UTRCA Online Tree Store Now Open!
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
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
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
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
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
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 [...]
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 [...]