Celebrating Natural Connections event at Fanshawe Conservation Area
Celebrating Natural Connections event at Fanshawe Conservation Area On Family Day, February 20th, the Upper Thames River Conservation Area (UTRCA) hosted the final Celebrating Natural Connections (CNC) event at Fanshawe Conservation Area. It was a bright, sunny day, perfect for an outdoor winter event. The turnout was incredible, with an estimated 3,000 people in attendance. Event visitors were kept busy, with over 20 activities to participate in, including: Horse-drawn wagon rides with A Universal Carriage Clean-up game with Antler River Rally Bird feeder making and hikes with Bird Friendly London Tree and leaf craft activities with Carolinian Canada Leaf [...]
Embro Dam Environmental Assessment moves forward
Embro Dam Environmental Assessment moves forward The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), along with Matrix Solutions Inc. as the consultant, is continuing work on the Class Environmental Assessment for Embro Dam within the Township of Zorra. The project is being undertaken under the Conservation Ontario Class Environmental Assessment for Remedial Flood and Erosion Control Projects (June 2013). The Embro Dam is part of the Embro Conservation Area, located on Road 84 in Oxford County, Lot 15, Concession 4. The structure is situated on the Youngsville Drain (also known as Spring Creek) within the Mud Creek watershed. The conservation [...]
Visit us at the London Farm Show
Visit us at the London Farm Show The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) will have a booth at the upcoming London Farm Show which is running Wednesday, March 8 until Friday, March 10 at the Western Fair District. The London Farm Show has been running for over 80 years and is a great opportunity for staff to connect with industry experts, exhibitors, and attendees while gaining knowledge on the latest agricultural innovations and technologies The UTRCA booth will include information about our tree planting programs and Clean Water Program, as well as a flooding simulator. There will also [...]
Sign Out a Birding Backpack
Sign Out a Birding Backpack The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has partnered with Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) to develop a Birding Backpack. This special backpack will encourage families and youth to get outdoors and explore nature. The Birding Backpack project is aligned with HPPH's mandate of promoting healthy activity. It will be available to sign out at public libraries within Perth County and will include binoculars, a bird identification guide, activity sheets, how-to guides, a conservation area day pass, and an evaluation sheet. "We hope to see many families sporting the Birding Backpack at [...]
Tree Power returns to London and Stratford
Tree Power returns to London and Stratford Mark your calendars! The Tree Power program returns for London and Stratford residents with tree sales opening in March 2023. The goal of this program is to create a greener and more beautiful community by providing affordable native hardwood trees for residents. London Tree Power Tree Power started in London 11 years ago when the late Bill Kunz initiated a new tree planting program through his work with London Hydro. Bill brought his vision to the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and the Tree Power program was born. Bill helped build the [...]
Oxford Natural Heritage Systems Study Update
Oxford Natural Heritage Systems Study Update Through a contract with the County of Oxford, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is updating the Oxford Natural Heritage Systems Study using 2020 ortho-imagery (digital aerial photography). The previous study was completed in 2016 and used 2010 imagery. The purpose of the study is to identify existing natural heritage systems in the county, as directed by the Provincial Policy Statement. Natural heritage refers to components of the natural environment that have historic, scientific, or social significance for the community and future generations. It is important to update these studies every 5-10 [...]
How Much Water is in the Snowpack?
How Much Water is in the Snowpack? Since the 1950s, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has monitored snow conditions through manual measurements across the watershed. Between November and May, snow surveys are completed at the beginning and middle of each month. The surveys result in a collection of data related to the snowpack, including snow water equivalent, snow depth, and ground and snow crust conditions. The program currently monitors 13 sites distributed across the watershed. Snow water equivalent is the depth of water that the snow pack contains. This estimates the amount of water on the ground [...]
Our Conservation Areas are Hiring!
Our Conservation Areas are Hiring! In preparation for the 2023 season, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s three conservation areas are hiring for multiple positions. Hiring is underway for: Conservation Area Maintenance; Conservation Area Operations; Conservation Area Security; Customer Service Representative; Lake Patrol; Lifeguard; Park Operations Technician; Park Operations Technician - Maintenance; Park Operations Technician - Security, and Trails Technician. As a member of the UTRCA team, you will contribute to the mission of Inspiring a Healthy Environment through your skills and expertise, but also through your passion for the environment and calling to make a positive impact. [...]
Celebrating Natural Connections event at Wildwood Conservation Area
Celebrating Natural Connections event at Wildwood Conservation Area On Saturday, January 21, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) hosted a winter Celebrating Natural Connections (CNC) event at Wildwood Conservation Area. There was an overwhelming turnout to the event with close to 700 people in attendance. The park was bustling as participants moved through the variety of activity stations, which included: Aspens Ojibwe Horse Sanctuary Bird Brains - Stratford Field Naturalists Campfire – UTRCA Community Science (measuring water in the snow pack) – UTRCA Creative Corner - Klomp’s Home and Garden Gear Demo – Mountain Equipment Company Guided Hike - [...]
UTRCA Welcomes New Board for 2023
UTRCA Welcomes New Board for 2023 On Tuesday, January 31, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) held a Board Orientation meeting for new and returning board members. The 17 municipalities within the Upper Thames River watershed appoint representatives to the UTRCA Board of Directors, consistent with the board membership established by the 1993 Order in Council. The members represent the local urban and rural communities, deciding on policies and programs that will lead to a healthy watershed. Returning members in 2023 include: Councillor Anna Hopkins, City of London Sandy Levin, City of London Deputy Mayor Hugh McDermid, Township [...]