Massive Changes Proposed on the eve of the Conservation Authorities Act's 80th AnniversaryÌý

For the latest news, go to our webpage on the Proposed Consolidation of Conservation Authorities

The provincial government has introduced legislation to amend the Conservation Authorities Act. If passed, the legislation will create the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency – a provincial, board-governed agency – to provide leadership, governance, strategic direction, and oversight of Ontario's conservation authorities.Ìý

The Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and the Chief Conservation Executive, who will lead the new agency, have also announced plans to consolidate the province's 36 conservation authorities into seven regional conservation authorities.Ìý

The ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) would become part of the proposed Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority. The new regional conservation authority would amalgamate eight existing conservation authorities – Catfish Creek, Essex Region, Grand River, Kettle Creek, Long Point Region, Lower Thames Valley, St. Clair Region, and Upper Thames River.Ìý

The new Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority would include 81 municipalities. The eight individual Boards of Directors of the existing conservation authorities, made up of local municipal representatives, would be replaced by a new, yet to be determined municipal governance structure.Ìý

Currently, the 17 municipalities within the upper Thames River watershed appoint representatives to the UTRCA Board of Directors. These members represent their local urban and rural communities, deciding policies and programs that will lead to a healthy watershed.Ìý

You can view a or the interactive online map.Ìý

The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the government's proposed regional consolidation of the 36 Conservation Authorities via the before midnight on December 22, 2025. Ìý

For more information:Ìý

• Ìý
• Ìý
• amending the Conservation Authorities Act to establish the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency.Ìý

UTRCA Online Tree Store Now Open!Ìý

Private landowners in the Upper Thames River watershed can now easily purchase trees online through the .

Open until February 27, 2026, the makes it simple to browse and purchase a wide selection of coniferous and deciduous trees, as well as wildlife shrubs for planting next spring. For the best selection, landowners are encouraged to place orders early, as popular species and sizes often sell out quickly.Ìý

Trees are available through the , open to landowners with at least 2.5 aces within the Upper Thames River watershed. Typical projects include creating windbreaks, retiring highly erodible land, establishing buffer strips along waterways, and enhancing wildlife habitat.Ìý

Large stock trees and seedlings can be planted by landowners or through the UTRCA's full planting service. Those interested in this option are encouraged to contact forestry staff before completing an online order. UTRCA Forestry staff are available by phone or email to answer questions, assist with orders, or arrange a site visit if needed.Ìý

Depending on project eligibility, landowners may qualify for grants covering up to 100% of planting costs through various funding programs.

New! Thanks to the Perth County Stewardship Program – Community Stream Grant, UTRCA can now offer Perth County landowners an additional grant to reduce the cost of seedlings and large stock trees for those not already participating in the Perth Stewardship Program.

Refunds will be issued after February 27, once the Tree Store has closed and all orders have been reviewed for eligibility. Estimated refund amounts are $0.50 per seedling, $5 per potted conifer, and $15 per bare root hardwood, depending on program uptake.

Thank you for your continued support in helping grow a healthier greener watershed! Ìý

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Smart Winter Maintenance: Protecting Our Drinking Water from Salt and SnowÌý

As temperatures drop and winter weather approaches, many of us start preparing for icy roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. Road salt is a trusted ally in keeping these surfaces safe, but when salt is over-applied or improperly stored, it can have long-lasting impacts on our local waterways and drinking water sources.Ìý

Once salt dissolves, it doesn’t disappear. Meltwater and runoff carry chloride (the main component of salt) into nearby streams, rivers, and groundwater. Even small amounts can build up over time, harming aquatic life and affecting the quality of our drinking water. This winter, a few smart practices can go a long way in protecting both public safety and our sources of drinking water.Ìý

1. Apply Salt WiselyÌý

• Use the right amount. More salt doesn’t always mean more safety. Once the pavement is covered, additional salt offers little benefit and simply washes away.Ìý
• Monitor conditions. Apply salt only when temperatures are appropriate (salt is less effective when temperatures are below -10°C).Ìý
• Use calibrated equipment. For larger properties or municipal operations, ensure spreaders are properly calibrated so that salt is distributed evenly and efficiently.Ìý
• Sweep up the leftover salt. After snow and ice have melted, sweep up any remaining salt to keep it from entering storm drains.Ìý

2. Store Salt SafelyÌý

• Keep salt covered and contained. Store it on an impermeable surface and under a roof or weatherproof tarp to prevent it from washing away during rain or snowmelt.
• Maintain good drainage. Ensure storage areas are located away from wells, ditches, and storm drains, and that runoff is directed to vegetated areas for natural filtration.
• Inspect regularly. Check storage piles throughout the winter for tears in covers, pooling water, or exposed salt.

3. Choose Snow Storage Locations Carefully

• Snow piles often contain road salt, sand, and debris. Place them away from wells, ditches, storm drains, and watercourses.Ìý
• Have a designated snow storage area. These should be on level ground and ideally with a buffer of vegetation to help filter runoff.Ìý
• Plan ahead. Identify and prepare appropriate snow storage areas before major storms hit.Ìý

Balancing winter safety with drinking water protection is possible, and it starts with awareness. By taking a few simple steps to manage salt and snow responsibly, property owners, municipalities, and contractors can all play a part in keeping our drinking water sources clean for us all.ÌýÌý

For more tips and resources, visit the

Riparian Buffer Zone PlantingÌýat Thamesford Lions River Park

On Sunday, November 2, the ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) supported a planting of 52 native trees and shrubs in Lions River Park with the Thamesford Lions, Kintore-Thamesford Scouts, and community members. Tree species planted included Swamp White Oak, Burr Oak, Tulip, Red Maple, Sycamore, and White Cedar, and shrubs included Nannyberry, Serviceberry, and Red Osier Dogwood. Ìý

The event included a free BBQ, hosted by the Thamesford Lions, to thank UTRCA staff, the Scouts, Zorra Township, fellow Lions members, and community participants.Ìý

The plantings were made possible through an EcoAction Funding Stream from the Canada Water Agency. The plantings are part of an ongoing partnership with the Thamesford Lions to create a naturalized buffer zone along the Middle Thames in River Park which incorporates capstone viewing areas and fishing steps so that community members can have access to the river.Ìý

Fabulous Fall with Fanshawe Nature SchoolÌý

The preschool years are one of the most important times of a child's life to be immersed in nature, and to foster that first appreciation and respect for our local natural spaces.Ìý

Fanshawe Nature School does just that! Children ages 2-5 with their caregivers develop confidence and comfort in place-based learning, exploring, and playing!ÌýÌý

This fall session, we learned about our local creatures that migrate, hibernate, and stay active in the colder months through stories, songs, activities, and crafts. Along with our weekly exploration of provocations and loose parts provided in our play pods. Ìý

What better way to learn about our wild spaces by being in them!ÌýWe are already looking forward to our Spring 2026 session at Fanshawe Nature School!Ìý

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Highlights from the Hope and Action Festival

Anishinaabe Elder Mary Lou Smoke

On Saturday, October 25, over a thousand people visited Fanshawe Conservation Area to attend the Hope and Action Festival. The day began with an Indigenous ceremony led by Anishinaabe Elder Mary Lou Smoke. Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed an exciting array of activities, including a live raptor show, giant floor map interpretation, live local music, kids zone games, community partner booths, an emergency flood response vehicles display, e-bike demonstration, and much more.

Many also contributed letters to the Hope and Action Time Capsule, sharing hopes for a greener, brighter future, and the actions being taken today to turn these dreams into a reality.

Thank you to all the partners who took part in this great day:

• Bird Friendly London
• Canadian Raptor Conservancy
• City of London
• Climate Action London
• Fanshawe Pioneer Village
• Forest City Flyfishers
• Local Food Trucks
• London Bicycle Café
• London Cycle Link
• London Fire Department
• London Middlesex Master Gardeners
• London Music Office
• London Police
• London Public Library
• Middlesex Centre Pollinator Team
• Museum of Ontario Archeology
• ReForest London
• Seniors for Climate Action Now
• South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre
• Thames Talbot Land Trust
• Thames Region Ecological Association
• Western Sustainability
• Western Connecting for Climate Change Course
• Wild Birds Unlimited

This free, family-friendly event was hosted by the UTRCA, Thames Talbot Land Trust, and the City of London.

Hope and ActionÌýFestival: Student Day

On Friday, October 24, eight Grade 7 and 8 classes from the Thames Valley District School Board and the London District Catholic School Board participated in the Hope and Action Festival School Day. The day featured hands-on learning designed to spark hope and inspire youth to take action for a greener future. Students participated in a series of activities that included exploring the Biinaagami Giant Floor Map, learning from community partners about environmental resiliency and sustainability, enjoying a live raptor show, and measuring water quality through macro-invertebrate benthic testing.

Benthic Macroinvertebrates Sampling

Reconciliation starts with UnderstandingÌý

ÌýThe ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥’s (UTRCA) Team for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (TIDE) organized several learning opportunities for staff around the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The activities included:Ìý

• Lunchtime video screening of visit by comedian Jonny Harris to Oneida Nation of the Thames (),Ìý
• Sunrise Ceremony at Pittock Conservation Area, led by Mary Lou Smoke,Ìý
• Reflections on land acknowledgements and how to develop personal introductions when working with Indigenous people,Ìý
• Exploring a large, interactive floor map of Indigenous Canada.,Ìý
• Orange lighting overnight at the gatehouses to Fanshawe and Wildwood Conservation Areas.Ìý

Earlier in the fall, TIDE hosted a lunchtime discussion of “52 Ways to Reconcile,” by David A. Robertson, and organized a group purchase of orange “Every Child Matters” t-shirts from a local Indigenous vendor for interested staff.Ìý

The UTRCA is undertaking Indigenous Cultural Competency Training for all staff and Board members over the next few months, led by a local Indigenous consultant. The training sessions for staff begin in November and will continue in the New Year.Ìý

Sunrise Ceremony at Pittock Conservation Area

Mini Forest at Fanshawe Conservation AreaÌý

On October 20, the ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) in partnership with the London Environmental Network (LEN) planted a mini forest at Fanshawe Conservation Area! With the help of community volunteers and students from Western University's Dirty Nature Writing Course, 300 native trees and shrubs were planted within 100 square meters.ÌýÌý

Earlier in June, the UTRCA and LEN, along with the help of volunteers, completed site preparations on this area which was then simply a patch of mowed grass. Site preparation included laying down cardboard, mulch, and compost to kill the grass and provide a nutrient rich soil to plant in this fall.Ìý

The trees and shrubs planted in the mini forest are all native to the London area and will provide shelter and food to local wildlife. Species planted include Eastern White Pine, Black Cherry, Bitternut Hickory, Pagoda Dogwood, Nannyberry, Witch Hazel, Yellow Birch, and more.

Apart from the wildlife benefits that mini forests provide, they also aid in water conservation by:ÌýÌý

• Storing water from rainfall and snowmelt and then releasing it slowly into groundwater,
• Regulating rainfall through evapotranspiration (the combined processes through which water is transferred to the atmosphere from open water and ice surfaces, bare soil, and vegetation that make up the Earth's surface),
• Preventing erosion by stabilizing soil and reducing sediment that runs off into local waterways, andÌý
• Filter sediment and nutrients from water.Ìý

This mini forest was possible thanks to RBC, Green Communities Canada, the City of London, Enbridge, Thriving Communities, TRY Recycling, and Waste Connections of Canada.ÌýÌý

For more information, please contact April Scholz, Community Partnership Specialist.Ìý

For more photos, visit Ìý