Wetlands Conservation Partner Program��

The Upper Thames Conservation Authority (UTRCA) received funding from the Province of Ontario through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program to conserve, restore, and improve wetlands in Ontario. This project aims to enhance and restore the functionality of nine hectares of wetland within the Upper Thames River watershed by removing invasive species and enhancing natural wetland features that have been impaired over time. ��

In total, six wetlands were enhanced through the management and removal of invasive species to improve ecological function and restore native plant communities. Phragmites and buckthorn were the two target invasive species to be managed on these wetlands. Thousands of phragmites stems were treated at five different wetland sites, with varying densities of the invasive plant. Golspie Swamp, one of UTRCA's Provincially Significant Wetlands, had to be treated carefully as native phragmites were present among the non-native ones.�� A follow up treatment is planned for 2025 to continue to manage phragmites in UTRCA wetlands.

The Ellice Swamp Provincially Significant Wetland north of Stratford has been home to a large population of Glossy Buckthorn. This is likely due to disturbance from peat extraction over many years at the swamp. A 3.4-hectare area was mapped, flagged, and treated to allow native vegetation to reclaim this area. The treated area will be assessed in 2025 to see what native and non-native species emerge with the added sunlight penetration to the forest floor. Efforts will continue to manage any new population of buckthorn.

Two additional wetland areas were restored by excavating shallow open water features and planting native plants, trees, and shrubs. One of these projects includes a new wetland at the Cade Tract property to improve connectivity to an existing wet meadow and act as a nutrient buffer for water that eventually flows to the Thames River. A shoreline wetland will also be restored to improve the resiliency of 430 metres of shoreline against flooding and erosion from intense storms.��

The enhancement and restoration of these wetland areas will provide a multitude of benefits within the watershed including improving water quality, supporting climate change resiliency, mitigating flood risks, and improving biodiversity.��

Before construction

During construction

Post construction

Funding Announcement: Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program

On November 13, the ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) announced it is receiving $17.4 million in funding over four years from the ��to support the Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program. This new initiative helps landowners implement agricultural best management practices (BMPs) that reduce phosphorus runoff, improving water quality in the Thames River and Lake Erie, while also boosting soil health and productivity on farms.

Although efforts have been made to reduce phosphorus loading, there is still significant room for improvement to reduce phosphorus loading within the Thames River watershed. This program will build on the strong foundation of successful past projects, this program aims to further expand UTRCA’s conservation efforts across public and private lands.

This program offers funding for BMPs such as cover crops, soil testing, nutrient planning, erosion control, and precision fertilizer applications to address these challenges. For more information and to see how you can get involved, please visit the UTRCA’s��Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program��page.

Suite of BMPs showcased across the field (cover crops, windbreak, woodlot buffer to watercourse, erosion control structures)

Thames River Regulated Area Map Update through the City of London��

Earlier this year, the Ontario government updated the Conservation Authorities Act and associated regulations. This legislation requires Conservation Authorities to prevent or restrict development in or near natural hazards, such as floodplains, steep slopes, and wetlands.����

As part of Ontario Regulation 41/24, Conservation Authorities are legally required to develop regulated area maps that depict the approximate location of natural hazards. The maps must be available online for anyone to view and must be updated annually, so that Conservation Authorities and their municipal partners are using the most current information to identify hazards, assess risk, and guide land use decisions.��

The ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) is undertaking a comprehensive review and modernization of its regulated area maps, starting with the Thames River corridor through the City of London. Improved base data (e.g., digital elevation data, aerial photography, and field survey data) is making the UTRCA's floodplain and erosion hazard modeling and mapping much more accurate.����

Maps can change whenever new information is added. For example, new or expanded development or new or replaced infrastructure (e.g., bridges or culverts) can alter the size of a regulated area. This means properties previously located outside of the regulated area could now be within it, and vice versa.��

The UTRCA is currently consulting the public on the draft, updated regulated area maps for the Thames River in the City of London. For most properties within the study area, the regulated area is not changing; UTRCA is regulating less within the City with this update.��

As part of the public consultation process, the UTRCA is inviting property owners in or near the Thames River regulated area in the City of London to one of the following sessions:����

In-person Open House:������

• What: Drop in to discuss the regulated area map updates and view draft maps.����

• When: Thursday, November 21, 2024, 6-9 pm��

• Where: Civic Garden Complex, Birch Room, 625 Springbank Drive, London��

Virtual Information Session:����

• What: Join us for a brief presentation about the regulated area map updates.����

• When: Tuesday, November 26, 2024, 7-8 pm����

• Where:

You can also visit the UTRCA's Thames River regulated area maps project page at for more information, to view draft maps, and to provide feedback on the updates. Comments on the Thames River regulated area maps will be received until December 26, 2024.��

Online Tree Store Now Open: Order Today and Plant in the Spring��

Are you planning a tree planting project for the spring?����

Whether you are planting a windbreak, buffer strips, or forest, the ����ֱ��'s (UTRCA) Tree Planting on Private Lands Program can help your project flourish.��

There are two ways to participate:��

1. Landowners can order trees from our online store to pick up in the spring and plant themselves. Browse our selection of coniferous and deciduous trees and wildlife shrubs at . Large stock trees and seedlings are available.
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2. Take advantage of our full planting services. Our expert forestry staff will visit your property to help design the project and return in the spring to plant the trees. In many cases, grants are available to save up to 80% off project costs. Get started by filling out the today.

The Tree Planting on Private Lands program is open to landowners with at least 1 hectare (2.5 acres) within the Upper Thames River watershed.��

For more information, contact Rob Davies, Forestry and Restoration Supervisor, or visit the Forestry and Tree Planting section of our website.

Meadows and Prairies����

Meadows and prairies are warm, sunny habitats brimming with a variety of plants and wildlife. They provide shelter, nesting sites, and food for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. They also play an important role in storing carbon and protecting soil from wind and water erosion.��

Tallgrass Prairies��

Prairies are ecosystems made up of deep-rooted native grasses and wildflowers that are able to withstand poor growing conditions and periodic grazing. They differ from meadows in that they arise in areas where limiting factors naturally discourage the growth of trees. Thus, a prairie is a climax community and, as such, once established, will remain as a long-lived ecosystem for many years.

One difference between a prairie and a meadow is that prairies are maintained primarily by fire to regenerate herbaceous vegetation and control woody and other non-prairie plants. Controlled burns are used to preserve prairie health, allowing it to thrive. Historically, these burns were carried out by the Indigenous people in the area.

Another difference between the two ecosystems is the ratio of grasses to wildflowers. Prairies have a higher grass content, often 70% grasses and 30% wildflowers. This ratio is ideal for grassland birds. Unlike many non-native pasture grasses, the sturdy stems of prairie grasses remain standing throughout winter. These stems provide cover in early spring for ground-nesting birds, such as Eastern Meadowlark and Bobolink, both of which are species at risk.

Prairie grasses can also be used as forage, providing high quality, relatively inexpensive feed for livestock.��

Meadows����

In contrast to long-lived prairies, meadows are temporary habitats and form as a result of an environmental disturbance. Newly exposed soil is quickly colonized by sun-loving flowers and grasses to create a meadow. These transitional communities will eventually develop into forests through the process of succession.��

The most familiar type of meadow is the old field meadow, commonly found on abandoned agricultural land, overgrown pastures, and rural roadsides and often dominated by goldenrods and asters. Without repeated disruption, a meadow is fleeting. Within a few years, tree and shrubs will once again dominate and eventually the meadow will disappear. Occasional mowing can provide the interference that keeps a meadow flourishing and clear of encroaching woody species.

Meadows usually contain 70% wildflowers and 30% grasses. Because meadows have a higher percentage of flowers, they are ideal for providing nectar for pollinators, such as our native bees and butterflies. ��

Both meadows and prairies are quickly vanishing on our landscape as they are being replaced with farm fields and human development. A variety of plants and wildlife rely on us to preserve these important habitats.����

Asters and Goldenrods in Meadow

To learn more, please refer to these facts sheets on the ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) website:����

• Tallgrass Prairies on the Farm
• Tallgrass Prairie Plant Species Native to the UTRCA Watershed
• Native Grass Species Appropriate for Restoration Projects

Contact: Brenda Gallagher, Forestry Technician

Bridge Installation Creates Loop Trail at Hodge's Pond��

Looking around Hodge's Pond, it's hard to believe that it was once agricultural land. From lush forests to several wetland cells and a meandering creek, it is an excellent example of a naturalized landscape.��

Improvements made throughout the years have not only had a positive impact on the environment, including improved water quality and wildlife habitat, but visitors have also benefitted from recreational opportunities afforded by the hiking trails.��

Most recently, a second bridge was installed across the creek to create a loop trail. Now, visitors can enjoy a 2.7 km hiking trail without having to retrace their footsteps.����

This work was completed thanks to funding from Gunn's Hill Limited Partnership, a green energy partnership that operates the wind farm neighbouring Hodge's Pond. Gunn's Hill LP has been supporting work at Hodge's Pond since 2018, contributing over $150,000 to property improvements. Their involvement has been highly valued by the ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) and our partners.��

In fact, Hodge's Pond has benefitted from a variety of funding sources – government, corporate, and private – as well as volunteers from schools, workplaces, and community groups. It has been a community-wide effort that embodies our mission to inspire a healthy environment.����

Visit the loop trail this fall and see for yourself!��

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Monitoring New Prairie Restoration Sites��

The ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) is establishing two new tallgrass prairies, one within Wildwood Conservation Area (CA) (12.7 ha) and the other in Fanshawe CA (10.3 ha). These prairies are being created to provide habitat for Eastern Meadowlarks and Bobolinks under an agreement with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO). This is part of compensation requirements for habitat losses as a result of highway improvement work in the region.������

Wildwood Field – Site preparation at the Wildwood field began in 2021 to kill the existing hay vegetation. In the fall of 2022, the field was seeded with a mix of nine tallgrass prairie species (four grasses and five flowers) by Ontario NativeScapes.������

Under the MTO agreement, the vegetation is to be monitored for five years. In August of 2023 and 2024, staff conducted vegetation inventories. In 2023, a total of 45 species were recorded with only 31% being native. Common dandelion dominated the field. A small number of prairie plants had established that first year, including six of the nine species planted the previous fall.

In 2024, there was a significant improvement. A total of 67 species were recorded, of which 48% were native. A much larger number of prairie plants had reached maturity including Big Bluestem, Yellow Indiangrass, and Giant Sunflower.��This tells us the field is progressing nicely and we can expect more prairie plants to dominate in the coming years. Prairie species are slower growing than the annual, non-native species that often quickly take over fallow fields.��

Fanshawe Field – The Fanshawe field was seeded this past May. The ample rain and heat resulted in a "bumper crop" of annual weeds, which were crowding out the prairie species, so staff mowed the field in early August to reduce the competition. By September, staff saw many immature prairie grasses, a promising sign for 2025. ��

Each prairie restoration project is different. While the steps taken to establish a prairie may be generally the same, some sites are more challenging than others and require a bit more effort or time to establish. Monitoring is very helpful for tracking the progression from a weedy field to a diverse prairie where grassland birds and pollinators can benefit.�� ��

Contact:��Cathy Quinlan, Terrestrial Biologist��

Hope and Action Climate Change Symposium����

On November 1st and 2nd, ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) staff from across multiple units participated in the Hope and Action Climate Change Symposium hosted by Museum London. The Symposium was designed to help celebrate and share positive actions that organizations across London are taking to confront climate change. The event featured of two days of programming, with the first day involving close to one hundred secondary students from schools across the city. Students began the day with a keynote address from water protector and advocate Tia Kennedy, who is from Oneida Nation of the Thames and Walpole Island First Nation. Following the keynote, students participated in a series of activities that included a flood walk, gallery tour, writing reflection, zine-making workshop, and community-engagement fair. Enjoy a short video of the day:��

The second day of the symposium offered the public a free day of “walks, talks, and family fun” and included panel discussions, guided tours, and activities for all ages that promote climate change awareness and action. Over 600 people attended the event and took in a wide array of programming including panel presentations from Indigenous youth, health care professionals, city and UTRCA staff, Western University professors, and more. The London Cycle Link led a community bike ride and the London Bicycle Café offered E-bike demonstrations and a free bike valet. Museum tours and film screenings showcased both the nature-inspired work of Christina Battle in her exhibition Under Metallic Skies, and the storytelling of Summer Bressette and Katie Wilhem’s in their film�� Baapaagimaak: Weaving Endurance. Attendees also participated in creative activities designed to inspire and educate, from hands-on workshops to collaborative art projects. Special thanks to Crunican Orchards for the donation of apples and the City of London for the free tree give-away.��������

Partner organizations included: Museum London, ReForest London, Western University Sustainability, Thames Talbot Land Trust, Western University Geography and Environment, London Bicycle Cafe, London Cycle Link, London Environmental Network, Green Economy London, Climate Action London, City of London (CEAP), Project Neutral, and the London Public Library.��

In-field Soil Health Assessment Training Workshop��

Earlier this fall ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) Stewardship staff led an in-field soil health assessment training event near St. Marys in partnership with Soil Resource Group (SRG), the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Farming and Agribusiness (OMAFA), Soils @ Guelph, and the Ontario Soil Network.

The event was an opportunity for farmers and rural landowners to get their hands dirty while learning new techniques to assess soil health on their own fields from industry experts. Steve and Cobi Sauder generously hosted the event at their farm near Wildwood Conservation Area and kicked off the session with a tour of the suite of Best Management Practices (BMPs) they incorporate into their farming operation. Using the Sauders' property as a case study, participants circulated through a series of stations across the farm field to learn about soil health indicators, practical tools to assess soil properties, and finally opportunities to build soil health. There was great knowledge sharing from both experts and participants throughout the training about their own experiences and soil health journeys. Thanks to our experts and attendees for a great afternoon of learning!��