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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30th, 2024  To mark September 30th, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) worked with the Indigenous Solidarity and Awareness Network (ISAN Oxford) to organize a Sunrise Ceremony which took place in the Bluegrass area of Pittock Conservation Area. Open to the public, the event drew close to fifty people. Elders Dan and 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. The day concluded with [...]

Shape the Future of Our Watershed – Share Your Input into the UTRCA Watershed Strategy!  At the ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA), our mission is to:  protect people and property from flood and erosion hazards and support safe development,  protect and enhance water quality and a sustainable water supply,  make science-based decisions and deliver landowner stewardship,  provide natural spaces and recreational opportunities, and  empower communities and youth.  To further set out our guiding principles and objectives, we are preparing a Watershed-based Resource Management Strategy (Watershed Strategy) with the goal of improving the effectiveness of our programs and services.  [...]

Métis Nation of Ontario planting  The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) planted 75 trees adjacent to the Fanshawe Reservoir on September 28th, 2024. This is the third annual planting for which we’ve partnered with the MNO to create a wildlife corridor and reclaim a section of an agricultural field. We look forward to working with them again next year!

Climate Change Festival Spurs Hope and Action  The Hope and Action Climate Change Festival on September 21st at Fanshawe Conservation Area was a great success! Over 2,200 people attended and enjoyed tours of Fanshawe Dam and the LEED-certified Watershed Conservation Centre. This event was part of Doors Open as well as the kick-off to the Green in the City event series. Thank you to all the partners who took part in this great day: Bird Friendly London  Canadian Raptor Conservancy  City of London  Fanshawe College  Fanshawe Let's Talk Science  Forest City Flyfishers Club  Goodwill Industries  Local Food Trucks  London Bicycle Café  [...]

Celebrate the Thames  On Saturday, October 5th, 2024 the "Celebrate the Thames" event took place in Lions River Park in Thamesford. Organized in partnership with the ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) and Thamesford Lions Club and supported with generous funding from TD Friends of the Environment Fund.   The day began with a special Water Ceremony performed by Wahsayzee Deleary. The event featured environmental education booths, Indigenous cultural education and awareness, and plenty of family friendly activities. Over 250 Attendees enjoyed presentations from the Aspen Ojibwe Spirit Horses, the Canadian Raptor Conservancy, and demonstrations of Indigenous flint knapping by [...]

Growing Good Land Stewards at the Carolinian Forest Festival  Springwater Conservation Area was buzzing with over 2,000 students who attended the Carolinian Forest Festival from October 7-10 this year. After pouring out of school buses, the grade 7 and 8 students dispersed to 37 different activity stations set up along a hiking trail in Springwater Forest.  Each station featured hands-on, interactive games and activities to teach the students about forest ecosystems, species at risk, stewardship and conservation, and climate change. The lessons were linked to the Ontario curriculum and allowed each student to connect to their environment in new [...]