A Bustling Fall at Wildwood Nature School��

Upper Thames River Conservation (UTRCA) Education staff at Wildwood Conservation Area had a very successful fall Nature School session with two full programs (Falcons and Fledglings and Eagles) and two Professional Development Day programs. The Falcons and Fledglings (parent and tot) were an inquisitive group who loved to explore animals, sounds, and colours. They spent a lot of time learning how to build and balance at "The Maple" and whip up feasts in "The Kit."��

The Eagles, which is a full day program for ages 7 to 12, have become a familiar group with many returning participants. They are explorers extraordinaire and are always up for an adventure. This group loves to visit the places at Wildwood that are special to them like Chickadee Creek and the Dark Forest, each time learning or seeing something new.����

A favourite skill learned this fall was how to make an acorn whistle, although leaders "Maple" and "Sunshine" might have second guessed teaching them! Every Thursday was filled with learning about a variety of topics the kids were interested in like invasive species, weather folklore, winter animal preparations and, new this fall, tool use. A perennial favourite is building campfires, cookout lunches, and improving on fort building skills.��

Did you know birds have four toes? Well, the Hawks (PD Day program) made this discovery when we learned all about our feathered friends. The group even witnessed a flock of wild turkeys hanging out in the forest. The group also had the chance to start the feeder season with chickadees.��

For more information about Nature School,��visit our website here.

What is Thundersnow?

Have you been wondering if there is a name for the snowy thunderstorms you've been seeing across the watershed? These wintery thunderstorms are called Thundersnow.����

Late Friday, January 12, 2024 the Upper Thames watershed experienced Thundersnow as a result of a Texas low moving over the Great Lakes and into Southern Ontario. This storm included heavy snow, wind gusts, thunder, lightning, as well as approximately 15.88 mm of precipitation falling in London, 14.42mm near St. Marys, 4.40mm near Embro and 4.22mm in the Mitchell.����

A Texas low is a low-pressure area that forms or intensifies over the Gulf of Mexico and moves Northeast (Wikipedia). Thundersnow, sometimes called White Lightning, is when a thunderstorm is accompanied by precipitation in the form of snow instead of rain. The thunder that is heard with this type of winter storm is a lot less dramatic than that of summer thunderstorms, due to the snow dampening and softening the sound of thunder.����

Thundersnow is relatively rare and needs specific conditions to develop. Four things are needed to result in these rare storms, namely: moisture, lift, an unstable atmosphere temperature profile, and below freezing air in the cloud and near ground level (Schultz, David, James 2009).�� Due to Southern Ontario being surrounded by the Great Lakes it is more likely to have the ideal conditions to create thundersnow when the lakes are unfrozen and warmer than the surrounding air.����

According to Ed Brotak, "There are several weather situations in which thundersnow storms can develop. Cold air moving across a warmer body of water can set up a lapse rate (the rate at which air temperature falls with increasing altitude) sufficiently steep to generate convection and while the added moisture from below can generate more precipitation. Such a setup often occurs around the Great Lakes in winter. The famous "lake effect" snow often has a convective nature, especially early in winter when the lakes are their warmest and cold polar or arctic air masses move in from the northwest. This usually occurs following the passage of a low-pressure area and its associated cold front. With the low to the northeast of the region, the cyclonic flow produces a westerly wind across the warm lake waters, the air near the surface is warmed and moistened" (Brotak, 2010).������

This Phenomena needs perfect conditions to develop, which means there have been limited opportunities to study this unique weather event as opposed to other weather events we endure more frequently (Market, Patrick, Chris, Rebecca Dec. 2002). Over the past few winters the weather conditions in Southern Ontario have been ideal for experiencing this infrequent weather event which will only continue to aid in improving meteorologists understanding of thundersnow. Until a better understanding of these storms exists, we will simply have to watch the skies to appreciate this meteorological marvel.������

Sources:��

Schultz, David M., and R. James Vavrek. "An overview of thundersnow." Weather 64.10 (2009): 274-277.��

Brotak, Ed. "Thundersnow." AeroSafety world 5 (2010).��

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Learn More about Protecting Drinking Water Sources ��

Do you know how you can help protect sources of drinking water? ��

Stay informed about protecting drinking water in the Thames-Sydenham and Region by connecting with our new social media accounts! Our new and ��focus on how you can help protect drinking water.��

Our social media campaigns are in full swing, aiming to boost awareness about drinking water source protection and inspire people to take action. We'll be discussing threats to drinking water, insights into the Clean Water Act, practical ways to safeguard drinking water, and more!  ��

Take a deep dive into how you can help safeguard drinking water sources and what drinking water source protection is all about. ��

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In Ontario, the Clean Water Act (CWA) safeguards both existing and future drinking water sources, reflecting the Province's dedication to implementing recommendations from the Walkerton Inquiry aimed at fortifying human health and environmental protection.��

In 2007, a local committee was established through the CWA, to guide the development of a science-based plan aimed at protecting the sources of local municipal drinking water. A Source Protection Plan was developed that identifies areas where these drinking water sources are vulnerable, potential threats, and plans to mitigate the threats.��

The Upper Thames River, Lower Thames Valley, and St. Clair Region Conservation Authorities have partnered together to work with the Source Protection Committee to coordinate development of the plans for our watersheds. ��

Protecting water sources is the first step to ensure a safe, secure supply of drinking water. Connect with our social media platforms to stay updated on important information regarding drinking water source protection in the Thames-Sydenham and Region!��

UTRCA Hosts Annual Flood Coordinators Meeting��

On December 14, 2023, the ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) hosted its annual Flood Coordinators meeting. The meeting was open to flood coordinators from watershed municipalities and local First Nations, as well as staff from other agencies, including:��

• Middlesex, Oxford, and Perth Counties��
• Health units��
• Neighbouring conservation authorities��
• Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Flood Forecasting Centre��
• Local police and fire departments��
• Local school boards��

During a flood event, UTRCA staff send bulletins and other information to these individuals, who are responsible for carrying out necessary actions including disseminating flood bulletins to the public and/or augmenting the flood control infrastructure.����

Approximately 40 people attended in-person and online to learn about the UTRCA’s flood forecasting program.��

The meeting is an annual training session for watershed flood coordinators which allows a refresher for some and an introduction to the responsibilities for those new to the role of municipal Flood Coordinator. The meeting always includes a review of the UTRCA’s Flood Contingency Plan to explain how our system works in terms of data collection and analyses, as well as communications with residents and municipalities. This session also included an overview of the UTRCA’s water and erosion control structures and their relative benefits related to flood control, as well as ongoing and upcoming work.��

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Helping Teachers to Teach Outdoors��

����ֱ�� (UTRCA) Community Education staff led two Outdoor Learning sessions for over 50 London District Catholic School Board kindergarten teachers as part of a school board-wide Professional Development Day.����

Teachers that signed up for the sessions learned tips for setting up and facilitating outdoor learning experiences in school yards. For example, they considered the assets within their own outdoor spaces to help children make connections to nature and build positive relationships with the land.����

UTRCA staff also modeled various ways for teachers to use nature for sensory-based activities, and math, science and language connections in fun and engaging ways.��

Find Out Hoo Learned, Played, and Explored at Fanshawe Nature School this Fall!��

Have you ever felt a true connection to a natural space where you can feel completely secure to relax, explore, and let your senses be your guide?��

“Owls and Owlets” had this experience during the six morning sessions of Fall Fanshawe Nature School. ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) Community Education staff have developed a safe and comfortable playing and learning space tucked into one of the coniferous plantations at Fanshawe Conservation Area (CA) where participants all have the freedom to play, investigate and learn!����

During the fall session, we had some familiar faces eager to reconnect with the places they remembered, as well as some new ones ready to check things out. The children (ages 2 through 5) were excited to arrive and caregivers (Owls) will tell us that their Owlets want to come to Nature School every day!��

Some of the highlights were developing balancing and jumping skills in the Scramble, figuring out how to make ramps and testing the speed of rolling wood disks in the Hive, and getting creative to come up with culinary masterpieces in the Mess.��

We went on several nature hikes during the sessions all with a different theme, from find our very own hidden pumpkin, to learning how to move like local animals, and collecting our favourite items in nature.

The time we spend at Fanshawe Nature School with our Owls and Owlets is gratifying and rewarding. To see the Owlets developing a positive relationship with a natural space as they progressively learn more about nature through exploration, inquiry, and interest is amazing to witness. We look forward to providing this space and time for new little Owlets in the Spring of 2024!��

For more information contact:��Kim Gilbert, Community Education Technician��

New Bridge Installed in Dorchester Conservation Area��

Have you spotted the new bridge in Dorchester Conservation Area (CA)?����

The bridge – constructed on a flatbed trailer with wood decking and a steel frame – was designed and installed by ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) staff and funded by Thames Centre in December 2023. It’s 54 feet long and wider than its predecessor.��

Built in the 1960s, the previous concrete bridge was deteriorating. A full replacement was required to continue enabling foot traffic across the creek by the parking lot. Community members often visit this area for hiking, commuting to nearby schools, fishing, and enjoying the playground.��

When you visit Dorchester CA, you will be greeted by wooded slopes of oaks, Sugar Maple, American Beech, Black Cherry, and poplars that rim the pond. Over the years, community groups have transformed lawns into plantings of native trees and shrubs. You might even get to see a Bluebird at one of the bird boxes.��

Contact:��Jason Belfry,��Land Management Supervisor (UTRCA Lands) or call at 519-451-2800 ext. 280��

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A New Threat: Beech Bark Disease��

What is Beech Bark Disease?��

Beech Bark Disease (BBD) is a new threat affecting American Beech trees (Fagus grandifolia) in Canada’s hardwood and mixed forests. This disease is the result of an insect-fungus complex caused by a non-native insect, beech scale (Cryptococcus fagisuga), coupled with a Neonectria fungus. ��

Beech scale comes from Europe and first arrived in Nova Scotia in the 1890s. This insect, and the ensuing disease, is gradually spreading throughout much of the natural range of beech trees and is now found in all the maritime provinces, Quebec, and several eastern US states. In 1999, it was confirmed to be in Ontario.��

How do Beech Trees Contract the Disease?��

The disease begins with healthy trees being attacked by the scale insect. An infestation is easily detected as the nymphs or crawlers secrete a white, waxy covering to protect their body, giving the tree a woolly or snowy appearance. They pierce the living bark, creating puncture wounds as they feed on the tree’s sap. The feeding holes kill the bark cells, causing small cracks to form on its surface. ��

While the insect does not move far on its own, they can be carried long distances by wind, mammals, birds, or in firewood. Usually, the larger trees in a stand are attacked first. Although the scales generally do not kill the tree, infestations reduce tree vigour and growth, and lower the tree’s resistance to fungal infections. ��

Three to six years after the introduction of beech scale, the causal fungus (Neonectria faginata) enters the tree through the wounds opened by the insects and begins to colonize and destroy the cambial layer. This stage of the disease produces circular or oval shaped cankers that deform the bark surface. ����

In the fall, small orange-red fruiting bodies appear in and around the canker, releasing tiny fungal spores that are dispersed to new sites by wind and splashing rain. Branches above large patches of dead bark often show signs of decline, producing yellowing leaves and reduced canopy. As the cankers become progressively worse, the tree is girdled, resulting in 90% of the trees succumbing to the disease within five to 10 years. ��

Ecological, Economic, and Social Impacts��

American beech plays an important role in the forests of eastern Canada. BBD causes severe die-back in mature beech trees, negatively impacting wildlife, biodiversity, and sustainable forests in Ontario. ����

• The disease typically kills larger trees first, significantly reducing canopy cover and altering the stand structure and forest dynamics.����
• Along with oaks, beech trees are valuable nut-producing trees, providing an important source of mast (food) for many forest-dwelling birds and mammals. The loss of beech trees means a change in food availability for wildlife, including black bears, deer, squirrels, and several bird species. Their demise also results in a loss of habitat for cavity-nesting birds and mammals.��
• While not particularly sought after, beech wood does provide valuable lumber, possessing a beautiful, fine grain for flooring and furniture. BBD may reduce the marketability of infected trees, thus negatively impacting the forest industry.��
• The loss of these beautiful trees decreases the aesthetic value of our hardwood forests.��

Trees that are at Risk��

Trees are more at risk of BBD when there is a nutrient imbalance in the forest soils. Drought and other pests can predispose trees to the disease. Weather conditions, such as winter temperatures that remain above -25° C or continual autumn rainfall, can favour the build-up of beech scale populations and the Neonectria fungus. ��

On a positive note, heavy rains can wash crawlers off the trees and delay infestation, and some trees (about 1%) may exhibit resistance to the scale insect or tolerance to the fungus. Trees less than 30 years old also seem to have a natural immunity to attacks.��

Past Tree Planting Efforts Reaping Rewards��

There is a saying "The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago, the second-best time is today."�� Luckily, the ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) and others have been planting trees on public and private land for well over 30 years and today we are reaping the benefits of past restoration efforts. The 2022 UTRCA documented a 780 hectare increase between 2010 and 2015 in the Upper Thames River watershed. This is due to forest maturation, where trees planted in blocks in the 1970s and 1980s are now old enough to be considered woodland or forest cover.�� ��

A unique tree planting program is the UTRCA Memorial Forest Program. Under this program, people purchase a tree in memory of a loved one through participating funeral homes and the UTRCA coordinates the planting, often on UTRCA land.������

One such example is the Furtney Memorial Forest, offered in partnership with Logan and Evans Funeral ����ֱ��s at Fanshawe Conservation Area. In the UTRCA Memorial Forest Program, people purchase a tree in memory of a loved one through participating funeral homes and the UTRCA coordinates the planting, often on UTRCA land. In the early 1990s, a block of memorial forest trees was planted in a grassy area near the start of the Tamarack Trail. Thirty years later, those trees (mostly maples, sycamore, and hackberry) are now nearing maturity. The leaf litter and shade provided by the trees have killed off most of the sod grass and the area is starting to resemble a natural forest!��

The wording on the memorial forest sign says it best: "A living tribute to our loved ones … a better environment for generations to come."��

For more information on the Memorial Forest Program click here. For information on UTRCA's other tree planting programs, please visit here.

Contact: Cathy Quinlan, Terrestrial Biologist��

Watershed Report Cards Shared Far and Wide��

The ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) released its 2022 Watershed Report Cards��in early 2023. Since then, staff have been giving presentations to municipal committees, field naturalist clubs, municipal staff, anglers groups, partnership groups, university students, and stakeholders across the Upper Thames River watershed.�� The initial ����ֱ�� spurred interview requests from several local papers and media outlets as the report cards were met with much enthusiasm. To date, sixteen��presentations and interviews have been given with more scheduled through 2024.��

People are interested in hearing about environmental conditions in their local watersheds and finding out why the grades were given for surface water quality (D overall) and forest conditions (D overall).

The energy and passion of these groups to learn about what they can do to improve the environment is inspiring.��

The information on the website along with the interactive Storymap continues to be updated with new information and the online tools have garnered over 2,000 views since the launch in March 2023. Providing anthe interactive online platform to explore the report cards has been a huge success! You can��

Our team looks forward to further sharing the report cards in 2024. Please reach out if you or your organization would like a presentation.��

Contact:��Cathy Quinlan, Terrestrial Biologist or��Craig Irwin, Water Quality Specialist