UTRCA hosts OMAFRA for a Field Tour 

Last month, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Stewardship Services staff hosted a field tour for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). The tour highlighted innovative projects, both past and current that have been fully funded or in part by OMAFRA. The first stop was at the Thorndale Demonstration Farm to showcase a suite of Best Management Practices such as contoured controlled drainage, aimed at improving moisture retention during dry summer months, and Water and Sediment Control Basins (WASCoBs), which act to slow runoff and reduce soil erosion. The Cade Tract saturated buffer, a Temporary Land Retirement trial site for soil health rehabilitation; and a constructed wetland along an abandoned municipal drain were also highlighted during the tour. 

Great conversations were had throughout the day regarding project design, outcomes, future monitoring, and potential project expansion. We look forward to continuing our relationship with OMAFRA and working together on more great projects! 

Contact: Beth Wrona, Agricultural Stewardship Technician