Thames Valley Science and Engineering Fair – Conservation Award 

This April, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff helped judge the Thames Valley Science and Engineering Fair at Brescia College in London. For the past 10 years, UTRCA staff, in conjunction with the Lower Thames Valley and Kettle Creek Conservation Authorities, have judged and presented the Conservation Award to a Junior Division (Grade 6 through 8) project that best explores the topic of conservation with a local focus. The winner of this year’s award was Layla Sawan from John Dearness Public School.  For her project, “Forest Sense,” Layla developed and tested an early detection system for forest fires. Her project’s rationale focused on the local impacts of climate change and the increasing occurrence of forest fires. To recognize Laya’s success, she received a pair of binoculars and the Conservation Award Plaque which will be displayed at her school for the next year.