River Safety Message Spreads Thanks to Enbridge Gas  Many thanks to Enbridge Gas and the Fueling Futures Grant for their support of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s River Safety Education program. River Safety is an in-class program of hands-on, interactive activities designed to familiarize grade two students with the dangers associated with water bodies and, specifically, the river.   The program also creates an awareness of the hazards associated with structures such as dams and dykes, reservoirs, as well as stormwater ponds. Through the use of puzzles, games, and presentations, the program shows students how to stay [...]

The Hows and Whys of Fall Leaf Colour Change  October is the best month in the Thames watershed to go for a walk to see the fall colours in your local conservation area, park, or natural area.    But why do the leaves of deciduous (non-evergreen) trees and shrubs change colour? It is a bit complicated, but, in a nutshell, as the sunlight hours shrink, chlorophyll production in the leaves slows down and then stops. Eventually, all the chlorophyll is destroyed. Chlorophyll converts sunlight to food energy and is the pigment that gives leaves their green colour. Once the [...]

New Educational Programs and Events Coming Soon Thanks to TD Friends of the Environment Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff are thrilled to have received two grants from TD Friends of the Environment!  Wildwood Community Education staff have received a grant for over $6,000 to develop and implement a pilot water systems program. This subject area was chosen for the grant due to inquiries from teachers about local water systems content for the grade eight curriculum. The "Forces of Nature" pilot program will enable six grade eight classes to spend the day at Wildwood Conservation Area participating in [...]

Tree Planting with the Métis Nation of Ontario On September 23, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) joined the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) in a community tree planting on UTRCA owned lands adjacent to Fanshawe Reservoir. The MNO planted 40 native trees including red oak, black cherry, sugar maple, black walnut, hackberry, red maple, and white pine. This planting marks the second year we have partnered with the MNO to naturalize this area, increase biodiversity, and help create a wildlife corridor. We look forward to continue working with the MNO in future years!  [...]

Field Botanists of Ontario Tour London Environmentally Significant Areas Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s Vegetation Specialist, Brenda Gallagher, and Terrestrial Biologist, Cathy Quinlan, led botany walks on September 23rd. The walks took place in Westminster Ponds Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) and Meadowlily Woods ESA for members of the Field Botanists of Ontario (FBO). Participants, ranging from amateur to professional, came out to see and learn more about the plants of this Carolinian region. These natural areas boast several different plant communities from young to mature Carolinian woodlands, swamp, bog, meadow, and more.    Brenda provided fascinating information on the [...]

TD Tree Plantings with Oneida Nation of the Thames and Chippewas of the Thames First Nation On October 4th and 5th, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) participated in two TD Tree Day planting events with Oneida Nation of the Thames and Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, respectively. Over 60 people participated across both events with members from the two First Nation communities being joined by UTRCA and TD staff. A group of enthusiastic students from Western University's Masters in Environmental Sustainability program also pitched in to make quick work of the planting.  At the Oneida Nation [...]

Stream of Dreams Fish Receive Helping Hand from the Cross Cultural Learner Centre On October 12th, over a dozen youth from the Cross Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC) helped varnish the Stream of Dreams fish at Northbrae Public School. This school took part in the Stream of Dreams program years earlier, so its fish are made of wood, requiring a yearly coat of varnish for protection. This can be a big task for a school community, so we're always grateful when a community group offers to help out. The CCLC have assisted with varnishing for many years at various schools [...]

RiverFest23 at Western University  The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) participated in the second annual RiverFest event at Western University on September 21st. Riverfest23 featured a series of events from September 9th - October 3rd and was co-organized by the Indigenous Students' Association, Indigenous Student Centre, and Western Sustainability. Riverfest’s goal is to reconnect students, staff, and faculty to the rivers that flow through campus. Hosting this event in September (re)introduces both current and incoming members of Western to the trails, natural features on campus, and the river.  UTRCA teamed up with Western Libraries Map and Data Centre [...]

Wildwood Autumn Open House a Success It was a beautiful day on September 23rd to celebrate the season at Wildwood Conservation Area’s Autumn Open House! Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff and high school volunteers welcomed over 250 people to the property, offering free vehicle admission for the afternoon alongside several engaging activities.   Visitors were able to meet two Ojibwe horses, their caregivers Salianne and Dale Patch of Aspens Ojibwe Horses, as well as Indigenous Educator, Christin Dennis. Christin presented about the once nearly extinct breed of horses, and their comeback story. He approached the past, present, [...]

Fall Tree Powers a Success  500 more trees will be planted in the watershed thanks to the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s Tree Power programs this fall!  The UTRCA partnered with the Township of Perth South and the Town of St. Marys to provide residents with the opportunity to purchase native hardwood trees. Tree pick up days were held on Saturday, September 30 and Saturday, October 14, respectively. Both programs had 250 trees available and both sold out!  The London Hydro Tree Power and Festival Hydro Tree Power program in Stratford will be held in April, 2024. Stay [...]