UTRCA Online Tree Store Now Open!  Private landowners in the Upper Thames River watershed can now easily purchase trees online through the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s Tree Store. Open until February 27, 2026, the online shop makes it simple to browse and purchase a wide selection of coniferous and deciduous trees, as well as wildlife shrubs for planting next spring. For the best selection, landowners are encouraged to place orders early, as popular species and sizes often sell out quickly.  Trees are available through the Tree Planting on Private Lands program, open to landowners with at least [...]

Smart Winter Maintenance: Protecting Our Drinking Water from Salt and Snow  As temperatures drop and winter weather approaches, many of us start preparing for icy roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. Road salt is a trusted ally in keeping these surfaces safe, but when salt is over-applied or improperly stored, it can have long-lasting impacts on our local waterways and drinking water sources.  Once salt dissolves, it doesn’t disappear. Meltwater and runoff carry chloride (the main component of salt) into nearby streams, rivers, and groundwater. Even small amounts can build up over time, harming aquatic life and affecting the quality [...]

Riparian Buffer Zone Planting at Thamesford Lions River Park On Sunday, November 2, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) supported a planting of 52 native trees and shrubs in Lions River Park with the Thamesford Lions, Kintore-Thamesford Scouts, and community members. Tree species planted included Swamp White Oak, Burr Oak, Tulip, Red Maple, Sycamore, and White Cedar, and shrubs included Nannyberry, Serviceberry, and Red Osier Dogwood.   The event included a free BBQ, hosted by the Thamesford Lions, to thank UTRCA staff, the Scouts, Zorra Township, fellow Lions members, and community participants.  The plantings were made possible through an [...]

Fabulous Fall with Fanshawe Nature School  The preschool years are one of the most important times of a child’s life to be immersed in nature, and to foster that first appreciation and respect for our local natural spaces.  Fanshawe Nature School does just that! Children ages 2-5 with their caregivers develop confidence and comfort in place-based learning, exploring, and playing!   This fall session, we learned about our local creatures that migrate, hibernate, and stay active in the colder months through stories, songs, activities, and crafts. Along with our weekly exploration of provocations and loose parts provided in our play [...]

Highlights from the Hope and Action Festival Anishinaabe Elder Mary Lou Smoke On Saturday, October 25, over a thousand people visited Fanshawe Conservation Area to attend the Hope and Action Festival. The day began with an Indigenous ceremony led by Anishinaabe Elder Mary Lou Smoke. Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed an exciting array of activities, including a live raptor show, giant floor map interpretation, live local music, kids zone games, community partner booths, an emergency flood response vehicles display, e-bike demonstration, and much more. Many also contributed letters to the Hope and Action Time Capsule, sharing hopes [...]

Reconciliation starts with Understanding   The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority's (UTRCA) Team for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (TIDE) organized several learning opportunities for staff around the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The activities included:  Lunchtime video screening of visit by comedian Jonny Harris to Oneida Nation of the Thames (via CBC Gem),  Sunrise Ceremony at Pittock Conservation Area, led by Mary Lou Smoke,  Reflections on land acknowledgements and how to develop personal introductions when working with Indigenous people,  Exploring a large, interactive floor map of Indigenous Canada.,  Orange lighting overnight at the gatehouses to Fanshawe and Wildwood Conservation [...]