Recognizing Young Conservation Innovators at the Thames Valley Science and Engineering Fair  This April, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff had the exciting opportunity to participate in the Thames Valley Science & Engineering Fair, held at Western University. For over a decade, UTRCA, in partnership with Lower Thames Valley and Kettle Creek Conservation Authorities, has proudly judged the competition and presented the Conservation Award to a Junior Division (Grade 6-8) project that demonstrates outstanding conservation research with a local focus.  This year’s award was presented to Annelies Luyt from London Christian Elementary School for her project, Enzymes at [...]

Progress Towards Water Quality Goals in the Upper Thames River Watershed  In 2016, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) implemented a Strategic Plan to help support environmental sustainability within the watershed, with one of the key areas focusing on improving water quality. The goal for water quality throughout the UTRCA jurisdiction is to improve each subwatershed’s report card score by one letter grade by the year 2037. Conservation Authorities release watershed report cards every five years that are scored on a letter grade system. One strategy that that may help meet our goal is to encourage landowners and [...]

Down by the River: Stream of Dreams Brings Back Memories for Dearness Home Residents This spring, the beloved Stream of Dreams program came to Dearness Home. Over 500 fish will be painted by residents, their loved ones, visitors to the day program, and staff. In June, the fish will form a beautiful mural outside of Dearness, representing the residents’ hopes for the Thames River. Herb, a 91-year-old resident of Dearness, took the time to write down and share his memories of the river. “As kids, we all had our dreams. But you know where they all went to? We [...]

2025 Conservation Area Season  The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s Conservation Areas (CAs) are open for the 2025 season! Both Fanshawe and Wildwood CA have been open for day-use access on a daily basis since April 1.   On May 1, 2025 Fanshawe, Pittock and Wildwood Conservation Areas CAs will open for overnight and seasonal camping. These three beautiful parks offer many wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities.  Fanshawe CA, located just outside of London, offers 511 campsites and 30 km of hiking and biking trails. In Woodstock, Pittock CA offers 248 campsites and a nationally rated 18-hole disc golf [...]

Oak Wilt Awareness  Oak Wilt is a serious, invasive tree disease caused by the fungal pathogen Bretziella fagacearum. First confirmed in Canada in Niagara Falls in May 2023, this disease affects all Oak species, with Red Oaks being especially vulnerable—often dying within 2 to twelve months of infection. White Oaks may survive longer but still suffer from gradual decline.  The fungus spreads in two major ways: underground through root grafts between neighbouring trees, and aboveground via sap beetles which carry spores from fungal mats on dead trees to fresh wounds on healthy ones. Moving firewood, nursery stock, or infected [...]

River Safety Program Wraps Up Another Successful Season  The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s River Safety Education Program has wrapped up another successful season, teaching Grade 2 students how to stay safe near rivers, creeks, and streams. This interactive, in-class program highlights the Thames River watershed through hands-on activities, storytelling, and discussion. Linked to the Grade 2 Science (water cycle) and Health and Physical Education (safety) curriculum, it gives students a deeper appreciation for their local watershed while teaching them how to stay safe near water in any season.  Students explore the dangers of fast-moving water, slippery banks, [...]

2025 Kickoff to Tree Planting  As spring emerges and winter is leaving for another season, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Forestry and Restoration staff are gearing up to dive into the 2025 tree planting season.   This spring, approximately 33,000 trees and shrubs will be planted and distributed throughout the watershed via our private land program. Twenty-nine landowners are working with UTRCA staff to create various types of tree planting projects, including windbreaks, riparian buffers along watercourses and forests throughout the watershed. Once planting has been completed, a total of 26,427 new trees will be in the ground.  Some [...]

Hope in the Land Expo  On Saturday, April 5th, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Community Partnership staff participated in Carolinian Canada's Hope in the Land Expo, a community event held at the Western Fair Agriplex. The event brought together local organizations to learn about and to celebrate the land, ecological justice, conservation efforts, and local biodiversity. UTRCA staff participated on a panel about protecting and enhancing ecological corridors; many visitors also stopped by the UTRCA booth to learn more about conservation authorities, participate in fun hands-on activities for all ages, and take home a native flower seed packet.    [...]