Summer Events in the Watershed 

This June, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and the Museum of Ontario Archaeology (MOA) partnered on several events! 

Medway Heritage Festival 

On June 13, over 400 people gathered at the MOA for an immersive day of cultural and environmental programming! Over 30 community partners and vendors were on site, showcasing their local work and connecting with Londoners. 

The UTRCA was grateful to work alongside Elder Mary Lou Smoke to present the Biinaagami floor map, talking with attendees about the Great Lakes, treaties, the environment, all from a two-eyed seeing perspective. 

The UTRCA was also excited to talk with attendees about local aquatic biodiversity. UTRCA staff collected macro benthic invertebrates from Snake Creek prior to the event and worked with attendees to identify the creatures collected, allowing local community members to get up close and personal with their environment. UTRCA staff even watched a damselfly molt its aquatic form right in front of them! 

Thanks to the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for supporting this event! 

Firefly Walk 

On June 23, UTRCA staff kicked off the firefly season with a firefly-themed event and walk in the Medway Valley Heritage Forest. While gathered around a campfire at the MOA, UTRCA Education staff shared resources about the many firefly species we find in this area and what people can do in their yards to support firefly populations. MOA supplied ingredients for S'mores and tote bags for a firefly themed craft. The evening ended with a guided hike along Snake Creek, with participants watching and catching the fireflies glowing in the forest. 

Friends of Medway and Friends of Stoney 

On July 2, the MOA hosted the Friends of Medway Creek and the Friends of Stoney Creek for a joint meeting. During this meeting, group members were able to connect, discuss shared challenges, past projects, and plans going forward to help strengthen community partnerships and volunteerism within London. The MOA then led the groups for a short tour of the museum, talking about archeology and the history of the area. 

Thanks to the Museum of Ontario Archaeology for their ongoing partnership! 

For more information, contact April Scholz, Community Partnership Specialist at 519-451-2800 x 227