A Bustling Fall at Wildwood Nature School  Upper Thames River Conservation (UTRCA) Education staff at Wildwood Conservation Area had a very successful fall Nature School session with two full programs (Falcons and Fledglings and Eagles) and two Professional Development Day programs. The Falcons and Fledglings (parent and tot) were an inquisitive group who loved to explore animals, sounds, and colours. They spent a lot of time learning how to build and balance at “The Maple” and whip up feasts in “The Kit.”  The Eagles, which is a full day program for ages 7 to 12, have become a familiar [...]

What is Thundersnow? Have you been wondering if there is a name for the snowy thunderstorms you’ve been seeing across the watershed? These wintery thunderstorms are called Thundersnow.   Late Friday, January 12, 2024 the Upper Thames watershed experienced Thundersnow as a result of a Texas low moving over the Great Lakes and into Southern Ontario. This storm included heavy snow, wind gusts, thunder, lightning, as well as approximately 15.88 mm of precipitation falling in London, 14.42mm near St. Marys, 4.40mm near Embro and 4.22mm in the Mitchell.   A Texas low is a low-pressure area that forms or intensifies over [...]

Learn More about Protecting Drinking Water Sources   Do you know how you can help protect sources of drinking water?   Stay informed about protecting drinking water in the Thames-Sydenham and Region by connecting with our new social media accounts! Our new Facebook page and LinkedIn page focus on how you can help protect drinking water.  Our social media campaigns are in full swing, aiming to boost awareness about drinking water source protection and inspire people to take action. We’ll be discussing threats to drinking water, insights into the Clean Water Act, practical ways to safeguard drinking water, and more!    Take [...]

UTRCA Hosts Annual Flood Coordinators Meeting  On December 14, 2023, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) hosted its annual Flood Coordinators meeting. The meeting was open to flood coordinators from watershed municipalities and local First Nations, as well as staff from other agencies, including:  Middlesex, Oxford, and Perth Counties  Health units  Neighbouring conservation authorities  Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Flood Forecasting Centre  Local police and fire departments  Local school boards  During a flood event, UTRCA staff send bulletins and other information to these individuals, who are responsible for carrying out necessary actions including disseminating flood bulletins to [...]

Helping Teachers to Teach Outdoors  Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Community Education staff led two Outdoor Learning sessions for over 50 London District Catholic School Board kindergarten teachers as part of a school board-wide Professional Development Day.   Teachers that signed up for the sessions learned tips for setting up and facilitating outdoor learning experiences in school yards. For example, they considered the assets within their own outdoor spaces to help children make connections to nature and build positive relationships with the land.   UTRCA staff also modeled various ways for teachers to use nature for sensory-based activities, and math, [...]

Find Out Hoo Learned, Played, and Explored at Fanshawe Nature School this Fall!  Have you ever felt a true connection to a natural space where you can feel completely secure to relax, explore, and let your senses be your guide?  “Owls and Owlets” had this experience during the six morning sessions of Fall Fanshawe Nature School. Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Community Education staff have developed a safe and comfortable playing and learning space tucked into one of the coniferous plantations at Fanshawe Conservation Area (CA) where participants all have the freedom to play, investigate and learn!   During [...]

New Bridge Installed in Dorchester Conservation Area  Have you spotted the new bridge in Dorchester Conservation Area (CA)?   The bridge – constructed on a flatbed trailer with wood decking and a steel frame – was designed and installed by Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff and funded by Thames Centre in December 2023. It’s 54 feet long and wider than its predecessor.  Built in the 1960s, the previous concrete bridge was deteriorating. A full replacement was required to continue enabling foot traffic across the creek by the parking lot. Community members often visit this area for hiking, commuting [...]

A New Threat: Beech Bark Disease  What is Beech Bark Disease?  Beech Bark Disease (BBD) is a new threat affecting American Beech trees (Fagus grandifolia) in Canada’s hardwood and mixed forests. This disease is the result of an insect-fungus complex caused by a non-native insect, beech scale (Cryptococcus fagisuga), coupled with a Neonectria fungus.   Beech scale comes from Europe and first arrived in Nova Scotia in the 1890s. This insect, and the ensuing disease, is gradually spreading throughout much of the natural range of beech trees and is now found in all the maritime provinces, Quebec, and several [...]