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 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  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  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 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, [...]

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  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   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  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 [...]