2026 Annual Pittock Staff BBQ and Awards
2026 Annual Pittock Staff BBQ and Awards On a sunny July 30th afternoon, our amazing staff team came together for the annual Staff Social BBQ at Pittock Conservation Area (PCA). It was a well-deserved celebration of hard work, dedication, and team spirit. Also on hand were Tracy Annett, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) General Manager, along with other staff. Their support and kind words reinforced how valued the Pittock team is throughout the UTRCA. But this social wasn’t just about good food—it was also an opportunity to reflect on the important work being done at PCA. We held an [...]
Endangered Kidneyshell Mussels Return to Medway Creek
Endangered Kidneyshell Mussels Return to Medway Creek Hundreds of endangered Kidneyshell mussels have returned to Medway Creek, marking an exciting milestone in the effort to restore a species that was once lost from the Thames River watershed. DFO Research Scientist Todd Morris holds a Kidneyshell Mussel Freshwater mussels are often called the "livers of the rivers" because they naturally filter water, remove particles from the water column, and help maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems. Their presence benefits fish, aquatic insects, and countless other species that depend on clean water. The Kidneyshell release this July brought together partners from [...]
Capturing Conservation Through Photography
Capturing Conservation Through Photography As a student in the Honours Bachelor of Photography program at Sheridan College, I had the opportunity to complete my internship with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). Throughout my internship, I photographed a wide variety of subjects while learning about the important work happening behind the scenes. From Conservation Areas and recreational activities to wildlife and environmental units, every day brought a new experience. One of the biggest ways I grew during my internship was stepping outside of my comfort zone. I had little experience creating videos before this internship, but I gained confidence in filming and creating social [...]
Buckthorn Replaced with Native Trees and Shrubs in Ellice Swamp
Buckthorn Replaced with Native Trees and Shrubs in Ellice Swamp If you’ve ever had the opportunity to visit the vast expanses of forests, swamps, marshes, and remnant bog habitats of Ellice Swamp just north of Stratford, you’ll understand what a special place it is. At approximately 1,100 hectares, Ellice Swamp is the largest remaining natural area and wetland in the Upper Thames River watershed. It is recognized as a significant groundwater recharge zone and Environmentally Sensitive Area in Perth County, and much of it is designated as Provincially Significant Wetland by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. The swamp [...]
New Boardwalk installed at Shakespeare Conservation Area
New Boardwalk installed at Shakespeare Conservation Area Visitors to the Shakespeare Conservation Area will be able to use a new boardwalk, recently installed by Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff. Shakespeare Conservation Area (CA) is located 8 km east of Stratford and just north of the Village of Shakespeare. This small CA features a dam and pond, a pavilion and day use area, and a short woodland trail. The dam and pond are on a small tributary of the Avon River and the pond is popular with anglers. The dam is earthen with a drop inlet spillway [...]
The Upper Thames Phosphorus Reduction Program is Now Open and Accepting Applications
The Upper Thames Phosphorus Reduction Program is Now Open and Accepting Applications The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is excited to announce that Year 3 of the Upper Thames Phosphorus Reduction Program is now underway, with funding available to help farmers and landowners implement practical projects that reduced phosphorus, improve soil health, protect local waterways, and strengthen farm operations. This year introduces new funding categories as well as higher cost-share opportunities for those implementing multiple Best Management Practices. Funding opportunities include: Manure Management (up to $50/acre) Cover Crops (up to $30/acre) Reduced Tillage/No-Till (up to $30/acre) Crop Fertility [...]
Huron University College Scotiabank Scholars 2026
Huron University College Scotiabank Scholars 2026 Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Community Education staff partnered with Huron’s Scotiabank Scholars for a 5th year, offering an intensive high school English credit and breaking down barriers for students from across the watershed. This year, the theme was water. On the first day of the course, students visited Fanshawe Conservation Area where they learned about the UTRCA’s core missions and challenges. The class enjoyed a tour of the Watershed Conservation Centre before participating in activities that included conservation science, Indigenous perspectives on land and water, and the art of communicating the [...]
Summer Events in the Watershed
Summer Events in the Watershed This June, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and the Museum of Ontario Archaeology (MOA) partnered on several events! Medway Heritage Festival On June 13, over 400 people gathered at the MOA for an immersive day of cultural and environmental programming! Over 30 community partners and vendors were on site, showcasing their local work and connecting with Londoners. The UTRCA was grateful to work alongside Elder Mary Lou Smoke to present the Biinaagami floor map, talking with attendees about the Great Lakes, treaties, the environment, all from a two-eyed seeing perspective. The UTRCA [...]
Head and Heart Research Fellowship visits the UTRCA
Head and Heart Research Fellowship visits the UTRCA Students from the Head and Heart Fellowship, offered through the University of Western's Office of Indigenous Initiatives, visited Fanshawe Conservation Area where they toured the Watershed Conservation Centre including a stop at the Turtle Lab for a visit with Scott Gillingwater, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Species at Risk Biologist. The students also participated in water quality testing through the collection of benthic micro-invertebrates and spent some time exploring the Biinaagami Giant Floor Map.
UTRCA at 4th Annual EarthFest
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 [...]