Bridge Installation Creates Loop Trail at Hodge’s Pond
Bridge Installation Creates Loop Trail at Hodge’s Pond Looking around Hodge’s Pond, it’s hard to believe that it was once agricultural land. From lush forests to several wetland cells and a meandering creek, it is an excellent example of a naturalized landscape. Improvements made throughout the years have not only had a positive impact on the environment, including improved water quality and wildlife habitat, but visitors have also benefitted from recreational opportunities afforded by the hiking trails. Most recently, a second bridge was installed across the creek to create a loop trail. Now, visitors can enjoy a 2.7 km [...]
Monitoring New Prairie Restoration Sites
Monitoring New Prairie Restoration Sites The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is establishing two new tallgrass prairies, one within Wildwood Conservation Area (CA) (12.7 ha) and the other in Fanshawe CA (10.3 ha). These prairies are being created to provide habitat for Eastern Meadowlarks and Bobolinks under an agreement with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO). This is part of compensation requirements for habitat losses as a result of highway improvement work in the region. Wildwood Field - Site preparation at the Wildwood field began in 2021 to kill the existing hay vegetation. In the fall of 2022, the [...]
Hope and Action Climate Change Symposium
Hope and Action Climate Change Symposium On November 1st and 2nd, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff from across multiple units participated in the Hope and Action Climate Change Symposium hosted by Museum London. The Symposium was designed to help celebrate and share positive actions that organizations across London are taking to confront climate change. The event featured of two days of programming, with the first day involving close to one hundred secondary students from schools across the city. Students began the day with a keynote address from water protector and advocate Tia Kennedy, who is from Oneida [...]
In-field Soil Health Assessment Training Workshop
In-field Soil Health Assessment Training Workshop Earlier this fall Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Stewardship staff led an in-field soil health assessment training event near St. Marys in partnership with Soil Resource Group (SRG), the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Farming and Agribusiness (OMAFA), Soils @ Guelph, and the Ontario Soil Network. The event was an opportunity for farmers and rural landowners to get their hands dirty while learning new techniques to assess soil health on their own fields from industry experts. Steve and Cobi Sauder generously hosted the event at their farm near Wildwood Conservation Area and kicked [...]
Fantastic Fall with Fanshawe Nature School!
Fantastic Fall with Fanshawe Nature School! Let’s celebrate fall! This is what the participants (ages 2-5 with caregivers) of Fanshawe Nature School were thinking and doing while immersing themselves in one of their favourite places to be - in nature! Our fall session of Fanshawe Nature school was a delight from start to finish with our mornings filled with exploration, discovery and most importantly play! Highlights were helping the trees we planted in the spring by mulching and putting a rodent guard around them, painting our pumpkin rocks and feeding the chickadees! We ended off our fall session by [...]
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30th, 2024
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30th, 2024 To mark September 30th, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) worked with the Indigenous Solidarity and Awareness Network (ISAN Oxford) to organize a Sunrise Ceremony which took place in the Bluegrass area of Pittock Conservation Area. Open to the public, the event drew close to fifty people. Elders Dan and Mary Lou Smoke performed the ceremony which included a Sacred Fire and Eagle Staff. Attendees were invited to offer tobacco to the fire and share prayers and reflections. The day concluded with [...]
Shape the Future of Our Watershed – Share Your Input into the UTRCA Watershed Strategy!
Shape the Future of Our Watershed – Share Your Input into the UTRCA Watershed Strategy! At the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), our mission is to: protect people and property from flood and erosion hazards and support safe development, protect and enhance water quality and a sustainable water supply, make science-based decisions and deliver landowner stewardship, provide natural spaces and recreational opportunities, and empower communities and youth. To further set out our guiding principles and objectives, we are preparing a Watershed-based Resource Management Strategy (Watershed Strategy) with the goal of improving the effectiveness of our programs and services. [...]
Métis Nation of Ontario planting
Métis Nation of Ontario planting The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) planted 75 trees adjacent to the Fanshawe Reservoir on September 28th, 2024. This is the third annual planting for which we’ve partnered with the MNO to create a wildlife corridor and reclaim a section of an agricultural field. We look forward to working with them again next year!
Climate Change Festival Spurs Hope and Action
Climate Change Festival Spurs Hope and Action The Hope and Action Climate Change Festival on September 21st at Fanshawe Conservation Area was a great success! Over 2,200 people attended and enjoyed tours of Fanshawe Dam and the LEED-certified Watershed Conservation Centre. This event was part of Doors Open as well as the kick-off to the Green in the City event series. Thank you to all the partners who took part in this great day: Bird Friendly London Canadian Raptor Conservancy City of London Fanshawe College Fanshawe Let's Talk Science Forest City Flyfishers Club Goodwill Industries Local Food Trucks London Bicycle Café [...]
Celebrate the Thames
Celebrate the Thames On Saturday, October 5th, 2024 the "Celebrate the Thames" event took place in Lions River Park in Thamesford. Organized in partnership with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and Thamesford Lions Club and supported with generous funding from TD Friends of the Environment Fund. The day began with a special Water Ceremony performed by Wahsayzee Deleary. The event featured environmental education booths, Indigenous cultural education and awareness, and plenty of family friendly activities. Over 250 Attendees enjoyed presentations from the Aspen Ojibwe Spirit Horses, the Canadian Raptor Conservancy, and demonstrations of Indigenous flint knapping by [...]