Community Helps Restore Habitat at Dorchester Mill PondÌý

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 ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA).Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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.Ìý

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!Ìý

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

Dorchester TD Tree DaysÌý

On September 28, 2025, ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) staff and more than 25 community members gathered at the Dorchester Conservation Area for TD Tree Days, joining forces to plant 145 native trees and enhance the local landscape.Ìý

Volunteers of all ages worked together to restore natural areas, improve habitat, and support local biodiversity. The event was funded by the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation as part of TD's national tree-planting initiative, which encourages community stewardship and environmental action across Canada.Ìý

The newly planted trees will provide shade, wildlife habitat, and long-term ecological benefits for the conservation area and surrounding community.Ìý

Thanks to all the volunteers, partners, and the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for helping make this day of hands-on conservation a success!Ìý

UTRCA Participates in MECP Spills TrainingÌýÌý

If you noticed the bright green water in Crockett Drain in Dorchester earlier this month, do not be alarmed! On June 3, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) hosted a spills response training in Dorchester. This training was held at Dorchester Conservation Area, which is managed by the ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA). Staff from both the UTRCA and the MECP were present, looking to learn best practices regarding spills that enter into surface water sources. Different sources of spills were discussed including common substances such as manure, oil, and gasoline.ÌýÌýÌý

Members from both organizations underwent training on how to safely assess a spill site, which sample containers to use in the event of a spill, and how to collect the samples. Samples may be obtained directly from the stream by placing the collection bottle directly into the water, or via a bucket dropped from a bridge if wading is deemed dangerous or difficult. Fluorescein, a non-toxic bright green dye, was added to the stream to simulate a spill, and samples were then collected. The dye also showed how a spill would travel downstream and disperse.Ìý Ìý

In addition to water sampling, a demonstration of soil sampling was also included. Soil sampling is important during a spill event to determine how much it has impacted the surrounding ground in addition to the waterbody. Soil sampling can also be used to confirm that a spill site has been properly cleaned and treated. Ìý

In the circumstance of a real-world spill, all samples would be collected by the MECP and sent to the government lab for analysis. Parameters tested include substances includingÌýE. coli, metals, and nutrients. In addition, field data is collected with a probe to determine factors such as pH, temperature, conductivity, and the amount of dissolved oxygen.ÌýÌýÌý

Overall, it was a successful day of hands-on learning for both the UTRCA and the MECP!ÌýÌý

If you see or suspect a spill or pollution incident, please report it to ÌýFrom there you can submit an online form or call their hotline 1-866-663-8477 and they will ask for further details on the incident.ÌýÌý