For Immediate Release
April 30, 2026��

Students��Take Action for Lake Erie at Regional Summit��in Sarnia and Point Edward

More than 100 high school students from across the western Lake Erie basin gathered in Sarnia and Point Edward on Wednesday for the Lake Erie Student Summit, a hands-on event focused on building the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to protect this globally significant freshwater ecosystem.��

Organized by the ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) in partnership with St. Clair Region, Essex Region, Lower Thames Valley, Kettle Creek, and Catfish Creek Conservation Authorities, the summit was funded by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.��

The day began with an Indigenous welcome led by Lynn Rosales of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, grounding the event in teachings about respect, responsibility, and connection to water. Students then stepped into the role of citizen scientists, conducting water quality testing—including pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen—with guidance from the University of Windsor’s Real-Time Aquatic Ecosystem Observation Network (RAEON), Water Rangers, and�������’s��Talk Science.��

“Lake Erie is one of the most ecologically vital, and most threatened, of the Great Lakes, and the next generation of stewards is ready to take action,” said Karlee��Flear, Community Education Coordinator with UTRCA. “By connecting them with scientists, community partners, and Indigenous knowledge keepers, students gain a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting our water and Great Lakes.”��

“The Lake Erie Student Summit is a great example��of how education and hands-on experience can inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Through the Great Lakes Program, our government is supporting opportunities that connect students to the Great Lakes and the actions needed to protect them,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.��

In the afternoon, students rotated through interactive activities along the waterfront, including a hatchery tour with Blue Water Anglers, the Monument of the Souls activity with Lynn Rosales, and sessions with community partners such as Tourism Sarnia-Lambton.��

The summit is part of the broader Western Lake Erie Student Summit and Stewardship Project, a year-long initiative that engaged more than 500 students in Great Lakes learning, stewardship, and action.��

Participating school boards included the Lambton Kent District School Board, Thames Valley District School Board, and the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board.��

Media Contacts��

Karlee��Flear, Coordinator, Community Education, UTRCA
fleark@thamesriver.ca
519-451-2800 ext. 254��

Amy Bumbacco, Communications and Marketing Specialist, UTRCA
bumbaccoa@thamesriver.ca
519-451-2800 ext. 331��

��

For Immediate Release
April 28, 2026��

The UTRCA Contributes 855.76 Hectares to Canada's 30×30 Project in Partnership with Ontario Nature

The ����ֱ�� (UTRCA), in collaboration with Ontario Nature, is proud to announce the contribution of 855.76 hectares of natural areas and provincially significant swamp land towards Canada's target of protecting and conserving 30% of our lands and waters by 2030, known commonly as the 30×30 target.��

The partnership with Ontario Nature��facilitated��an assessment of UTRCA lands,��determining��that 16 properties will be registered under the Protected Areas designation in the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database. This marks a significant step towards halting and reversing biodiversity loss in the Upper Thames River watershed.��

Notable areas include Harrington Conservation Area (CA), Dorchester CA, and Embro CA. Each of these areas consist of mixed woodland and coniferous plantations��centred��around a small dam and pond. "Protecting these lands through long-term conservation measures supports habitat for species at risk, reduces the impacts of flood events, and provides recreational opportunities" said Brandon Williamson, Land Management Coordinator, UTRCA.��

The full list of properties includes: W.L Dickson Arboretum,��Beachville��Tract, Cade Tract, Dorchester CA, Dorchester Mill Pond, Downey Tract, Embro CA, Fish Creek CA, Gads Hill North and South,��Golspie��Swamp, Harrington CA, Ivey Tract, Kintore Swamp, Lowthian Flats, Shakespeare CA, and Westminster (Dingman).��

This initiative has helped us further reach our vision of partnering to protect and promote��a healthy environment��and resilient communities.��

Media Contact:��

Brandon Williamson, Land Management Coordinator, UTRCA
519-451-2800��ext��296
williamsonb@thamesriver.ca��

For Immediate Release
April 17, 2026

Thames River Clean Up Rescheduled Due to High Water Levels 

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, the Thames River Clean Up has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 25, 2026. Rescheduling the event will help ensure the safety of participants and enable a more effective clean-up once water levels recede. 

The public is strongly advised to stay away from all watercourses and flooded areas. Stream banks may be slippery and unstable, and the water is very cold and fast-moving. Never attempt to drive through flooded areas, and remember to keep children and pets away from waterways. 

Volunteers who have registered for the clean-up are encouraged to check in with their local site coordinators regarding the new date, as some locations may opt to reschedule for a different day based on local conditions. 

The ����ֱ�� will continue to monitor conditions closely and operate flood control reservoirs, including Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas, to help reduce downstream flooding. 

For more information about the Thames River Clean Up, or to confirm local event details, please contact Todd Sleeper at td.sleeper@hotmail.com or call 519-275-1351. 

Labatt Breweries of Canada and ����ֱ�� Announce Water Stewardship Partnership

London, March 24, 2026��– Labatt Breweries of Canada and the ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) have announced a new partnership focused on protecting and improving local water systems through community-driven action and research.

The partnership includes a $10,000 investment from Labatt to support the development of a community science program to empower volunteers with the tools and training needed to monitor local waterways and contribute to long-term conservation efforts. The data collected will help inform future restoration projects across the region, including tree planting, invasive species management, habitat creation, and river cleanups.

The investment will also support the launch of a Labatt employee volunteering program designed to engage Labatt teams directly in environmental stewardship, including an Earth Day river cleanup in London.

“Water is an essential ingredient in brewing and protecting it is a responsibility we take seriously,” said Jeff Ryan, Vice-President, Legal and Corporate Affairs, Labatt Breweries of Canada. “This partnership is about taking action at the local level, supporting the communities where we live and work and ensuring the health of our waterways for generations to come.”

“This collaboration with Labatt represents a meaningful step forward in engaging our community in hands-on watershed stewardship,” said Tracy Annett, General Manager, UTRCA. “By investing in volunteer-driven water monitoring and stewardship programs, we’re building the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Upper Thames River watershed.”

Additional opportunities for community involvement and volunteer programming will be shared in the coming months.

About ����ֱ����

The ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in the Province of Ontario, Canada. The ��area of jurisdiction, the��upper watershed of the Thames River, covers 3,430 square kilometres in southwestern Ontario and is home to approximately 593,700 people.��The UTRCA’s programs and services focus on five key areas: protecting people and property and supporting safe development; delivering landowner stewardship; providing natural spaces and recreational opportunities; making science-based decisions and empowering communities and youth.

About Labatt Breweries of Canada

Labatt Breweries of Canada is one of Canada’s most established businesses and its leading beverage company, with over 3,500 employees; an unmatched portfolio of more than 70 quality beers including Bud Light, Busch, Corona, Michelob Ultra and Modelo Especial, ready-to-drinks including Cutwater, Mike’s Hard and NÜTRL, and non-alcoholic products including Budweiser Zero and Corona Cero; six key breweries; and four craft breweries from coast-to-coast. Our employees are the driving force behind our business – brewing the world’s most loved beverages, building iconic brands and creating meaningful experiences for Canadians. Through 178 years of brewing excellence, we are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life’s moments, dream big to move our industry forward and make a meaningful impact in our communities through a collective purpose of creating A Future with More Cheers.

For further information please visit:

Contacts:

Labatt:

Kirsten Cooper, Senior Director of Communications, kirsten.cooper@labatt.com 416-990-0483

Rebecca Mejia, Account Director, Veritas Communications, mejia@veritasinc.com, 647-927-4877

UTRCA:

Amy Bumbacco, Communications and Marketing Specialist, bumbaccoa@thamesriver.ca, 519-451-2800 ext. 331

For Immediate Release
February 25, 2026��

UTRCA Honours Recipients of 2026 Conservation Awards��

The ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Conservation Awards, recognizing��exceptional contributions to��community engagement and��environmental stewardship.��

This year's Outstanding Resident Award was presented posthumously to Diane Irving��to honour her��many years of volunteer service and commitment to supporting community events.��

For��nearly 20��years,��Diane��was a familiar and welcoming presence at��the UTRCA's��Children's��Water Festivals,��Celebrating Community Connection events, litter clean-ups, and much more.��Known for��her��warm smile and generous spirit, she went��above and beyond��– sewing costumes, mending activity materials, and ensuring every detail was ready to help create memorable experiences for the children.��

"She made connections,��brought��positive energy, and carried��a quiet joy��in everything she did.��Whether she was volunteering in classrooms, leading community initiatives, or supporting environmental programs, she believed deeply in being part of something bigger than herself," shared Linda Smith, daughter of��Diane Irving and Community Partnerships Specialist with the UTRCA.

"All of��Diane's��efforts, all her activities,��and��her wonderful spirit��will��continue to be felt at our��future��events,"��said Teresa Hollingsworth, Manager, Community and Corporate Services, UTRCA.��

The Kayla Berger Stewardship Award was presented to Bill and Cecilia Davies in recognition of their decades of tree planting through the UTRCA's Tree Planting on Private Lands program.��The Davies have��purchased��trees��for��their rural property��nearly��every��year��since 1987,��missing only��one��spring planting season.��They��like to��plant the trees themselves,��contributing to local reforestation efforts, creating habitat, and supporting watershed health.��

"Over the years,��Bill and Cecilia��have planted more than 4,500 trees on their property," said Brenda Gallagher,��UTRCA's��Forestry Technician.��"Through��their��hard work and dedication,��they��have left a legacy for future generations."��

"Planting trees is like therapy. You plant them, and then you see them��leaf��out,��and they grow.��And then 30��or 40��years later, you have this magnificent tree��on your property. I think��it's��been good for us," shared Bill Davies.����

The Conservation Awards were presented at��the UTRCA's��Annual General Meeting on February 24, 2026,��at the Watershed Conservation Centre.��Short tribute videos highlighting��the��award recipients'��contributions were shown at the meeting and are available online at:����and��.��

Contact:��

Amy Bumbacco,
Communications and Marketing Specialist,
����ֱ����

How��Do Birds��Stay��Warm��in��Winter?��

Hairy Woodpecker

Living in Canada, where our winters bring snowstorms and sub-zero temperatures, it only seems logical that birds would fly south to avoid these harsh conditions. But while some species migrate for the winter, others stay year-round, never leaving their home. These resident birds have developed special adaptations and tactics to survive the cold.

To endure our winters, birds need to solve two problems: maintaining body temperature and finding food, which is greatly reduced in winter. Feathers not only help birds fly, they also make superb insulation. Down forms a thick layer under the outer feathers, acting as a heat trap. Birds also retain heat by fluffing their feathers, thus expanding the insulation around their bodies. This fluffy barrier traps air close to their body, retaining up to 90% of their core heat. The secret to maintaining these layers of air lies in having clean, dry, and flexible feathers. This is why the cleaning and oiling process, known as preening, is so critical to keeping feathers warm and water resistant.

Chickadee

If birds��maintained��the temperature of their feet to the same degree��as their body, they would rapidly lose heat and quickly deplete��calories.��Thus,��birds��use a specialized blood circulation system called��counter current heat��exchange.��Arteries carrying warm blood to the feet pass right next to the veins bringing the cold blood back. This effectively warms the blood before it returns to the core and helps��maintain��a higher body temperature.��Birds further conserve heat by tucking their feet close to their body while perching or sitting.����

Many winter birds travel in groups, using each other as a heat source. They often huddle together in shrubs, evergreen trees, and on branches to share their warmth. They form tight lines and jostle for position throughout the night, as those on the outermost edges lose more heat than those in the middle.

Cavity nesters, such as nuthatches, chickadees, and woodpeckers, may also seek shelter in tree holes, crevices, and nesting boxes at night to provide protection in poor weather. Woodland birds will move deeper into the interior to escape the cold winds.

Horned Lark

Large birds such as quails and ruffed grouse are known to burrow under fluffy snow, to insulate from the cold. However, smaller birds do not benefit from snow-burrowing. Although there is potential benefit from insulation, there is a potential cost. During sunny winter days, the top layer of snow melts, which then refreezes into a solid crust at night. Smaller birds may not be able to break through the icy crust the next day and could be trapped in the snow.�� ����

During the winter, birds truly live from day to day. When night falls and the temperature drops, they burn up most of their fat reserves and these reserves must be replenished the next day to survive the following night. This requires them eating a continuous supply of fatty and high protein food as fuel to keep warm. Sharp-billed birds dig into tree bark for various spiders and insects. Others switch their diets from fruit in the summer to winter seeds and nuts. Many birds also cache food during the warmer months, to ensure a supply of winter food.

Even with the extreme cold temperatures we have experienced this winter, our resident birds know how to maintain their body temperature and find food by adapting to their environment.

Brenda Gallagher��

2025 Fish Monitoring Results Tell Story of Resilience

Taryn Smit and Rachel Saunders collecting aquatic monitoring data

In 2025, our aquatic biology team visited 74 locations across the Upper Thames River watershed to check on the fish that call our creeks and rivers home. These locations ranged from farm crossings to city parks, familiar bridges in neighbourhoods, and school routes. Together, they give us a good picture of how the watershed is functioning and how well it continues to support aquatic life.

2025 results show a system that is holding its own. The fish community remains varied and widespread, and many of the species we rely on as indicators of stream health were found again in strong numbers.

Fish Community

We recorded 47 species in 2025 and counted 7,891 individual fish across our surveys. Familiar species such as White Sucker, Central Stoneroller, Creek Chub, and several types of darters were seen at many sites. These species thrive when the water is moving, the streambed is stable, and the gravel is not covered with sediment. Their presence throughout the watershed suggests that many stream sections still offer these important features.

Top to bottom: Johnny Darter, Greenside Darter, Rainbow Darter, Fantail Darter

Darters in particular tell us a lot about the state of local streams. They live right on the bottom and rely on clear, well‑oxygenated riffles. The fact that we encountered several darter species in 2025 suggests that many riffles are still in good condition. These small fish are a favourite for kids as well, since their colours and quick movements make them fun to spot.

Biodiversity

Some areas stood out for the number of species they supported. Medway Creek had the highest species richness in 2025. The Plover Mills Corridor was close behind, while Cedar Creek, the Avon River, and the Middle Thames also showed strong diversity. These places tend to have a mix of shade, flowing water, cool pockets from groundwater, and patches of natural streambed. These features give fish more places to feed, spawn, and find refuge.

We also focused a fair amount of work in Cedar Creek, Medway Creek, the Middle Thames, River Bend, and the Plover Mills Corridor. Monitoring these areas year after year helps us understand long‑term trends and supports restoration and stewardship efforts with good information.

Want to know where these watercourses are? Check out the Watershed Report Card maps!

Sensitive Species

Northern Sunfish

Two Species at Risk appeared again in 2025. Each one helps us understand where healthy habitat still exists or has recovered.

Northern Sunfish were found mostly in Cedar Creek and the Avon River, with smaller numbers in Medway Creek and the Plover Mills Corridor. These fish like calm, plant‑rich waters, so their presence suggests that these areas offer quieter, vegetated habitats. We counted 23 Northern Sunfish in total.

Black Redhorse were most common in the Plover Mills Corridor and Medway Creek, with one record in the Middle Thames. These fish need clean gravel and steady flows, so their continued presence is an encouraging sign that some riffles remain relatively free of silt. We recorded 16 Black Redhorse this season.

We did not record any Silver Shiner in 2025. We will continue to keep watch for this species in the coming years.

2025 Results and Watershed Health

Taken together, these results show that many sections of the Upper Thames River watershed still provide the conditions fish need to survive. Streams that had shaded banks or well‑established vegetation tended to support more kinds of fish. Short stretches of good habitat, even when surrounded by more modified sections, work like stepping stones that help fish move through the system.

We recorded watercress at 32 of our sampling sites. This aquatic plant often grows where groundwater enters the stream, which creates cooler pockets of water during hot weather. These small, natural cool spots help fish manage warm summer conditions.

Even though there are always challenges such as summer heat or eroding banks, the overall story from 2025 is one of resilience. The fish communities we observed are holding together in many parts of the watershed, and the areas that are doing well help support the ones that are under more pressure.

Stewardship of the Thames

Good conditions in the water start with small, everyday choices along the land. Simple steps like keeping roots in the ground near creek edges, maintaining shrubs or trees where possible, and paying attention to areas of exposed soil help keep streams stable and clear. Clean gravel and shaded sections give fish places to thrive, and these features can exist in both rural and urban settings.

Students exploring the water with nets, families enjoying a neighbourhood trail, and landowners caring for a strip of vegetation all contribute to the health of our local streams. When these small efforts add up along the length of a creek, the whole river community benefits.

Tree Power Returns this Spring

Mark your calendars for our returning Tree Power programs! We have four running this spring including London, Stratford, West Perth and Thames Centre. Tree Power provides affordable native trees to residents thanks to partnerships with sponsors and municipalities. Tree species will include: American Sycamore, Paper Birch, Tulip Tree, White Spruce, and more!

London Hydro Tree Power:

• Sales open��on Monday, March 2��
• Tree��pick��up��is on��Friday, April 10 and Saturday, April 11
• Shop site:

West Perth Tree Power:

• Sales open on Monday, March 9��
• Tree pick up is on Saturday, April 25��
• Shop site:

One Month Left to Apply for Phosphorus Reduction Funding��

Year 2 of the����is coming to a close this month. Farmers who have kept their soil covered this winter by using cover crops or reduced tillage practices are encouraged to��submit��their application before the deadline (February 28, 2026).��

The application process is quick and straightforward, and funding is still available!��

The program supports on-farm practices that reduce phosphorus losses to local waterways. Eligible practices include cover crops, reduced tillage, 4R nutrient stewardship, manure management improvements, and cost-shared funding for a range of additional best management practices.��

There are many practical ways to reduce phosphorus losses, and producers can choose the practices that best fit their operation. Planting cover crops and using reduced tillage help protect soil from erosion and keep soil-bound phosphorus in place. Following 4R nutrient stewardship practices ensure fertilizer is applied at the right rate, source, time, and place, reducing excess phosphorus and runoff risk. Applying manure to fields with lower soil phosphorus levels can further reduce losses. Projects such as windbreaks, riparian buffers, and wetlands also help slow runoff, hold water on the landscape, and naturally filter out nutrients before they reach waterways.

The UTRCA is happy to be working with local landowners to support practical, farm-driven solutions that protect soil health and improve water quality across the watershed.

Farmers interested in participating are encouraged to apply, before the end of the month, to take advantage of available funding.��

Visit the Phosphorus Reduction Program page for more information, or contact��Chris Van Esbroeck, UTRCA Agricultural Stewardship Specialist.

��

Source Water Protection – Protecting drinking water before there's a problem

When you turn on your tap, you��probably don't��think much about where that water came from��or everything that happened to keep it clean along the way.��That's��a good thing. Drinking water should feel reliable.��

What many people don't realize is that a lot of work goes into protecting drinking water long before it reaches a treatment plant. This work is called Source Water Protection��and chances are, you've already benefited from it without even knowing.

What is Source Water Protection?��

Source Water Protection focuses on protecting the��sources��of drinking water, including lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers, before contamination occurs. Instead of reacting to��contamination after it enters the water, Source Water Protection��prevents��risks��in the first place.��

This includes identifying where drinking water comes from, understanding what activities could pose a contamination risk, and putting plans and policies in place to reduce those risks.��

Why Prevention Matters

Cleaning contaminated water is difficult, expensive, and not always fully effective. Preventing pollution at the source:��

• Keeps drinking water safer,
• Reduces treatment costs,
• Protects water supplies for the long term, and
• Helps avoid emergency situations.

Protection That Happens Behind the Scenes��

Source Water Protection��doesn't��usually make headlines — and��that's��by design.��Its success is reflected through proactive measures such as:��

• Strategic land-use planning near wells and intakes,
• Policies for storing fuels, chemicals, and waste,
• Spill prevention and emergency planning, and
• Best practices for businesses, farms, and municipalities.

We know these measures are working well, when we don't have any incidents.

Everyday Activities Still Matter��

Even with strong protection plans in place, everyday actions still play a role in keeping drinking water clean, including:

• Properly disposing of household chemicals,
• Maintaining septic systems,
• Preventing fuel and oil leaks from vehicles,
• Being mindful of what goes down drains and onto the ground, and
• Applying less road salt.

Small actions, when multiplied across a community, make��a big difference.��

A Shared Responsibility��

Source Water Protection is a team effort involving municipalities, conservation authorities, businesses, farmers, and residents.��It's��not about restricting daily��life;��it's��about making informed choices that protect a shared resource.��

The fact that most people never notice this work means it's doing exactly what it is supposed to do.��Clean, safe drinking water��doesn't��happen by accident.��It's��the result of planning, cooperation, and prevention,��much of it happening quietly in the background.��

By understanding and supporting Source Water Protection, we help ensure that safe drinking water��remains��something we can all count on, today and in the future.��