Source Water Protection and Private Drinking Water Wells
Source Water Protection and Private Drinking Water Wells On March 25, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) hosted a Landowner Workshop for local farmers focused on best management practices. The Thames-Sydenham Source Protection Region was also in attendance, providing water sampling bottles for private wells and sharing information on how landowners can help protect their drinking water at the source. If you rely on a private well for your drinking water, it is your responsibility to ensure that your water remains safe. Protecting the area around your well is one of the most effective ways to maintain clean, safe drinking water for [...]
Landowner Workshops Recap
Landowner Workshops Recap The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Stewardship Team recently wrapped up two successful Landowner Workshops, bringing together farmers, landowners, and environmental partners. In Thorndale, attendees gathered for our annual UTRCA Landowners Workshop, where the focus was on “stacking” best management practices and exploring both the environmental and economic benefits. Local voices led the way, grounding the discussion in real-world experience. Farmer and agronomist Curtis Gartly shared insights from his fields, while Marilyn and Wayne Flanigan of McCutcheon Farm Drainage addressed one of the most persistent challenges in agricultural: erosion. Staff highlighted water quality and successful restoration projects [...]
Bald Eagles
Bald Eagles Handsome and regal, bald eagles are one of the most recognizable birds in the world. Over the centuries they have become a symbol of courage and strength. These majestic birds can often be spotted around Fanshawe Lake but there are many things you may not know about them. In the late 20th century, bald eagles were on the brink of extirpation due to hunting, habitat loss and pesticide ingestion. Measures, such as banning the use of DDT (a pesticide that weakened their eggshells causing them to break easily) in the 1970s and other recovery efforts, slowed their decline. Populations recovered and their status was downgraded from “endangered” to “threatened” in 1995 and by 2007, they were removed entirely from the list. They now flourish and their recovery is widely [...]
London Middlesex Master Gardeners Seedy Saturday
London Middlesex Master Gardeners Seedy Saturday The robins and red-winged blackbirds returned just in time for Seedy Saturday on March 7, an event that marks an important rite of spring for gardeners and plant enthusiasts.More than 2000 visitors took in over 60 exhibition booths that featured a wide array of activities, information, and gardening products. At the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority booth, Partnerships and Education staff provided visitors with information about gardening with native plants, trees, and shrubs and handed out free native seed packets (a mix of Virginia mountain mint, wild bergamot, and foxglove beardtongue). The booth also featured [...]
Spring Shoulder Season Returns to our Conservation Areas
Spring Shoulder Season Returns to our Conservation Areas Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff are busy preparing for the spring shoulder season at Fanshawe and Wildwood Conservation Areas (CAs). This adds four weeks of day-use access from Wednesday, April 1st until Thursday, April 30th. It is the fourth year offering a shoulder season in response to the demand from visitors to the CAs. “We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Fanshawe and Wildwood this spring. Visitors are eager to celebrate the return of warmer weather and want to get outside and explore. We’ve had guests reach out expressing their appreciation in having access to [...]
Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)
Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) For many, the first calls of the spring peeper mark the return of spring. These tiny frogs are rarely seen but, during the spring mating season, they are often heard. At only three centimetres long, about the length of a paper clip, they are Ontario’s smallest frog. They are light brown or grey in colour and distinguished from other chorus frogs by a distinctive dark X-shape on their back. The Latin name crucifer, meaning “cross-bearing”, refers to this pattern. The females are slightly larger than the males and are paler in colour. Photo by Scott [...]
Southwestern Ontario Conservation Authorities at the London Farm Show
Southwestern Ontario Conservation Authorities at the London Farm Show In the first week of March, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) stewardship staff joined neighbouring Southwestern Ontario Conservation Authorities at the London Farm Show. Together, staff across the region highlighted stewardship programs that offer cost‑share funding and technical support to improve soil health, water quality, and natural habitat. Key initiatives include: phosphorus reduction programs, rural water quality programs, and restoration services such as tree planting, wetland creation, and habitat enhancement. These initiatives are all aimed at helping landowners implement conservation projects that strengthen watershed resilience across the region. Staff from UTRCA, Lower Thames [...]
Overnight Camping Reservations Now Available!
Overnight Camping Reservations Now Available! As of February 1st, you can make your overnight camping reservations for the conservation areas (CAs) in the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) watershed. We’re proud to offer camping opportunities at these beautiful CAs, including Fanshawe CA (London), Pittock CA (Woodstock), and Wildwood CA (St. Marys). We invite you to explore nature, try camping, and adventure through our trails, making new memories with family and friends! Book early to secure your preferred sites and dates on our online booking system. The 2026 camping season begins on May 1 and ends on October 19. [...]
New Safety Feature at Wildwood Conservation Area
New Safety Feature at Wildwood Conservation Area Visitors to Wildwood Conservation Area may have noticed some construction activity on the reservoir near the dam. The installation of a safety boom in the reservoir began in February. This important addition is in accordance with the Canadian Dam Association (CDA) guidelines. The safety boom creates a visible barrier to prevent reservoir users from getting too close to the dam and the surrounding turbulent water zones. Safety booms are intended to reduce the risk of accidents, protect recreational users like boaters and swimmers, and increase awareness of the potential dangers associated with dam operations. [...]
A Spring Full of Tree Power
A Spring Full of Tree Power The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is running four Tree Power programs this spring in London, Stratford, West Perth, and Thames Centre. Tree Power provides affordable native trees to residents, thanks to partnerships with sponsors and municipalities. Available tree species include American Sycamore, Paper Birch, Tulip Tree, White Spruce, and more! London Hydro Tree Power Tree pick up on Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11 Click to open the shop site Festival Hydro Tree Power (Stratford) Tree pick up on Saturday, April 18 Click to open the shop site Thames Centre [...]