Thames River Regulated Area Map Update – City of London��

The revised draft regulated area map for the Thames River in the City of London, was posted on October 17, 2025, for a 30-day notification period, as required by Ontario Regulation 41/24. This updated draft reflects changes made following public engagement and is available for viewing on UTRCA's and .

Questions or comments may be submitted to mapupdates@thamesriver.ca or directly through Engage Thames River. After the 30-day notification period, the draft map will be presented to the UTRCA Board of Directors for approval at their meeting on November 25, 2025.��

Community Helps Restore Habitat at Dorchester Mill Pond��

On September 13, 2025, more than 30 community members came together at the Dorchester Mill Pond to take part in an aquatic species planting event organized by the Dorchester Mill Pond Committee and the ����ֱ�� (UTRCA).��

Participants planted a variety of native aquatic plants along the shoreline and the newly built crib wall, helping to stabilize the banks, improve water quality, and enhance habitat for fish and wildlife.��

The crib wall, constructed this past summer by UTRCA staff, was designed to prevent shoreline erosion, provide habitat for aquatic species, and support the long-term health of the Mill Pond ecosystem.��

The crib wall project and resulting planting event was funded by the Canada Water Agency and the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, whose support made it possible to continue important restoration work at this cherished local site.��

Big thanks to all the volunteers and partners who contributed their time and energy to improving the health and beauty of the Mill Pond for the entire community to enjoy!��

For more information on the Dochester Mill Pond, please visit our website here.

Exciting Stewardship Funding Opportunities for Landowners��

Did you know the ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) offers a range of stewardship funding programs to support landowners and farmers across the watershed? Whether your goal is improving water quality, enriching your soul, planting native vegetation, or creating wildlife habitat, we have funding programs designed to help you make it happen.��

Our stewardship funding programs include:��

• The , which helps with best management practices such as 4R Phosphorus Management, residue cover, erosion control, and watercourse fencing.��

• supports projects that protect and enhance water quality, from well decommissioning to retiring fragile lands. ��

• For those interested in enhancing the landscape, the new encourages planting native grasslands or shelterbelts. ��

• And our popular continues to help landowners create large-scale restoration projects such as windbreaks, wetlands, and woodlots.��

Funding is still available, so now is a great time to get started! Visit the UTRCA’s to learn more and apply.

UTRCA Brings Flood Safety Tips to Newcomer Day��

On October 4, 2025, the ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) participated in the City of London's 2025 London Newcomer Day.�� ��

Organized by the City's Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Division and held at Fanshawe College, this one-day event welcomes newcomers to the community with the goal of "attracting, integrating, and retaining newcomers to London." ��

The event brought together new residents, local organizations, service providers, and community leaders, attracting over 700 visitors. The UTRCA booth provided information about flood safety, as well as information about the area's plant and animal species. Visitors were keen to learn about employment and volunteer opportunities, as well as avenues for enjoying London's Environmental Significant Areas and local Conservation Areas.�� ��

Sunrise Ceremony on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30, 2025 ��

To mark September 30, 2025, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – a day to honour and remember Survivors of residential schools and the children who never returned home – the ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) worked with members of Oxford County’s Indigenous community and their allies to organize a Sunrise Ceremony in the Bluegrass area of Pittock Conservation Area.��

Open to the public, the event drew close to 100 people. Elder 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. This is the second year in a row that a Sunrise Ceremony has been held at Pittock for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We remember Mary Lou Smoke’s late husband Dan Smoke who led the Ceremony with Mary Lou in 2024.��

Friends of Stoney Creek Celebrate Community and Conservation at Annual “Get to Know Your Creek” Event��

On October 5, 2025, the Friends of Stoney Creek hosted their annual “Get to Know Your Creek” event, drawing more than 60 enthusiastic participants for a hands-on exploration of their local waterway. The Friends of Stoney Creek are a group of concerned citizens who work with the ����ֱ�� (UTRCA), the City of London, and the local community to improve the health of Stoney Creek.��

The event invited families, students, and nature lovers to wade into the creek and discover the fascinating world of benthic macroinvertebrates—tiny aquatic creatures that serve as important indicators of water quality. By collecting and identifying these organisms, participants gained a deeper understanding of the creek’s health and the role it plays in the surrounding ecosystem.��

In addition to the in-stream activities, volunteers also took part in a litter cleanup and some aftercare of a nearby wildflower garden, helping with weeding and infilling native wildflowers to support pollinators and enhance local biodiversity.��

The day offered a mix of education, exploration, and stewardship, reinforcing the importance of protecting Stoney Creek and its surrounding environment. The Friends of Stoney Creek plan to continue hosting this annual event as a fun and meaningful way for residents to connect with and care for their local watershed.��

For more information, please visit the UTRCA’s website.��

TD Tree Days Planting at Chippewas of the Thames First Nations����

On September 25, 2025, the ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) supported a tree planting generously funded by TD Friends of the Environment Fund.����

Student volunteers from the University of Western's Masters in Environmental Studies program joined community members to help with the planting, which took place on a naturalized tall grass prairie site near the river.������

After the planting, the students had lunch at the Community Centre followed by presentations by members of Chippewas of the Thames First Nations' Treaties, Lands, and Environment Department. Trees that were planted included Bur Oak, Red Oak, Bitternut Hickory, Sugar Maple, Red Maple, Paper Birch, Tulip Tree, Black Cherry, American Sycamore, Eastern White Pine, White Pine, and Basswood.��

Autumn Clean- Up: Protecting Source Water While Prepping for Winter��

As the leaves begin to fall and the days grow shorter, many of us turn our attention to autumn clean-ups around our homes and properties. While raking, pruning, and tidying are all part of preparing for winter, it's also a perfect time to think about how these seasonal activities can impact our local drinking water sources. Thames-Sydenham Source Protection Region would like to remind you of simple choices to make in the fall that can help protect rivers, lakes, and groundwater, the very sources of our drinking water.��

Keep Leaves and Yard Waste Out of Storm Drains��

When leaves are blown or swept into storm drains, they don't just disappear. Instead, they can clog drainage systems, cause localized flooding, and release nutrients into waterways as they decompose. This can contribute to algae growth and lower water quality. Composting leaves or using them as mulch in gardens is a water-friendly alternative that keeps organic matter out of storm systems.��

Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste Safely��

Fall clean-up often includes clearing out garages and sheds. Leftover paints, oils, cleaners, and pesticides should never be poured down drains, onto the ground, or into storm sewers. Many municipalities offer fall hazardous waste collection days—an excellent opportunity to safely dispose of these materials and keep harmful chemicals out of drinking water sources.��

Fertilizer and Pesticide Awareness��

If you're treating your lawn one last time before winter, remember that fertilizers and pesticides can easily wash into streams, rivers, and lakes during autumn rains. Consider skipping chemical treatments in the fall or opting for natural alternatives like compost. Healthy soil and strong root systems will prepare your lawn just as well for winter, without the added risk to water quality.��

Protect Wells Before the Freeze��

For rural residents relying on private wells, fall is the right time to inspect your system. Make sure well caps are secure, check for signs of damage, and test your water to ensure there's no contamination. Taking preventive steps now can help avoid problems when winter snow and ice begin to melt in the spring. For more information check out��

Don't Forget Your Septic System��

Fall is a great time to check in on your septic system before the ground freezes. A well-maintained septic tank helps protect both your property and local drinking water sources. Have your tank inspected and pumped if needed, avoid putting harsh chemicals or fats, oils, and grease down the drain, and keep heavy equipment or parked vehicles away from your leaching bed. Taking these steps now can prevent costly repairs and keep contaminants from reaching our groundwater.��

Autumn clean-up isn't just about preparing for cold weather; it's also a chance to make choices that protect our drinking water sources. By composting leaves, properly disposing of chemicals, reducing fertilizer use, and maintaining wells, we can all do our part to keep our water clean and safe through the fall and into the seasons ahead.��

For more information check out ��

TD Tree Days Planting at Oneida Nation of the Thames����

On September 24, 2025, The ����ֱ�� (UTRCA) supported a tree depot and community planting generously funded by TD Friends of the Environment Fund.�� ��

Trees that were planted and/or given away included Tulip Tree, Paper Birch, Sugar Maple, Burr Oak, Red Oak, Bitternut Hickory, three varieties of pear, three varieties of apple, and three varieties of peach.�� ����

Thank you to everyone who joined us! ��