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 [...]
UTRCA Out in the Community: Science Rendezvous and Emergency Preparedness Day
UTRCA Out in the Community: Science Rendezvous and Emergency Preparedness Day On May 9, UTRCA Education staff were out in force across London, connecting with the community at two exciting events happening simultaneously in the city. At Western University, the UTRCA participated in Science Rendezvous — Canada's largest free science festival — featuring their Species at Risk turtle booth. The interactive station introduces visitors of all ages to the freshwater turtle species found in the Upper Thames watershed and the threats they face. Developed in partnership with Nature London, the booth sparked curiosity and conversation about local species, healthy [...]
London Environmental Network Sustainability Social
London Environmental Network Sustainability Social On June 2, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) hosted its second London Environmental Network Sustainable Social. The series is designed to connect change makers, inspire collaboration, and advance local sustainability efforts. Each Sustainability Social spotlights a unique theme, offering space for idea exchange, resource sharing, and community building across sectors. The theme of this Social was Green Stormwater Infrastructure and included tours of both Fanshawe Dam and green landscaping and stormwater features at the UTRCA's Watershed Conservation Centre. The tours were followed by a panel discussion about water conservation, blue and green [...]
Wáhta’: Honouring the Leader of Trees
Wáhta’: Honouring the Leader of Trees True environmental stewardship thrives at the intersection of community, education, and diverse knowledge systems. On June 1, this collaborative spirit came to life at the Westminster Ponds Centre during the Wáhta’: Honouring the Leader of Trees community planting project. Supported by the Environmental Action Incubator Grant from the London Environmental Network (LEN), Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) community education and partnerships staff joined high school students from the Head, Heart, and Hands Environmental Learning Program (H3-ELP) to work and learn alongside Oneida educator Patsy Day of Kaswentha Two Row Now. The day began with Patsy sharing teachings about sugar maple, known as Wáhta’ in Oneida. Described as [...]
Stream of Dreams and Dearness Home Partnership Featured at Therapeutic Recreation Ontario Conference
Stream of Dreams and Dearness Home Partnership featured at Therapeutic Recreation Ontario Conference The power of art, environmental stewardship, and intergenerational connection took centre stage as representatives from the UTRCA and Dearness Home recently presented their innovative partnership at the annual Therapeutic Recreation Ontario Conference. The presentation highlighted the powerful role that creativity, environmental stewardship, and community partnerships can play in enhancing quality of life through the creation of a Stream of Dreams mural. Not just an environmental education initiative, the project became a meaningful opportunity to build relationships across generations, foster creativity, and create a lasting legacy within the community. [...]
From Campus to Conservation: MES Students Intern at UTRCA
From Campus to Conservation: MES Students Intern at UTRCA This summer the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) welcomes University of Western Master of Environment and Sustainability (MES) candidates Bethany and Russell as Community Partnership interns! After completing her undergraduate degree in Ecology at the University of Guelph, Bethany applied for the MES program to gain interdisciplinary and hands-on experience in the sustainability field. Her passion for the environment is rooted in community engagement and education, and she is thrilled to be a part of the UTRCA Community Partnerships team where she can help with the many community events UTRCA takes part in. She is looking forward to further building her skills and connecting with the community throughout the rest of her internship. Once he finished his undergraduate degree in Environmental Science at [...]
GREEN Leaders Student Summit Celebrates a Year of Student-Led Action in the Watershed
GREEN Leaders Student Summit Celebrates a Year of Student-Led Action in the Watershed On May 22, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Education and Partnership staff welcomed 16 Grade 7 and 8 classes from across the Upper Thames watershed to Huron University for the annual GREEN Leaders Student Summit — a celebration of student curiosity, environmental action, and community connection. The GREEN Leaders program is a year-long, inquiry-based environmental education initiative that challenges students to investigate local watershed issues and develop real, research-backed action projects. The Summit is the culmination of that work: a chance for students to share [...]