Fish Surveying in the Thames River

Wet weather has made for a logistically challenging field season for our fish surveying team. The heavy rain has amounted to many days when the river water was too high and cloudy to work safely. Despite the challenging conditions, we have managed to survey a total of 69 sites in the Upper Thames River watershed, so far this year. White Sucker, Central Stoneroller, Rock Bass and Smallmouth Bass are amongst the most commonly observed fish species.

Some other less commonly observed, more sensitive species, such as Northern Sunfish, Black Redhorse, Mottled Sculpin and River Chub have more restricted distributions. Overall, it is good to see that the Thames River continues to support a very rich diversity of fishes. Fish survey field work will continue until late 2024. Eventually, when winter weather arrives, we will spend time analyzing the fish data to assess trends in watershed health.

Often confused with Gobies the, Mottled Sculpin, such as this one from the Avon subwatershed are found in cold water streams.

Get a glimpse at a day on the river:

A Staff鈥檚 Perspective: SOARR Day听

On Saturday, August 17th, Scott Gillingwater and the Southern Ontario at Risk Reptiles (SOARR) team hosted an informational session on their Species at Risk program for friends and family at the 糖心直播 (UTRCA)鈥檚 Watershed Conservation Centre (WCC).听听

I attended and brought my partner along. We were really looking forward to seeing the team in action and speaking about this program. With Scott leading things you feel the weighted importance and passion that drives these programs. Like similar events in the past, this day gave staff and volunteers a behind-the-scenes view of the team鈥檚 recovery efforts. They shared their wide range of knowledge through different information stations placed around the WCC.听听

Attendees were able to see the hatchlings of six native Ontario turtle species: Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle (Endangered federally and provincially), Spotted Turtle (Endangered federally and provincially), Blanding’s Turtle (Endangered federally, Threatened provincially), Northern Map Turtle (Special Concern federally and provincially), Snapping Turtle (Special Concern federally and provincially) and Midland Painted Turtle (Special Concern federally). It鈥檚 worth noting that we were particularly lucky this day as the very first Spotted turtle hatchling had just made its way into the world earlier that morning! It鈥檚 easy to see why so many people are excited by this program and the cuteness of the young turtles was not lost on us.听听

One station focused primarily on the threats facing turtle populations in our environment. These primarily include the predation of eggs by raccoons/skunks/coyotes, predation of juvenile and small turtles by mammals and birds, illegal collection, capture by anglers, environmental pollution and increasing flood events. The Spiny Softshell turtle is particularly susceptible to these threats in our area of Canada and the SOARR team works very hard to turn things around for this species.听听

For reference, the program went from releasing a few dozen turtles in the 1990鈥檚 to releasing 10, 000 turtles from over 600 nests in 2024. This has allowed turtle populations to re-establish themselves, replenishing an aging, adult population with a growing population, with all age classes represented, including new adult female turtles laying eggs for the first time. It should be noted that it takes upwards of 15 years for turtles to reach maturity.听

Another station included information on field techniques for capture and marking, as well as how and what type of data is recorded when hatchlings are coming out of the lab. Scott discussed that while there are some turtle programs existing that incubate a large number of turtle eggs, the SOARR team 鈥渋ncubates and hatches out more federally listed Endangered turtles than other program in North America鈥�. Amazingly, but not surprisingly, this work has influenced a large number of other programs across Canada to adopt SOARR incubation methods, allowing them to successfully incubate turtle and snake eggs for conservation projects. SOARR has been a leader in reptile research and conservation in Canada and after 31 years, they are only getting better!听听

Inspiring feels like a massive understatement for the commitment and work this team does every summer. I should also highlight that this team has maintained this strong effort with thanks to many tireless volunteers and amidst ongoing funding challenges and legislative changes.听听

Thank you to Brynn Anderson, UTRCA Stewardship Services Assistant, for providing her SOARR Day experience. If you would like to support this work, please visit听

O-week Tree Planting with Huron University听

On Saturday, Sept 7, the 糖心直播 (UTRCA) partnered with Huron University鈥檚 Orientation Week to provide over 50 first- and upper-year Huron students with a native tree and shrub planting event on campus. Together, we planted 130 large trees that, once grown, will extend the Medway Heritage Forest system that borders the campus. Trees species included Maple (Autumn Blaze, Red, Sugar) Hackberry, Bitternut Hickory, Tulip, White Spruce, Eastern White Pine, Red Oak. Shrub species planted included Nannyberry and Elderberry.听

Thanks to the students for joining us to kick off their school year!听

Hope and Action Climate Change Festival at Fanshawe Conservation Area听

Kick off the 2024 Green in the City event series with the Hope and Action Climate Change Festival on Saturday, September 21st from 10 am 鈥� 4 pm at Fanshawe Conservation Area!听

There will be something for everyone from interactive exhibits and activities by 10+ community organizations, live birds of prey shows (10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm), food trucks (bring cash!), test riding e-bikes, hopping on the London Police Service boat, and a whole lot more!听

Interested in learning more about Fanshawe Dam? We’re offering tours of this important flood control structure – pre-registration is required through , so be sure to today. Tours of the LEED-certified Watershed Conservation Centre are also happening at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm for which registration is not required. 听

The best part? Entry to Fanshawe Conservation Area is free as part of Doors Open London!

For more information, contact Linda Smith, Community Partnership Specialist, or visit the event .听听

Fanshawe Conservation Area Hosts filming for Netflix Series FUBAR听

The months of July and August are always busy at Fanshawe Conservation Area (FCA), but in 2024, we received an especially unique request. We were approached by representatives from a Toronto area production company to see if Fanshawe Dam and Reservoir could be used for filming portions of Season 2 for the Netflix action-comedy series FUBAR. This series features actor Arnold Schwarzenegger as a retired CIA agent called back into service, as well as Canadian actor Jay Baruchel. 听After some internal discussion, it was decided that Arnold Schwarzenegger in London Ontario, at FCA, was something that could be accommodated. CA staff were then welcomed into the world of film production! 听听

Prior to any filming taking place there were a number of site visits to the filming location where producers, directors, set, stunt, logistical and safety personnel had a chance to envision how the filming would take place and ask CA staff numerous questions. The reservoir was to be featured in a 鈥渂attle鈥� and scenes right on the Fanshawe Dam would involve a tanker truck and helicopter. 听

As filming and preparation dates were to occur around the August Civic Long Weekend,., CA staff were tasked with trying to have as minimal disruption as possible to park operations, while also meeting the requests of the production company. Thankfully with the assistance of the UTRCA Marketing and Communication staff, CA staff were able to pull this off. Importantly, 听they were also present right on the sets to observe what was being done and answer questions or troubleshoot when required. 听While staff were not able to personally meet Arnold Schwarzenegger or other cast members, being in the midst of filming various scenes was a really interesting experience.听

A spin-off of the filming taking place were the questions and interactions staff had with crew members. On a regular basis, questions were posed about the significance of Fanshawe Dam and how it was operated, the Fanshawe Reservoir and flood control, watershed management in general, and the history and offerings at FCA. 听This was a real opportunity for staff to share our conservation messages and educate the crew members on the UTRCA mission.听

Celebrate the Thames at Lions River Park in Thamesford

On Saturday, October 5 (rain date of October 6) from 10 am to 2 pm, the 糖心直播 (UTRCA), in partnership with the Thamesford Lions and the Indigenous Solidarity Network, will host a free, family-friendly event in Lions River Park. In addition to celebrating and learning about the Thames River, the day will provide the community with an opportunity to enjoy recent park improvements, which include new cap-stone viewing areas, fishing stairs, and native tree and shrub planting. The day will feature the following:听听

• Lions Club BBQ (by donation)
• Middle Thames Subwatershed Report Cards and environmental pledge booth
• Birds of Prey Shows with the Canadian Raptor Conservancy (11:00-11:30, 1:00- 1:30)
• Aspens Ojibwe Horses Presentation (10:30-11:00, 12:30-1:00)
• Native Pollinator Garden Planting鈥攈elp plant a pollinator garden in River Park
• Indigenous Solidarity and Awareness Network station鈥攍earn about Indigenous Water听teachings, the connection between Water Rights and Women's Safety and the ongoing struggle to access clean water in Indigenous communities.
• UTRCA Fish and Mussel Education and Identification Station鈥揕earn about local Aquatic Species at Risk from our team of biologists.
• UTRCA Turtle Education Station鈥擫earn about native turtle species and efforts to protect their threatened populations.
• UTRCA Flooding Education Station鈥攃ome see our floodplain simulator, and river safety puzzle.
• Casting game with Thames River Anglers
• Oxford County Library Bookmobile

Thank you to the Township of Zorra for event support and to TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for funding this event. Thank you also to our funding partners for park improvements: Enbridge, Stevens Fund at the Oxford Community Foundation, TD Friends of the Environment, Thamesford Lions Club.听听听

For more information please visit听our Facebook page.

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Thorndale Demonstration Farm Tour听

On September 5, 糖心直播 (UTRCA) stewardship staff hosted a public tour of the Thorndale Demonstration Farm, showcasing the suite of agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) implemented on the farm that are aimed at improving and protecting soil health and water quality. The tour highlighted innovative drainage practices including the contoured controlled drainage system, newly installed StormTech storm water retention system, and two Water and Sediment Control Basins (WASCoBs). The tour highlighted听tree and pollinator plantings as BMPs, and field management practices including crop rotations, cover cropping, and conservation tillage. 听

Staff shared details about the project design, installation, and maintenance, as well as how they are monitoring the effects of the BMPs on the quality and quantity of water leaving the field. Len Duynisveld, a poultry producer and cash crop farmer in Thames Centre, shared his experience with controlled drainage as well as his use of cover crops incorporated with other soil conservation practices. The tour was well attended, and included farmers and landowners, members of the drainage community, staff from neighbouring conservation authorities, and project partners. There was great conversation throughout which included knowledge sharing from staff and participants about their own experience using these practices. Thanks to all who attended!听

For more information on the Thorndale Demonstration Farm, please visit this earlier article.听

The Multi-Barrier Approach: What goes into keeping your drinking water clean听

In Ontario, most municipalities have the privilege of accessing safe and clean drinking water simply by turning on a tap. This is made possible by unique legislation designed to protect municipal drinking water from source to tap. A multi-barrier approach to ensuring water safety was introduced following the tragic Walkerton, Ontario incident in 2000. This approach aims to keep contaminated water from reaching consumers by implementing multiple layers of protection.鈥�听听

The multi-barrier approach involves a combination of processes and procedures to prevent and reduce contamination in drinking water. There is no single solution that can fully safeguard a water system; instead, multiple methods must work together to minimize and eliminate contamination. This approach also includes creating safeguards and contingency plans to quickly respond听to emergencies and ensuring system redundancies to mitigate potential negative impacts.鈥�听

Source Water Protection is the initial step in this process. By safeguarding the sources of drinking water鈥攕uch as rivers, aquifers, and lakes鈥攚e ensure their cleanliness. Ontario鈥檚 Clean Water Act supports this protection through Source Protection Plans across the province.鈥�听

The Safe Drinking Water Act mandates that water treatment systems are in place to ensure you can #TrustTheTap for safe drinking water. Water must be treated to remove or reduce harmful contaminants and organisms. Municipal drinking water systems are subject to inspections to ensure compliance with regulations. Trained and certified operators routinely test water quality, and corrective actions are taken if any issues are detected. The distribution system, including pipes and pumping stations, is also tested and disinfected to ensure safe water delivery right to your homes.鈥�听

More than 80% of Ontario’s population receives drinking water from municipal systems. Ensuring safe and abundant drinking water is crucial for public health, and protecting it is a shared responsibility. With robust legislative and regulatory frameworks in place, Ontario鈥檚 drinking water remains clean and safe from source to tap.鈥�听

University of Guelph Field Tour

Stewardship staff from the 糖心直播 (UTRCA) hosted staff from the Universities of Guelph and Waterloo as well as Environment Canada on Tuesday, August 20th to showcase a number of agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) that have been implemented throughout the watershed.

BMPs included in the tour were focused on erosion control and included a water and sediment control basin, a grassed waterway, a rock chute, cover crops and windbreaks. The tour started in the Medway subwatershed and continued to two farms owned by landowners who have worked in collaboration with the UTRCA continuously throughout the years. They have implemented multiple BMPs in an effort to maximize conservation practices on their farms. These collaborations are very important for the ongoing goal of improving water quality and soil health while maintaining agriculture production for farmers in our area.

The UTRCA would like to thank the University of Guelph's Wanhong Yang, a Professor in the Department of Environment, Geography and Geomatics who works with the UTRCA to model nutrient and sediment losses from agricultural land. During the field tour day, staff engaged in a full afternoon of knowledge transfer, allowing all members of the tour an enhanced understanding of the importance of conservation farming and the important research that complements it.

World Water Monitoring Day 2024听

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 is World Water Monitoring Day and it recognizes the crucial role monitoring plays in the conservation efforts at organizations including the 糖心直播 (UTRCA).听

What is water quality?听

Water quality is the measure of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water.听

What is water quality monitoring?听

Water quality monitoring is the regular testing and analysis of water sources and their indicators. Indicators include temperature, dissolved oxygen, acidity, salinity, and nutrients. Water quality tests can also look for toxic chemicals like pesticides and metals. Reviewing of the data points is then carried out听to identify potential trends or irregularities in our aquatic ecosystems.听

Why is water quality monitoring important?听

There are many reasons why听monitoring is important including:听

• Characterizing waters and identifying changes or trends in water quality over time.听
• Identifying existing problems or future potential issues in our aquatic ecosystems.听
• Gathering information on a specific regional area or subwatershed.听
• Determining whether program goals are being achieved (ex: reducing pollution).听
• Responding to emergencies, such as spills or floods.听

How is the UTRCA involved in surface water quality monitoring?听

Our oldest monitoring program began in听1964. The UTRCA has worked collaboratively with Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network (PWQMN) partners to collect water samples monthly at water quality stations since then. Today, 24 stations along the Thames River and major tributaries of the Thames are sampled from March through October across the watershed as part of the PWQMN. Additionally, there many other active monitoring programs at watershed, subwatershed, and field level scales.听

The information collected from the long- and short- term water quality monitoring programs are used to reveal trends and patterns which, in turn, can inform stewardship making decisions. Stewardship efforts can help improve water quality in degraded areas and protect water quality in areas facing environmental pressures.听

World Water Monitoring Day highlights how crucial water quality monitoring is in keeping our environment healthy and sustainable.听

Contact: Craig Irwin, Water Quality Specialist