Hope in the Land Expo
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. [...]
Find the UTRCA at Earthfest London
Find the UTRCA at Earthfest London Looking for a way to celebrate Earth Day? Earthfest London is hosting a free festival in Citi Plaza and the Central Library on Saturday April 26th from 11AM - 4PM. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) will be there and programming will include lots of family fun! Ride your bikes (free bike valet parking) and marvel as Citi Plaza is transformed into an extravaganza of 100+ vendors, exhibitors and activities all dedicated to improving the environment. Kids will love meeting the wildlife ambassadors from Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre, meeting Olympian [...]
Bringing the Local Watershed into the Classroom
Bringing the Local Watershed into the Classroom In March, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s Community Education Coordinator, Karlee Flear, had the opportunity to present to Teacher Candidates at Western University’s Faculty of Education. The session, Place-Based Environmental Education: Using the Local Landscape in your Classroom, explored how teachers can connect students to their local environment using Conservation Authority resources and data. The talk focused on the vital role of Conservation Authorities, highlighting the programs and services they offer to the local community. Karlee introduced future educators to UTRCA’s educational programs and showcased the many ways teachers can integrate [...]
Black Redhorse Suckers Monitoring Update
2024 Black Redhorse Suckers Monitoring Update The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has wrapped up the final year of a special three-year project to locate and monitor Black Redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei) throughout the watershed. This native fish species is recognized as a Threatened Species at Risk (SAR), and understanding where it thrives helps us protect and restore crucial aquatic habitats in the Thames River. Why Black Redhorse Matters Unique Native Fish: Black Redhorse are an important indicator of healthy, flowing waters with clean, coarse bottom substrates like cobble and gravel. Keystone Connections: Like many riverine species, Black Redhorse [...]
Oxford Stewardship Award
Congratulations to Gord and Lisa Ross on the 2024 Oxford Stewardship Award! Gord and Lisa Ross received the Oxford Stewardship Award in late March for their impressive efforts in planting over 2,500 trees in South-West Oxford. Their work includes creating field windbreaks and establishing new woodlots to enhance wildlife habitat. A special congratulation also goes out to watershed residents Debbra and Gord Eddy of East-Zorra Tavistock, who were nominated for their constructed wetland and tree planting project. The Oxford Stewardship Award recognizes projects completed within the county through the Clean Water Program, a rural water quality initiative that provides [...]
Updates to the Thames-Sydenham and Region Source Protection Plan and Assessment Report under the Clean Water Act, 2006 – Public Consultation
Updates to the Thames-Sydenham and Region Source Protection Plan and Assessment Report under the Clean Water Act, 2006 – Public Consultation The Source Water Protection Program focuses on safeguarding existing and future sources of drinking water for municipal systems within the Thames-Sydenham Region. This is accomplished through policies that are developed through a collaborative working group called the Source Protection Committee under the framework of the Clean Water Act, 2006. In 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks released an update to the Technical Rules under the Clean Water Act, 2006. These technical rules guide this program by defining [...]
Thamesford River Park Improvements
Lions River Park Improvements Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) recently completed work on the second phase of a project in Lions River Park in Thamesford. It includes the construction of multiple viewing areas and fishing steps that will give community members and anglers access to the middle branch of the Thames River, which stretches about 500 meters along the western border of the park. Previously, foot traffic along the river’s edge had degraded the riverbank and contributed to erosion and sedimentation in the watercourse. Working with the Thamesford Lions and Zorra Township, UTRCA staff designed a plan for the [...]
Meet the Northern Cardinal
Meet the Northern Cardinal Affectionately known as redbird, the Northern Cardinal is often featured in white winter scenes because of their splash of colour. The male’s conspicuous red plumage, crested head, and warbling song make it one of the most identifiable and beloved birds in Ontario. Even the muted brown female has hints of warm, rosy accents. The bright crimson colour is thought to help attract a mate. Scientists hypothesize that females are more attracted to males with the brightest feathers because they feel they are superior. In fact, studies indicate that the brighter the plumage, the healthier and [...]
The Annual Landowners Workshop is Coming to St. Marys!
The annual UTRCA Landowners Workshop is coming to St.Marys! Join the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) in St. Marys for an engaging evening focused on soil health, water quality, and sustainable farming. Hear from expert speakers on best management practices, conservation drainage, and how land stewardship supports aquatic life. Plus, learn about funding opportunities available to landowners! Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Location: St. Marys Pyramid Recreation Centre (317 James Street) in the Friendship Hall Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and learn about available funding programs! Reserve your spot [...]
Great Lakes Education Workshop Builds on Retrospective Report Findings
Great Lakes Education Workshop Builds on Retrospective Report Findings On Wednesday, February 12th, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) hosted a Great Lakes Education Workshop as part of a larger project funded by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). This project focused on a retrospective review of the Great Lakes Student Conferences, which MECP funded and supported across the province over the past decade. As part of the retrospective, UTRCA education staff interviewed 31 participants, including conservation authority staff, environmental non-governmental organization (ENGO)s, teachers, and school board leads. They also analyzed final reports to gather [...]