Nature London Boosts Turtle Education and Prairie RestorationÌý

The ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) is excited to share that Nature London has donated $20,000 over four years to support turtles at risk and tallgrass prairie restoration in our watershed.Ìý

This generous gift will allow our Southern Ontario at Risk Reptiles (SOARR) program and Community Education staff to team up on new hands-on learning opportunities. From turtle lab tours to school visits and community events, people of all ages will be able to discover the challenges turtles face and what we can all do to help.Ìý

We kicked things off in August with a special Turtle Talk and Lab Tour for more than 50 Nature London members. Guests got a close look at our new turtle models and other education tools, heard about local species and their threats, and toured the turtle lab with Species at Risk Biologist Scott Gillingwater. Hatchling turtles stole the show, along with two surprise visitors — albino snapping turtles and hognose snakes!Ìý

On top of supporting turtle education, Nature London’s donation will help restore prairie habitat in Kilally Meadows Environmentally Significant Area, which the UTRCA manages on behalf of the City of London. Each year, about an acre of non-native plants will be replaced with native wildflowers and grasses, providing food and shelter for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.Ìý

A big thank you toÌý for helping us protect species at risk and inspire the community to get involved!Ìý

Summer Event Highlights at UTRCA Conservation AreasÌý

As the leaves start to change colour, we’re reflecting on the wonderful events and experiences shared at Fanshawe, Pittock, and Wildwood Conservation Areas (CAs) this past summer. This year, we welcomed more than 500 participants and held 32 events that connected people of all ages with nature.Ìý

One of the season’s most popular offerings was our series of Firefly Walks, which invited families to experience the magic of these glowing insects firsthand. The walks were even featured in the London Free Press, which spotlighted fireflies’ fascinating biology and the ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA)’s efforts to connect people with these creatures across our CAs.Ìý

Fanshawe CA was buzzing with activity, hosting 11 public events and welcoming over 240 participants. Familiar favourites such as the Bug Safari and Owl Prowl returned, while three new programs — Amazing Animals, BioBlitz, and Beginner Birding — gave visitors fresh opportunities to explore the unique species that call Fanshawe home.Ìý

At Wildwood CA, more than 245 participants joined us for 18 events, ranging from Stream Safaris to Forest Bathing sessions. Participants learned about the intricate lives of wildlife and observed them in their natural habitats, gaining a deeper understanding of our relationship to the natural world and how we can become better stewards of the land.Ìý

Wildwood also hosted two special evenings with Indigenous educator Patsy Anne Day of Oneida Nation of the Thames. Through the 13 Grandmother Moons series, participants experienced powerful nights of storytelling and artmaking that encouraged reflection on our connections to the land. This partnership was deeply meaningful, and we look forward to building on it in the years to come.Ìý

Pittock wrapped up the season with three events that brought in 31 participants. From frog-catching adventures at the Water Safari to lively firefly relay races, the evenings were filled with excitement. A lucky few even spotted a Barred Owl soaring overhead during the Owl Prowl!Ìý

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us this season and helped make these events so memorable. Thank you for exploring, learning, and connecting with us in nature — we can’t wait to see what next summer brings!Ìý

Dry Summer Allows for Easier Deep Water Measurements

Each year, ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) staff survey local rivers and reservoirs using GPS equipment. These surveys help us understand the shape and depth of waterways, which is important for creating accurate flood models and managing water levels.Ìý

This summer’s dry weather gave our survey team a rare chance to measure areas that are usually too deep. Using a flat-bottomed boat and a long survey pole, staff measured riverbed elevations along stretches of the North Thames River in London, Mitchell Reservoir, and upstream of the St. Marys dam. This information helps us build a better understanding of the water volume contained within our rivers and reservoirs to support flood management.Ìý

Low Water Conditions in the Upper Thames WatershedÌý

The summer's hot, dry weather has led the Low Water Response Team for the Upper Thames River watershed to declare a Level 1 Low Water advisory. The advisory is part of a to inform the public of local low water conditions.Ìý

The key indicators used to evaluate low water conditions are precipitation over the past one month and three months, and stream flows over the past month. The ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) measures flows at more than 30 stations across the Thames River and many of its tributaries. Some stations date back as far as 1915, and many others were installed in the 1950s. This gives Mark Helsten, UTRCA Senior Water Resources Engineer, a long-term comparison with current flows and an understanding of how the current data compares with long-term statistics. Precipitation is measured at more than 20 locations across the watershed.Ìý

The watershed received an average of 46 mm of rain between August 1 and August 31, which is about 58% of the long-term average for that period. Rainfall over the past three months (June 1 – August 31) was approximately 73% of normal. A Level 1 Low Water Condition is triggered if the three-month total precipitation falls below 80% of the long-term average.Ìý

Flows in some streams across the watershed are at the low end of normal, with others experiencing lower than normal flows. The main North and South Thames Rivers are not affected as much as they are supported by water released from the UTRCA's reservoirs at Wildwood (St. Marys) and Pittock (Woodstock) Conservation Areas, respectively. Water is stored in these two reservoirs during the spring runoff, and then slowly released in the dry summer months to increase downstream flows in the main rivers.Ìý

Low water conditions can have an impact on the amount of water available both for human use and for aquatic life.ÌýÌý

In drier years, streams shrink back to isolated pools, or in some reaches dry up entirely. This disrupts natural connectivity, preventing fish and other aquatic organisms from moving between habitats to feed or escape stressors. Fish must cluster in shrinking pools. While this can temporarily sustain them, crowding increases predation pressure – you might see greater numbers of herons feeding in areas with isolated pools. Ìý

UTRCA Aquatic Biologist, Erin Carroll, shared dramatic photos of a drain south of St. Marys. Erin and her crew found seven fish species (Creek Chub, Western Blacknose Dace, White Sucker, Brook Stickleback, Central Stoneroller, Bluntnose Minnow, Northern Redbelly Dace) at the site on June 20. On July 24, the same streambed was cracked earth. Recent site visits across the watershed found other small streams that are much lower than normal.ÌýÌý

Roulston Drain on June 20, 2025

White Sucker

Roulston Drain on July 24, 2025

Extended periods of below normal precipitation can also affect groundwater,Ìý which is an essential source of drinking water for many municipalities and residents. Groundwater plays a vital role in sustaining the baseflow of rivers and streams, too. Declining groundwater levels can reduce the natural discharge of groundwater to surface water, placing added stress on both human needs and aquatic life.Ìý

Long-term monitoring by the UTRCA since 2001 has shown a decreasing trend in groundwater levels at many Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network wells. These findings highlight the importance of proactive groundwater conservation to protect both groundwater and surface water resources for future use.Ìý

The Low Water Response Team encourages people, businesses, and industries that rely on local surface water or groundwater to conserve water.Ìý Many watershed municipalities have water conservation programs in place. Ìý

The City of London and some other communities take water from Lake Huron and Lake Erie. While they may also have water conservation programs, these initiatives will not improve flows in the Thames River or its tributaries.Ìý

The UTRCA watershed is not the only area experiencing dry conditions. The shows dry conditions in many regions, including Level 3 conditions in eastern Ontario.Ìý

Turtle Program Spotlight!Ìý

This August the Species at Risk team and Community Education team were able to come together to provide a spotlight on the amazing turtle conservation work of the ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) through three different events.ÌýÌý

The 2025 Reptiles at Risk Friends and Family Day hosted on Saturday, August 23, was a huge success! With over 120 people in attendance, we were able to share the amazing work by Scott Gillingwater, UTRCA's Species at Risk Biologist, and the Southern Ontario at Risk Reptile (SOARR) team with staff's friends and family. Participants got to learn about reptile biology and ecology, explore different research techniques, observe native turtle species, and even see hog-nosed snake hatchlings! This year, the SOARR team has been able to incubate over 12,000 turtle eggs, continuing their positive impact on turtle populations in and around the watershed.Ìý

In addition to the Friends and Family event, a Municipal Turtle Tour was hosted to give elected officials and municipal staff throughout the watershed the opportunity to learn more about the Species at Risk work that SOARR and the UTRCA carry out. Participants learned about the history of SOARR's work, toured the turtle lab, and saw hatchlings.Ìý

To end the season, we hosted a Turtle Talk and Tour with Nature London members on August 27. Forty Nature London members joined the Community Education team for a turtle talk followed by a lab tour with Scott Gillingwater. Through the generous partnership with Nature London, we have been able to add to our website Turtles at Risk pages and create a new Protecting Turtles pamphlet that is now available!

Public Health Ontario’s New Water Testing Portal ToolkitÌý

ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) drinking water source protection staff is pleased to announce the launch of Public Health Ontario (PHO)’s new Ìý

The portal provides a modern, streamlined way for Ontarians to test and access results for their private drinking water systems. This initiative is designed to make testing faster, more efficient, and more accessible, while continuing to support the province’s drinking water source protection efforts.Ìý

Why This MattersÌý

Many Ontarians rely on private drinking water sources such as wells, cisterns, or treated lake water. Unlike municipal systems, these sources are not routinely monitored, making regular water testing an essential step to protect community health. PHO offers free testing for microbial indicators of contamination, including E. coli and total coliforms, which signal possible contamination and health risks.Ìý

The new Water Testing Portal, available directly through PHO’s website, allows individuals to:Ìý

• Submit their drinking water testing information electronically.Ìý
• Retrieve their official test reports online within 2–4 business days.Ìý
• Reduce risks of submission errors that can lead to rejected samples.Ìý
• Make more informed decisions about their drinking water quality.Ìý

By moving to an electronic system, the portal enhances turnaround times, strengthens data quality, and empowers communities to take proactive steps toward safe drinking water.Ìý

How the New Portal WorksÌý

• Collect your sampleÌý
  • Use a sample kit from your Public Health Unit, PHO laboratory site, or designated pick-up location.Ìý
  • Keep the sample refrigerated until submission.Ìý
• Submit your information online
  • Enter your details and sample information into the Water Testing Portal.Ìý
  • Keep your barcode—this is required to access your results.Ìý
• Drop off your sample promptlyÌý
  • Deliver your sample to a drop-off depot as soon as possible as samples must be tested within 48 hours of collection.Ìý
• Access your online reportÌý
  • Return to the portal, enter your barcode and last name, and view your results.Ìý
  • Reports are available within 2–4 business days and can be downloaded, saved, or printed.Ìý

All information is handled with privacy safeguards to ensure compliance with provincial regulations.Ìý

Safer Communities, Stronger ProtectionÌý

Access to accurate and timely water quality reports helps families make safer decisions about their water use and encourages greater stewardship of local drinking water systems. By embracing this new digital tool, Ontarians are better equipped to protect both their households and their communities.Ìý

For more information or to access the Water Testing Portal, visit Ìý

Volunteering at a Freshwater Mussel Survey with the ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ÌýÌý

A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a Freshwater Mussel Survey with the ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA). It was such a rewarding experience!Ìý

For those who may not know, the Thames River supports one of the richest communities of freshwater mussels in Canada. Historically, it was home to 32 species of native freshwater mussels. Unfortunately, studies have shown a continuous decline in mussel diversity over time. Many of the species that have disappeared were key indicators of a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Their disappearance reflects a decline in water quality and habitat conditions.Ìý

Mussel surveys help us gather comprehensive and up-to-date data on species distribution, which is essential for the protection and recovery of species at risk and their habitats.Ìý

Our field days involve some essential gear, including waders, polarized sunglasses, aquascope, calipers, and digital equipment to measure water parameters such as pH, temperature, conductivity, water velocity, and more.Ìý

It was great to have the opportunity to get hands-on, take measurements, identify species, and learn more about the creeks and streams here in the London region. Field surveys like this help monitor species at risk, assess habitat conditions, and guide conservation efforts. They also remind us how much there is to learn under the surface.Ìý

I’m grateful to have been part of this important work and look forward to contributing more to biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts.Ìý

Submitted by UTRCA volunteer: Clara AlhanatiÌý

If you are interested in volunteering, please apply throughÌýour website. Aquatic biology helpers are needed from May to September, with sign-up opportunities each spring. Typically, volunteers are 18 and older. Ìý

Fall Tree Power sales underwayÌý

There are currently three Tree Power sales underway across the watershed, providing residents with affordable native tree species to plant on their property. Looking to green your yard, provide habitat for animals, and reduce home cooling costs? Take advantage of these great programs!Ìý

Volunteers help hand out trees at the 2024 Perth South Tree Power

Perth South Tree Power has 10 species available including American Sycamore, Paper Birch, and Tulip. Pick up day will be Saturday, September 27, from 8 – 10 am at the Perth South Municipal Office in St. Pauls.

St. Marys Tree Power has 8 species available including Basswood, Black Cherry, and White Spruce. Tree pick up day will be Saturday, October 4, from 8 – 10 am at the St. Marys Municipal Operations Centre.

Finally, Lucan Biddulph Tree Power has 8 species including Bur Oak, Eastern White Pine, and Sugar Maple. Tree pick up day will be Saturday, October 4, from 12 – 2Ìýpm at the Lucan Public Works Building.Ìý

Tree pick up at the first Lucan Biddulph Tree Power in 2024.

Trees for all three programs can be purchased ÌýÌý