TD Tree Days Planting at Oneida Nation of the Thames
TD Tree Days Planting at Oneida Nation of the Thames On September 24, 2025, The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) supported a tree depot and community planting generously funded by TD Friends of the Environment Fund. Trees that were planted and/or given away included Tulip Tree, Paper Birch, Sugar Maple, Burr Oak, Red Oak, Bitternut Hickory, three varieties of pear, three varieties of apple, and three varieties of peach. Thank you to everyone who joined us!
Collecting Climate Data
Collecting Climate Data The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority's (UTRCA) Water Information Management unit monitors many sources of climate and hydrometric data in order to predict water level conditions. Data can include levels, estimated discharge rates, rainfall rates and cumulative totals, snow depth, and snow water equivalents. The UTRCA maintains six climate stations across their network as well as 21 rainfall rate precipitation gauges scattered across the watershed. Culminative rainfall is collected in weighing gauges—large buckets that uses weight-based technology to measure the amount and intensity of precipitation whether it be rainfall, snowfall, or mixed precipitation. Each spring [...]
Dorchester TD Tree Days
Dorchester TD Tree Days On September 28, 2025, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff and more than 25 community members gathered at the Dorchester Conservation Area for TD Tree Days, joining forces to plant 145 native trees and enhance the local landscape. Volunteers of all ages worked together to restore natural areas, improve habitat, and support local biodiversity. The event was funded by the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation as part of TD’s national tree-planting initiative, which encourages community stewardship and environmental action across Canada. The newly planted trees will provide shade, wildlife habitat, and long-term ecological [...]
Seed Collection Program
Seed Collection Program Our Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Forestry staff have been hard at work sorting through a variety of seeds collected from a variety of public and private lands throughout the watershed. Each tiny seed holds the potential to grow into a strong native tree that will support healthier forests and ecosystems for generations to come. Our team carefully forecasts when trees will produce mature, high-quality seeds, then uses a mix of hand-picking, seed rollers, rakes, tarps, and even leaf blowers to collect them. Once gathered, the seeds are cleaned to remove debris and non-viable material [...]
Fall Tree Powers Complete
Fall Tree Powers Complete The watershed is getting greener! Thanks to everyone who purchased and picked up trees from our fall Tree Power programs - including residents of the Township of Perth South, Town of St. Marys and Township of Lucan Biddulph! This popular program provides watershed residents with affordable native hardwood trees through partnerships with Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) municipalities and sponsors. Perth South Tree Power Special thanks to the Perth South, St. Marys and Lucan Biddulph municipalities for partnering with the UTRCA to help deliver this program. Happy planting! St. Marys Tree [...]
Medway Creek Tree Planting
Medway Creek Tree Planting On October 7, with the help of Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff, over 100 native trees and shrubs were planted on the Medway Creek by Grade 6 and 7 students from London Christian Elementary School. Despite hard planting conditions, the student planters were able to get all of the trees in the ground in just under 2 hours! Tree species included Bur Oak, Red Oak, Bitternut Hickory, Dogwood, Elderberry, Nannyberry, Hackberry, Black Cherry, and American Sycamore. As these trees and shrubs mature, they will provide many benefits to Medway Creek, the largest tributary [...]
ESA programs with UTRCA Education Staff
ESA programs with UTRCA Education Staff October’s weather started out perfectly – sunny and warm – a great combination for teaching and learning in several of London’s Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs)! Students were invited to join Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Community Education staff at Sifton Bog, Medway Valley Heritage Forest, and Kilally Meadows. Schools chosen were within walking distance from ESAs and received funding to participate from the Thames Valley District School Board and the London District Catholic School Board. Students explored hands-on activities such as dip-netting into water and sweep-netting along meadows to identify and classify [...]
Nature London Boosts Turtle Education and Prairie Restoration
Nature London Boosts Turtle Education and Prairie Restoration The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is excited to share that Nature London has donated $20,000 over four years to support turtles at risk and tallgrass prairie restoration in our watershed. This generous gift will allow our Southern Ontario at Risk Reptiles (SOARR) program and Community Education staff to team up on new hands-on learning opportunities. From turtle lab tours to school visits and community events, people of all ages will be able to discover the challenges turtles face and what we can all do to help. We kicked things [...]
Summer Event Highlights at UTRCA Conservation Areas
Summer Event Highlights at UTRCA Conservation Areas As the leaves start to change colour, we’re reflecting on the wonderful events and experiences shared at Fanshawe, Pittock, and Wildwood Conservation Areas (CAs) this past summer. This year, we welcomed more than 500 participants and held 32 events that connected people of all ages with nature. One of the season’s most popular offerings was our series of Firefly Walks, which invited families to experience the magic of these glowing insects firsthand. The walks were even featured in the London Free Press, which spotlighted fireflies’ fascinating biology and the Upper Thames River [...]
Dry Summer Allows for Rare Measurements
Dry Summer Allows for Easier Deep Water Measurements Each year, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff survey local rivers and reservoirs using GPS equipment. These surveys help us understand the shape and depth of waterways, which is important for creating accurate flood models and managing water levels. This summer’s dry weather gave our survey team a rare chance to measure areas that are usually too deep. Using a flat-bottomed boat and a long survey pole, staff measured riverbed elevations along stretches of the North Thames River in London, Mitchell Reservoir, and upstream of the St. Marys dam. This [...]