Protecting drinking water in the summer: Source Water Tips for the Summer!
Protecting Drinking Water in the Summer: Source Water Tips for the Summer! As summer temperatures rise, so does our water usage — from watering gardens and lawns to splashing in backyard pools. While enjoying all that the season offers, it is important to remember that our actions can directly impact the safety and quality of our drinking water. The hot weather can increase the risk of contamination, especially near lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers that supply our drinking water. Here are a few simple but impactful tips to help protect drinking water sources during the summer months. Be Smart [...]
From Myth to Moth: The Fascinating Polyphemus
From Myth to Moth: The Fascinating Polyphemus Upon arriving at work in early July, many Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) employees were delighted to see a beautiful Polyphemus moth (Antheraea Polyphemus) by the entrance to the Watershed Conservation Centre. This moth belongs to a group called Saturniidae, known as giant silk moths. It is one of the largest moths in North America, with a wingspan of about 15 centimetres (six inches). The most unique markings on the tan to reddish-brown wings are the two prominent purple and yellow eyespots. This design gave the moth its name, Polyphemus, who [...]
Oxford Clean Water Program
Oxford Clean Water Program The Oxford Clean Water Program provides financial assistance to landowners in Oxford County to implement water quality protection practices including erosion control structures, wetland creation, tree planting, decommissioning of unused wells, and more! Visit the Clean Water Program website for a full list of eligible projects. Oxford County provides funding for projects delivered through local Conservation Authorities. Some projects are eligible for stacking with other Conservation Authority programs, which may cover up to 100% of the eligible project costs. Landowners completing projects in 2025 through the Clean Water Program are also eligible for nomination for [...]
Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project at Maglin Site Furniture
Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project at Maglin Site Furniture The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) partnered with Maglin Site Furniture in Woodstock to use green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) features to alleviate stormwater issues on the east side of their building. GSI uses natural elements to manage stormwater (rainwater and urban runoff) close to its source. A rain garden measuring 58 metres long and 4 metres wide was installed to address the issue. The rain garden was designed to capture, infiltrate, and convey stormwater from the building, loading docks area, and adjacent road. The stormwater is directed from the rain [...]
London Environmental Network (LEN) Sustainability Social
London Environmental Network Sustainability Social On July 3rd, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) hosted the first event in a new series of London Environmental Network gatherings called Sustainability Socials. The series is designed to connect change makers, inspire collaboration, and advance local sustainability efforts. Each Sustainability Social spotlights a unique theme, offering space for idea exchange, resource sharing, and community building across sectors. The first event was held at the Watershed Conservation Centre at Fanshawe Conservation Area. It featured Partnership staff tours of UTRCA's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum Certified building and, in particular, the [...]
Indigenous Solidarity and Awareness Network Event
Indigenous Solidarity and Awareness Network Event On June 18, the Indigenous Solidarity and Awareness Network - Oxford held its second of four Reconcili-ACTION events at Ingersoll Town Hall. Supported by Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff and funded through the Oxford Community Foundation’s Stevenson Fund, the series features Indigenous Elders and knowledge holders speaking about environmental health, ecological justice, and Indigenous Ways of Knowing. This second session, “Unearthing History: Archeology, Duty to Consult, and Understanding Treaties,” featured archaeologist Jordan Jamieson from Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Jordan gave a fascinating talk about his work as an [...]
Community Event at Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
Community Event at Chippewas of the Thames First Nation On June 16th, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Partnership and Watershed Science staff participated in a community event held at Antler River Elementary School. Hosted by the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation’s Treaties, Lands, and Environmental Department, the event showcased community partnerships and projects centered around shared ecological goals. The UTRCA booth featured information on watershed health, the Thames River Clearwater Revival, and species-at-risk and included an interactive arts activity where participants could create beautiful rice-paper prints of fish species native to Deshkan Ziibi/Thames River. [...]
Celebrating Stewardship at Breakfast on the Farm
Celebrating Stewardship at Breakfast on the Farm The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Stewardship team recently took part in Farm and Food Care Ontario’s much-anticipated Breakfast on the Farm event at Hoenhorst Farms Ltd. in Innerkip. It was a special opportunity to showcase the silage bunker filtration system the UTRCA team helped install with landowner Cox years ago — a system that filters out runoff through multiple stages and is still making a big impact today! At the UTRCA information booth, kids were fascinated by the rain simulator model, which demonstrated how different land types respond to rainfall [...]
School-wide Bioblitz at Antler River Elementary School
School-wide Bioblitz at Antler River Elementary School In early June, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and Bird Friendly London visited Antler River Elementary School in Chippewas of the Thames First Nation for a full school bioblitz! Throughout the day, students worked together to document as many species as they could in an area of forest right behind the school. Students found over 20 native species, including wild geranium, candy-striped spiders, and even wood thrush, a species at risk bird in Ontario. Overall, students learned how to respectfully observe their natural surroundings and work together as a team of [...]
Community Education Hits the Road: Flooding and Turtles Take the Spotlight
Community Education Hits the Road: Flooding and Turtles Take the Spotlight On May 10, 2025, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA)’s Community Education team was out in full force, participating in two major public outreach events in London: Emergency Preparedness Day and Science Rendezvous. At the Emergency Preparedness Day, staff engaged residents with several hands-on tools including the floodplain simulator, flood hazard puzzles, and the Thames River watershed puzzle. These interactive activities helped raise awareness about local flood risks and the Conservation Authority’s critical role in flood forecasting, prevention, and response. Meanwhile, at Science Rendezvous, staff premiered the new [...]