National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30th, 2024Ìý

To mark September 30th, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) worked with the Indigenous Solidarity and Awareness Network (ISAN Oxford) to organize a Sunrise Ceremony which took place in the Bluegrass area of Pittock Conservation Area.

Open to the public, the event drew close to fifty people. Elders Dan and Mary Lou Smoke performed the ceremony which included a Sacred Fire and Eagle Staff. Attendees were invited to offer tobacco to the fire and share prayers and reflections.

The day concluded with ISAN’s 4th Annual March for Truth and Reconciliation which was held in Ingersoll and featured speeches, Indigenous vendors, and speakers, and a march through town past a memorial for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.Ìý Ìý

Photo by Ron Yuzark

Photo by Ron Yuzark

Shape the Future of Our Watershed – Share Your Input into the UTRCA Watershed Strategy!Ìý

At the ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA), our mission is to:Ìý

• protect people and property from flood and erosion hazards and support safe development,Ìý

• protect and enhance water quality and a sustainable water supply,Ìý

• make science-based decisions and deliver landowner stewardship,Ìý

• provide natural spaces and recreational opportunities, andÌý

• empower communities and youth.Ìý

To further set out our guiding principles and objectives, we are preparing a (Watershed Strategy) with the goal of improving the effectiveness of our programs and services.Ìý

Through consultation with municipalities, First Nations, and the public, the Watershed Strategy will assess resource conditions, trends, risks, and issues that could impact the delivery of our programs and services.Ìý

For instance, we have identified the following issues that will require coordinated, multiparty, and multijurisdictional actions and innovative funding solutions:Ìý

• Climate variability and changeÌý

• Water quality including phosphorus, harmful algae blooms, and other concerns (e.g., contaminants, salt pollution)Ìý

• Alteration to watercourses and wetlands (e.g., vegetation removal, channelization, watercourse barriers)Ìý

• Loss of natural vegetation cover (e.g., forests) and increased development pressureÌý

• Overuse and overcrowding of UTRCA natural areas and parksÌý

• Invasive species and forest pests/pathogensÌý

• Environmental injusticeÌý

• Disconnections from nature (i.e., limited opportunities to connect with nature)Ìý

Now, we want to hear from you!ÌýÌý

Your feedback on the Watershed Strategy will be considered as we prepare the final draft by the end of 2024. The full Watershed Strategy document (draft) is available on our , along with a short survey to gather your thoughts and opinions.Ìý

Please visit to participate now.Ìý

Métis Nation of Ontario plantingÌý

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) planted 75 trees adjacent to the Fanshawe Reservoir on September 28th, 2024. This is the third annual planting for which we've partnered with the MNO to create a wildlife corridor and reclaim a section of an agricultural field. We look forward to working with them again next year!

Climate Change Festival Spurs Hope and ActionÌý

TheÌýHope and Action Climate Change FestivalÌýon September 21st at Fanshawe Conservation Area was a great success! Over 2,200 people attended and enjoyed tours of Fanshawe Dam and the LEED-certified Watershed Conservation Centre. This event was part of Doors Open as well as the kick-off to the Green in the City event series.

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

• Bird Friendly LondonÌý
• Canadian Raptor ConservancyÌý
• City of LondonÌý
• Fanshawe CollegeÌý
• Fanshawe Let's Talk ScienceÌý
• Forest City Flyfishers ClubÌý
• Goodwill IndustriesÌý
• Local Food TrucksÌý
• London Bicycle CaféÌý
• London Environmental NetworkÌý
• London Fire DepartmentÌý
• London PoliceÌý
• London Public LibraryÌý
• South London Neighbourhood Resource CentreÌý
• Stem2SternÌý
• Thames Region Ecological AssociationÌý

Big thanks to the City of London for financial support for the event. For photos of the day, visit the .Ìý

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Celebrate the ThamesÌý

On Saturday, October 5th, 2024 the “Celebrate the Thames” event took place in Lions River Park in Thamesford. Organized in partnership with the ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) and Thamesford Lions Club and supported with generous funding from TD Friends of the Environment Fund.ÌýÌý

The day began with a special Water Ceremony performed by Wahsayzee Deleary. The event featured environmental education booths, Indigenous cultural education and awareness, and plenty of family friendly activities. Over 250 Attendees enjoyed presentations from the Aspen Ojibwe Spirit Horses, the Canadian Raptor Conservancy, and demonstrations of Indigenous flint knapping by Marvin Laidman. The day also included a free Lions barbecue and community partners displays from ISAN (Indigenous Solidarity and Awareness Network), the Forest City Fly Fishing Club, Thames River Anglers, the Oxford Library Bookmobile and Early On Oxford.ÌýÌý

Growing Good Land Stewards at the Carolinian Forest FestivalÌý

Springwater Conservation Area was buzzing with over 2,000 students who attended the from October 7-10 this year. After pouring out of school buses, the grade 7 and 8 students dispersed to 37 different activity stations set up along a hiking trail in Springwater Forest.Ìý

Each station featured hands-on, interactive games and activities to teach the students about forest ecosystems, species at risk, stewardship and conservation, and climate change. The lessons were linked to the Ontario curriculum and allowed each student to connect to their environment in new and interesting ways. Some found salamanders, held snakes, dissected owl pellets, used binoculars, identified trees, searched for birds, and much more.Ìý

These firsthand experiences of exploring nature and investigating their surroundings help to instill an environmental ethic in youth who become good land stewards – even teaching others how to care for the earth.Ìý

The ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) is proud to have assisted with this event organized by .Ìý

Salamander

For more photos of the festival, visit the .Ìý