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 [...]
Demonstrating Best Management Practices across the watershed
Demonstrating Best Management Practices across the watershed The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has received funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) through the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health (COA). This project will build on the success and lessons learned about best management practices (BMPs) from previous projects funded by COA. It will also test techniques to reduce the amount of phosphorus that is reaching watercourses and improve water quality. As part of this funding agreement, the UTRCA will deliver and promote agricultural stewardship practices including: evaluate the [...]
2022 Year in Review
2022 Year in Review As we settle into the new year, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is reflecting on many highlights and achievements of 2022. Watershed residents continued to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits offered by the outdoors as we welcomed more than 160,000 visitors to Fanshawe, Pittock, and Wildwood Conservation Areas. With many COVID-19 restrictions lifting over the last year, we were once again able to engage with over 600 students and over 850 community members through Communities for Nature projects. Thanks to everyone’s hard work, we planted: 3,144 trees, 478 of which [...]
Responding to the First Snowmelt and Rain Event of 2023
Responding to the First Snowmelt and Rain Event of 2023 "We have measurements of how much snow is on the ground at locations across the watershed. We also know the amount of the rain that is forecasted for the region and the general conditions of the ground. In the winter months, the ground is usually frozen or saturated,” says Mark Helsten, Senior Water Resources Engineer at the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). With that information, combined with historical data, Mark and the Water and Information Management (WIM) team use flood models to estimate how much water is [...]
Local Landowner Donates 5 Acres of Land to the UTRCA
Local Landowner Donates 5 Acres of Land to the UTRCA (Published Jan. 2023) The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has received a generous 2.02 hectare (5 acre) donation from Ron Anderson, who inherited the land in Dorchester Swamp from his father, John, and his grandmother, Helen. The small lots in Dorchester Swamp were created in the 19th century to sell to local farmers to provide them with access to cedar posts and firewood. The Anderson family has maintained the property as natural habitat under the Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program and is pleased that the land will continue [...]