Mini Forest at Fanshawe Conservation Area
Mini Forest at Fanshawe Conservation Area On October 20, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) in partnership with the London Environmental Network (LEN) planted a mini forest at Fanshawe Conservation Area! With the help of community volunteers and students from Western University’s Dirty Nature Writing Course, 300 native trees and shrubs were planted within 100 square meters. Earlier in June, the UTRCA and LEN, along with the help of volunteers, completed site preparations on this area which was then simply a patch of mowed grass. Site preparation included laying down cardboard, mulch, and compost to kill the grass [...]
Thames River Regulated Area Map Update – City of London
Thames River Regulated Area Map Update - City of London The revised draft regulated area map for the Thames River in the City of London, was posted on October 17, 2025, for a 30-day notification period, as required by Ontario Regulation 41/24. This updated draft reflects changes made following public engagement and is available for viewing on UTRCA’s map website and Engage Thames River. Questions or comments may be submitted to [email protected] or directly through Engage Thames River. After the 30-day notification period, the draft map will be presented to the UTRCA Board of Directors for approval at their [...]
Community Helps Restore Habitat at Dorchester Mill Pond
Community Helps Restore Habitat at Dorchester Mill Pond On September 13, 2025, more than 30 community members came together at the Dorchester Mill Pond to take part in an aquatic species planting event organized by the Dorchester Mill Pond Committee and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). Participants planted a variety of native aquatic plants along the shoreline and the newly built crib wall, helping to stabilize the banks, improve water quality, and enhance habitat for fish and wildlife. The crib wall, constructed this past summer by UTRCA staff, was designed to prevent shoreline erosion, provide habitat for [...]
Exciting Stewardship Funding Opportunities for Landowners
Exciting Stewardship Funding Opportunities for Landowners Did you know the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) offers a range of stewardship funding programs to support landowners and farmers across the watershed? Whether your goal is improving water quality, enriching your soul, planting native vegetation, or creating wildlife habitat, we have funding programs designed to help you make it happen. Our stewardship funding programs include: The Phosphorus Reduction Program, which helps with best management practices such as 4R Phosphorus Management, residue cover, erosion control, and watercourse fencing. The Clean Water Program supports projects that protect and enhance water quality, from [...]
Hope and Action Time Capsule 2025-2050
Hope and Action Time Capsule 2025-2050 During the 2025 Hope and Action Festival at Fanshawe Conservation Area on Oct. 25th, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is inviting attendees to contribute to a time capsule by writing a message to future generations. What are your hopes for a green future? What action are you taking today to foster a healthy environment? Submissions can be in the form of text (description, poem, story, etc.) or image (photography, artwork, etc.). The time capsule will be opened in 2050! Can't make it to the Hope and Action Festival? Use the form below [...]
Newcomer Day
UTRCA Brings Flood Safety Tips to Newcomer Day On October 4, 2025, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) participated in the City of London's 2025 London Newcomer Day. Organized by the City's Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Division and held at Fanshawe College, this one-day event welcomes newcomers to the community with the goal of "attracting, integrating, and retaining newcomers to London." The event brought together new residents, local organizations, service providers, and community leaders, attracting over 700 visitors. The UTRCA booth provided information about flood safety, as well as information about the area’s plant and animal species. [...]
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30, 2025
Sunrise Ceremony on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30, 2025 To mark September 30, 2025, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - a day to honour and remember Survivors of residential schools and the children who never returned home - the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) worked with members of Oxford County's Indigenous community and their allies to organize a Sunrise Ceremony in the Bluegrass area of Pittock Conservation Area. Open to the public, the event drew close to 100 people. Elder Mary Lou Smoke performed the ceremony, which included a Sacred Fire and [...]
Friends of Stoney Creek Celebrate Community and Conservation at Annual “Get to Know Your Creek” Event
Friends of Stoney Creek Celebrate Community and Conservation at Annual “Get to Know Your Creek” Event On October 5, 2025, the Friends of Stoney Creek hosted their annual “Get to Know Your Creek” event, drawing more than 60 enthusiastic participants for a hands-on exploration of their local waterway. The Friends of Stoney Creek are a group of concerned citizens who work with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), the City of London, and the local community to improve the health of Stoney Creek. The event invited families, students, and nature lovers to wade into the creek and discover [...]
TD Tree Days Planting at Chippewas of the Thames First Nations
TD Tree Days Planting at Chippewas of the Thames First Nations On September 25, 2025, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) supported a tree planting generously funded by TD Friends of the Environment Fund. Student volunteers from the University of Western’s Masters in Environmental Studies program joined community members to help with the planting, which took place on a naturalized tall grass prairie site near the river. After the planting, the students had lunch at the Community Centre followed by presentations by members of Chippewas of the Thames First Nations’ Treaties, Lands, and Environment Department. Trees that were [...]
Autumn Clean- Up: Protecting Source Water While Prepping for Winter
Autumn Clean- Up: Protecting Source Water While Prepping for Winter As the leaves begin to fall and the days grow shorter, many of us turn our attention to autumn clean-ups around our homes and properties. While raking, pruning, and tidying are all part of preparing for winter, it’s also a perfect time to think about how these seasonal activities can impact our local drinking water sources. Thames-Sydenham Source Protection Region would like to remind you of simple choices to make in the fall that can help protect rivers, lakes, and groundwater, the very sources of our drinking water. Keep [...]