middlesex Children's Water Festival is thrilled to be hosting the first ever Public Night in London! This FREE event is a chance for the whole family to enjoy an evening of water festival activities, archery, bird feeder building, treasure hunting, canoeing, birds of prey show, and so much more! Date: Thursday, May 16 Time: 5:00 - 8:00 pm Location: Fanshawe Conservation Area (1424 Clarke Road, [...]
25th Annual Avon River Tree Planting Day! (media release, April 29, 2019)
April 29, 2019 – Restoration work along the Avon River continues this year, with students from Sprucedale Public School helping plant seedlings and large hardwood trees along a tributary on the Avon near Shakespeare Pond. Students from Sprucedale Public School joined local Perth East community members for the planting. Since the Upper Avon Conservation Club first began planting trees in 1994, over 10,000 trees of various sizes and species have [...]
More Rain in the Forecast; Conservation Authority Issues a Safety Warning (media release, April 25, 2019)
April 25, 2019 - More Rain in the Forecast; Conservation Authority Issues a Safety Warning The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) reminds everyone to be very cautious around waterways. Rain is expected to start this afternoon and continue into Friday and Saturday. Current forecasts are indicating 25 to 50 mm of rain cumulatively over the next few days. With watershed ground conditions generally saturated, runoff into waterways will be [...]
Fanshawe, Wildwood and Pittock Conservation Areas Open for the Season (media release, April 25, 2019)
April 25, 2019 - Fanshawe (London), Wildwood (St. Marys), Pittock (Woodstock) Conservation Areas officially open on Wednesday, May 1 at 8:00 am. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority employs more than 70 full time and seasonal staff at these beautiful parks to provide wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities close to home. Conservation Areas are a great option for all of your outdoor adventures. Whether you enjoy backcountry hiking or trailer camping, [...]
Earth Day London 2019 (media release, April 24, 2019)
April 24, 2019 - Join the City of London and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority for the 26th Annual Earth Day London on Sunday, April 28 at Harris Park. What: 26th Annual Earth Day London Where: Harris Park, London When: Sunday, April 28, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Come to Earth Day London and celebrate London’s natural heritage! Join us for this free family event from 11am-3pm at Harris [...]