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 [...]
How Do Birds Stay Warm in Winter?
How Do Birds Stay Warm in Winter? Hairy Woodpecker Living in Canada, where our winters bring snowstorms and sub-zero temperatures, it only seems logical that birds would fly south to avoid these harsh conditions. But while some species migrate for the winter, others stay year-round, never leaving their home. These resident birds have developed special adaptations and tactics to survive the cold. To endure our winters, birds need to solve two problems: maintaining body temperature and finding food, which is greatly reduced in winter. Feathers not only help birds fly, they also make superb insulation. Down forms a thick layer under the [...]
2025 Fish Monitoring Results Tell Story of Resilience
2025 Fish Monitoring Results Tell Story of Resilience Taryn Smit and Rachel Saunders collecting aquatic monitoring data In 2025, our aquatic biology team visited 74 locations across the Upper Thames River watershed to check on the fish that call our creeks and rivers home. These locations ranged from farm crossings to city parks, familiar bridges in neighbourhoods, and school routes. Together, they give us a good picture of how the watershed is functioning and how well it continues to support aquatic life. 2025 results show a system that is holding its own. The fish community remains varied [...]
Tree Power Returns this Spring
Tree Power Returns this Spring Mark your calendars for our returning Tree Power programs! We have four running this spring including London, Stratford, West Perth and Thames Centre. Tree Power provides affordable native trees to residents thanks to partnerships with sponsors and municipalities. Tree species will include: American Sycamore, Paper Birch, Tulip Tree, White Spruce, and more! London Hydro Tree Power: Sales open on Monday, March 2 Tree pick up is on Friday, April 10 and Saturday, April 11 Shop site: shop.thamesriver.on.ca/product/london-hydro-tree-power West Perth Tree Power: Sales open on Monday, March 9 Tree pick up is on Saturday, April 25 Shop site: shop.thamesriver.on.ca/product/west-perth-tree-power [...]
One Month Left to Apply for Phosphorus Reduction Funding
One Month Left to Apply for Phosphorus Reduction Funding Year 2 of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority's Phosphorus Reduction Program is coming to a close this month. Farmers who have kept their soil covered this winter by using cover crops or reduced tillage practices are encouraged to submit their application before the deadline (February 28, 2026). The application process is quick and straightforward, and funding is still available! The program supports on-farm practices that reduce phosphorus losses to local waterways. Eligible practices include cover crops, reduced tillage, 4R nutrient stewardship, manure management improvements, and cost-shared funding for a range of additional best [...]