More Experiential Programming Coming to the Museum of Ontario Archaeology
More Experiential Programming Coming to the Museum of Ontario Archaeology The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has recently partnered with the Museum of Ontario Archaeology (MOA) and Friends of Medway Creek thanks to funding from the City of London Community Grants Program! Over the next three years, the UTRCA and Friends of Medway Creek will work with the MOA to expand the interpretive programming offered at the museum by providing in-classroom experiences, nature walks, and community events. So far, in June of 2024, we hosted a free community event at the MOA that brought in 500 attendees and over [...]
Creating Wetland Scrapes
Creating Wetland Scrapes Wetland scrapes are shallow ponds or temporary pools that are designed to hold rain and flood water seasonally, but become relatively dry for much of the year. Often created in floodplains or low areas with a high water table, they are constructed to mimic natural pools in open areas. They make a significant difference to wildlife, especially in agricultural areas, by providing breeding habitat for amphibians and a source of water for birds and mammals. A wetland scrape under construction These shallow depressions are usually less than one meter in depth, with both shallow [...]
Phosphorus Professional Development Day
Phosphorus Professional Development Day Recap On October 23rd, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Education and Stewardship staff hosted a Phosphorus Professional Development Day at the Watershed Conservation Centre (WCC) and Thorndale Demonstration Farm. This event brought together Specialist High Skill Major (SHSM) leads, Learning Coordinators, and rural educators to focus on phosphorus-related issues impacting the Thames River watershed and Lake Erie. The day began at the WCC with an overview of the phosphorus issue, including its role in Lake Erie algal blooms and the importance of reducing runoff from agricultural and urban sources. Educators were introduced to UTRCA’s [...]
Medway High School Students Stabilize Soil Along Medway Creek
Medway High School Students Stabilize Soil Along Medway Creek Medway High School students joined staff from the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) to help establish a woody streambank along a 150-metre section of Medway Creek thanks to the Canada Water Agency's EcoAction Community Funding Program. Using shrub willow, cut and shaped into live stakes, the students hammered over 200 cuttings directly into the eroded bank. Why Willow? Willow trees naturally combat erosion with strong root systems that stabilize soil along riverbanks and reduce flooding impacts. They also filter runoff, trapping sediments and absorbing excess nutrients to protect water [...]
New Location for Christmas and Winter for the Animals Program
New Location for Christmas and Winter for the Animals Program Same program, new location! Our time-tested and much-beloved Christmas for the Animals and Winter for the Animals programs are ready to make some awesome new memories for hundreds of primary students this season. The former Children’s Safety Village is our new venue, but the wonderful activities remain the same! Kindergarten and Grade One students have the opportunity to see a puppet show filled with animated and lovable local animals to learn how they survive the winter months, a cozy read-aloud story and join-along songs. We then head outside to [...]
Wetlands Conservation Partner Program
Wetlands Conservation Partner Program The Upper Thames Conservation Authority (UTRCA) received funding from the Province of Ontario through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program to conserve, restore, and improve wetlands in Ontario. This project aims to enhance and restore the functionality of nine hectares of wetland within the Upper Thames River watershed by removing invasive species and enhancing natural wetland features that have been impaired over time. In total, six wetlands were enhanced through the management and removal of invasive species to improve ecological function and restore native plant communities. Phragmites and buckthorn were the two target invasive species [...]
Funding Announcement: Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program
Funding Announcement: Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program On November 13, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) announced it is receiving $17.4 million in funding over four years from the Canada Water Agency to support the Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program. This new initiative helps landowners implement agricultural best management practices (BMPs) that reduce phosphorus runoff, improving water quality in the Thames River and Lake Erie, while also boosting soil health and productivity on farms. Although efforts have been made to reduce phosphorus loading, there is still significant room for improvement to reduce phosphorus loading within the Thames River watershed. [...]
Thames River Regulated Area Map Update through the City of London
Thames River Regulated Area Map Update through the City of London Earlier this year, the Ontario government updated the Conservation Authorities Act and associated regulations. This legislation requires Conservation Authorities to prevent or restrict development in or near natural hazards, such as floodplains, steep slopes, and wetlands. As part of Ontario Regulation 41/24, Conservation Authorities are legally required to develop regulated area maps that depict the approximate location of natural hazards. The maps must be available online for anyone to view and must be updated annually, so that Conservation Authorities and their municipal partners are using the most current [...]
Online Tree Store Now Open: Order Today and Plant in the Spring
Online Tree Store Now Open: Order Today and Plant in the Spring Are you planning a tree planting project for the spring? Whether you are planting a windbreak, buffer strips, or forest, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority’s (UTRCA) Tree Planting on Private Lands Program can help your project flourish. There are two ways to participate: Landowners can order trees from our online store to pick up in the spring and plant themselves. Browse our selection of coniferous and deciduous trees and wildlife shrubs at our shop website.. Large stock trees and seedlings are available. Take advantage of [...]
Meadows and Prairies
Meadows and Prairies Meadows and prairies are warm, sunny habitats brimming with a variety of plants and wildlife. They provide shelter, nesting sites, and food for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. They also play an important role in storing carbon and protecting soil from wind and water erosion. Tallgrass Prairies Prairies are ecosystems made up of deep-rooted native grasses and wildflowers that are able to withstand poor growing conditions and periodic grazing. They differ from meadows in that they arise in areas where limiting factors naturally discourage the growth of trees. Thus, a prairie is a climax community and, [...]