UTRCA at 4th Annual EarthFest On April 25, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) celebrated Earth Day by participating in London’s 5th annual EarthFest celebration. Held at the London Public Library Centre Branch and Citi Plaza, the festival welcomed more than 2,000 attendees who wandered through interactive displays set up by over 100 exhibitors and artists who shared local approaches to sustainability, ecological justice, and the protection and health of our planet.  The day also featured a Kid Zone, scavenger hunt, face painting, and a presentation by the Salthaven Wildlife Ambassadors. The UTRCA served on the festival’s steering [...]

UTRCA Out in the Community: Science Rendezvous and Emergency Preparedness Day  On May 9, UTRCA Education staff were out in force across London, connecting with the community at two exciting events happening simultaneously in the city.  At Western University, the UTRCA participated in Science Rendezvous — Canada's largest free science festival — featuring their Species at Risk turtle booth. The interactive station introduces visitors of all ages to the freshwater turtle species found in the Upper Thames watershed and the threats they face. Developed in partnership with Nature London, the booth sparked curiosity and conversation about local species, healthy [...]

London Environmental Network Sustainability Social   On June 2, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) hosted its second London Environmental Network Sustainable Social. The series is designed to connect change makers, inspire collaboration, and advance local sustainability efforts. Each Sustainability Social spotlights a unique theme, offering space for idea exchange, resource sharing, and community building across sectors.  The theme of this Social was Green Stormwater Infrastructure and included tours of both Fanshawe Dam and green landscaping and stormwater features at the  UTRCA's Watershed Conservation Centre. The tours were followed by a panel discussion about water conservation, blue and green [...]

Wáhta’: Honouring the Leader of Trees  True environmental stewardship thrives at the intersection of community, education, and diverse knowledge systems. On June 1, this collaborative spirit came to life at the Westminster Ponds Centre during the Wáhta’: Honouring the Leader of Trees community planting project. Supported by the Environmental Action Incubator Grant from the London Environmental Network (LEN), Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) community education and partnerships staff joined high school students from the Head, Heart, and Hands Environmental Learning Program (H3-ELP) to work and learn alongside Oneida educator Patsy Day of Kaswentha Two Row Now.  The day began with Patsy sharing teachings about sugar maple, known as Wáhta’ in Oneida. Described as [...]

Stream of Dreams and Dearness Home Partnership featured at Therapeutic Recreation Ontario Conference  The power of art, environmental stewardship, and intergenerational connection took centre stage as representatives from the UTRCA and Dearness Home recently presented their innovative partnership at the annual Therapeutic Recreation Ontario Conference.  The presentation highlighted the powerful role that creativity, environmental stewardship, and community partnerships can play in enhancing quality of life through the creation of a Stream of Dreams mural. Not just an environmental education initiative, the project became a meaningful opportunity to build relationships across generations, foster creativity, and create a lasting legacy within the community.  [...]

From Campus to Conservation: MES Students Intern at UTRCA  This summer the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) welcomes University of Western Master of Environment and Sustainability (MES) candidates Bethany and Russell as Community Partnership interns!   After completing her undergraduate degree in Ecology at the University of Guelph, Bethany applied for the MES program to gain interdisciplinary and hands-on experience in the sustainability field. Her passion for the environment is rooted in community engagement and education, and she is thrilled to be a part of the UTRCA Community Partnerships team where she can help with the many community events UTRCA takes part in. She is looking forward to further building her skills and connecting with the community throughout the rest of her internship.  Once he finished his undergraduate degree in Environmental Science at [...]

GREEN Leaders Student Summit Celebrates a Year of Student-Led Action in the Watershed  On May 22, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Education and Partnership staff welcomed 16 Grade 7 and 8 classes from across the Upper Thames watershed to Huron University for the annual GREEN Leaders Student Summit — a celebration of student curiosity, environmental action, and community connection.  The GREEN Leaders program is a year-long, inquiry-based environmental education initiative that challenges students to investigate local watershed issues and develop real, research-backed action projects. The Summit is the culmination of that work: a chance for students to share [...]

Why Spring Recharge Matters: What Groundwater Monitoring Wells reveal about the health of the Thames River Watershed  When people think about water in the Thames River watershed, they often picture rivers, streams, and lakes -- but a significant portion of the watershed's water is stored underground. Groundwater occupies the spaces between soil particles and fractures in bedrock beneath our feet. It provides drinking water for many rural residents, supports agriculture and industry, and helps maintain streamflow during dry summer months. Because groundwater is not visible, regular monitoring is essential to help understand its condition as well as protect it as a valuable resource.  Spring is one [...]

A Splash of Success: Celebrating the 2026 London-Middlesex Children’s Water Festival The 2026 London-Middlesex Children’s Water Festival was a tremendous success, bringing together students, educators, community partners, sponsors, and volunteers for an inspiring week of hands-on environmental learning. Held at Fanshawe Conservation Area, from May 12 to 15, this year’s festival welcomed 3,500 students from across London to explore the importance of water through interactive activities. Event Highlights This year’s festival featured a wide range of exciting experiences designed to deepen students’ connection to water and the environment. Some of the highlights included: Interactive water science and conservation stations where [...]

Private Land Tree Planting Season for 2026  Another successful tree planting season wrapped up at the end of May with about 28,000 trees and shrubs being planted and distributed throughout the watershed. More than 30 landowners took advantage of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) planting services, helping to create wildlife habitat, reduce soil erosion, sequester carbon, and establish recreational opportunities. In addition to the crew’s efforts, another 75 landowners planted on their own to increase and restore natural ecosystems on their property.    The cooler temperatures in April and May were ideal for planting. Roughly 650 hardwoods and 750 potted shrubs and balled and burlap conifer trees were hand-planted under the Private Lands Large Stock Program. These naturalization projects will help improve watershed health [...]