听UTRCA at Western University for Science Olympics听听

This spring, the 糖心直播 (UTRCA) participated in the Science Olympics held at Western University. The Science Olympics is a fun and engaging way to learn about subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, and Math through friendly, group competition. Students from grades 9 to 12 from across Southwestern Ontario competed in over a dozen stations against other schools to earn points for prizes.

UTRCA hosted a station called "Freshwater Forensics" where students investigated local water quality issues and considered the connections between land use and watershed health. Through hands-on activities, students explored concepts of rural and urban runoff, species at risk, and biodiversity in our watershed. UTRCA staff from Education and Partnerships also taught students how agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) can reduce phosphorus pollution and support healthier waterways.

The Science Olympics have been a consistent spring event in Southwestern Ontario for nearly 30 years. We are looking forward to participating next year! Funding to support UTRCA's participation in this event was provided in part through the Upper Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Program, funded by the Canada Water Agency.

Over 400 Students Participate in the 2025 GREEN Leaders Summit听

On June 3rd, over 400 grade 7/8 students from 16 classes in the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB), and the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board (HPCDSB) came together for the GREEN Leaders Student Summit. For the second year, the event was hosted by Huron University College where the campus and lecture theatres provided a beautiful venue for GREEN Leaders to learn, share, and celebrate their accomplishments in the program.

At the beginning of the school year, each GREEN Leaders class selected one local environmental issue on which to act. Over the course of the year, the students learned about their chosen issue, connected with community partners, and planned an 鈥渁ction project鈥� to help combat the issue in a sustainable way. This year鈥檚 issues ranged from loss of habitat and deforestation to cigarette litter.听听听

On the day of the summit, student representatives from each class presented their action projects to other classes and a panel of expert partners. This year鈥檚 panelists joined us from the UTRCA, Town of Ingersoll, City of London, City of Woodstock, Township of East-Zorra Tavistock, Township of Middlesex Centre, Western University, London Environmental Network, GM CAMI, Wildlife Gardening, Bird Friendly London, and Reforest London. After the student presentations, the classes rotated through stations of a giant scrabble game, a birds of prey show, and nature touch tables.听听听

We would like to say a special thank you to the TVDSB H3ELP class and all the panellists who helped make the day a great success. Funding and support for the GREEN Leaders program was provided by the TVDSB, LDCSB, HPCDSB, General Motors, and Huron University College.听听