Upper Thames River Conservation Authority

06/14/2026

Today is Canadian Rivers Day! 🌊

The Thames River flows approximately 273 km and is recognized as one of Canada’s most ecologically diverse river systems, supporting close to 100 fish species 🐟, including Walleye (Pickerel), Brown Trout, Brook Trout, and Longnose Gar.

Its watershed spans both the Carolinian and Great Lakes–St. Lawrence forest regions 🌳, creating a rich mix of habitats that support nationally significant biodiversity. This includes rare plant species 🌱 such as American Ginseng, Green Dragon, and Wood Poppy, as well as species at risk like the Spiny Softshell Turtle 🐢, which is listed as Endangered in Canada.

The river is actively protected and managed through the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority, working alongside counties, municipalities, community partners, and residents 🤝. Their focus includes improving water quality, reducing flood and drought risk, and restoring the natural systems that support the region.

The Thames River was formally designated a Canadian Heritage River on August 14, 2000. Canadian Heritage Rivers are recognized for their outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational value.

Learn more about Canadian Heritage Rivers / Rivières du patrimoine canadien ➡️ chrs.ca/en

06/12/2026

Come check out benthic macroinvertebrates with us at the Medway Heritage Festival tomorrow at the Museum of Ontario Archaeology! You never know what you might find 🐛👀. We'll be there all day!

06/08/2026

The Medway Heritage Festival is this Saturday! 🤸😄 There will be lots of family-friendly activities as well as a local market of delicious treats and one-of-a-kind finds!

We'll be there with benthic macroinvertebrates for you to discover, and the interactive Biinaagami Giant Map! Make sure to find us (and to pre-register by June 12 to save $5 off admission!) 👇

06/04/2026

These students are proving that you’re never too young to make a difference. 💪🍃

At the Green Leaders Student Summit, 400 Grade 7 and 8 students came together to celebrate a year of environmental action. From tree planting and wildflower gardens to microplastics awareness, students shared their Action Projects with their peers and a panel of judges.

The day also featured hands-on learning through wildlife shows with , community art with , and a giant game of environmental Scrabble.

Check out some highlights and see these young changemakers in action! 🌱👏

💚

The Green Leaders program is made possible through the generous support of the Thames Valley District School Board, London District Catholic School Board, Huron Perth Catholic District School Board, , , , and Gunn’s Hill Limited Partnership.

06/01/2026

This spring, more than 100 students came together on the shores of the St. Clair River and got to work! 🌊 From testing water quality to exploring local conservation efforts, students stepped into the role of citizen scientists at the Lake Erie Student Summit in Sarnia and Point Edward.
 
Throughout the day, they connected with scientists, community partners, and Indigenous knowledge keepers, building a deeper understanding of how we can all help protect one of our most important freshwater ecosystems. 🩵
 
This event is part of the Western Lake Erie Student Summit and Stewardship Project, where hundreds of students are taking action in their own communities to care for Lake Erie.
 
The Project was organized by the UTRCA in partnership with , , , , and . Participating school boards include the Lambton Kent District School Board, Thames Valley District School Board, and the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board.

The future of Lake Erie is in good hands. 💧🤲🏼

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This project has received funding support from the Government of Ontario. Such support does not indicate endorsement by the Government of Ontario of the contents of this material.

05/28/2026

What an incredible day at the Perth Children’s Water Festival! 💧

Thank you to the more than 600 community members who joined us for an afternoon full of hands-on fun, exploration, and learning. From live reptile shows and casting activities to interactive stations and outdoor adventures, it was amazing to see so many people connecting with water and the environment together.

A huge thank you goes out to our many community partners, volunteers, and activity leaders who helped bring the festival to life:
Avon Maitland District School Board, City of Stratford - The Municipality, Destination Stratford, Huron Perth Public Health, Ontario Clean Water Agency, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, St. Marys Cement, St. John Ambulance, The Boathouse, Early Years Info Stratford, Stratford Festival, Stratford Public Library, Thames River Clean Up, Kaswentha Two Row, Maac Music, Nancy Campbell Academy, Rotary Club of Stratford, The Stratford Perth Museum, and Domino's Stratford for feeding our volunteers.

Events like this would not be possible without your enthusiasm, creativity, and support. 💙

We would also like to send a big thank you to our generous sponsors!
🌱 TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
🏗 St Marys Cement - A Votorantim Cimentos North America company
🌿 Stratford Civic Beautification & Environmental Awareness Committee

Thank you for helping create meaningful experiences that inspire environmental stewardship in our community. Until next year!

05/28/2026

Mark Your Calendars! 🗓️

Join us at the Museum of Ontario Archaeology on June 13th to explore the vibrant natural and cultural heritage of the Medway Valley with the return of the Medway Heritage Festival!

From 10 AM to 3 PM, uncover the layers of our local history and environment through a day of immersive cultural and natural experiences. Come and support local food and artisan vendors.

Featured Highlights:
🌱 Cultural Teachings: Drumming & Elder Teachings
🦅 Nature in Action: Birds of Prey & Guided Hikes
🏺 Traditional Crafts: Beekeeping & Traditional Clay Pit Firing
🗺️ Interactive Learning: Biinaagami Giant Map with Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
🐝 Community Hub: Local Vendors, Food, and Family Activities

🎟️General Admission | Pre-Register before June 12th to save $5 on group admission!

Pre-Register your group now and save at https://archaeologymuseum.ca/event/medway-heritage-festival-2026/

History is in your hands

05/28/2026

The Medway Valley isn’t just a scenic escape, it’s an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA), meaning it’s a natural area that requires special protection and preservation because of natural or ecological features.

Here’s how you can explore responsibly to preserve the land for future generations:
🥾 Stay on designated trails to protect wildlife habitats.
🗑️ Leave no trace! Pack out what you pack in.
🦌 Respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance.
🌱 Don’t take or remove any plants from their habitat!

✨ Want to learn more about the valley’s deep history?

Join us at the Medway Heritage Festival
🗓️ June 13th | ⏰ 10 AM – 3 PM

Pre-Register before June 12th to save $5 on group admission at https://archaeologymuseum.ca/event/medway-heritage-festival-2026/

🎟️General Admission at the door!

This event is supported by the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. The Museum of Ontario Archaeology is for this support to help expand environmental education and community participation.

05/28/2026

It’s turtle nesting season! 🐢

At this time of year, turtles leave the safety of wetlands, rivers, and streams to search for places to lay their eggs. Unfortunately, many nests end up in unsafe locations where they’re at risk from predators, vehicles, flooding, and more.

That’s where UTRCA’s Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles - SOARR team comes in. SOARR rescues eggs from high-risk nests and brings them to our lab for artificial incubation before releasing the hatchlings back into the wild. In 2025 alone, more than 13,000 hatchling turtles were released!

👀 If you spot a turtle nest in a risky location, you can help. Report it through our online reporting page: https://thamesriver.on.ca/turtle-reporting-form/

Please include photos and as much detail as possible so our team can assess the situation and respond if assistance is needed.

Ontario is home to 8 species of turtles, and every single one is at risk. Small actions, like reporting a nest, can make a real difference for these incredible animals. 💚

Turtle Reporting Form Please use this form to report sightings of turtles or turtle nests/eggs in southwestern Ontario. Your report will go directly to the Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles (SOARR) team who will rescue the eggs, incubate them, and release the young back into their natural habitat.

05/24/2026

💦 TODAY’S THE DAY! 💦

The Perth Children's Water Festival is happening today from 1–4 pm at Lower Queens Park in Stratford!

Bring the family and enjoy an afternoon of:

🐢 Live reptile shows by Scales Nature Park (1:30 and 3 pm)
🎣 Fishing Friendzy casting game
💧 20+ hands-on activities

It’s FREE, fun, and perfect for a last-minute family adventure. See you soon! ☀

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