Upper Thames River Conservation Authority

08/26/2026

🌳Does your yard need a bit more green? 🌳Perth South Tree Power is an annual program making affordable native tree species available to residents thanks to our partnership with the Township of Perth South. There are 8 species of trees available, all $30 each. Descriptions of the tree species are online and trees can be purchased here:
https://shop.thamesriver.on.ca/product/perth-south-tree-power-trees/

08/25/2026

The City of Stratford - The Municipality is developing a Climate Adaptation and Resilience Strategy, and is requesting input. Stratford residents, local organizations, and city partners are invited to share their experiences, concerns, and priorities via the survey linked in their post.

CLIMATE ADAPTATION and RESILIENCE STRATEGY - SURVEY

We’re developing a Climate Adaptation and Resilience Strategy, and we need your input.

If you haven’t already filled out our survey on Engage Stratford, it’s not too late.

Help shape a strategy that is fair, practical, inclusive, and grounded in local needs.

Take the survey at:
engagestratford.ca/climate-adaptation-and-resilience-strategy

08/24/2026

Reminder 🔔 - If you are a landowner in the Delaware Study Area, the UTRCA is hosting a Public Information Meeting at the Komoka Community Centre on August 25th from 6-8pm to present about the Thames River Regulated Area Map Update. Can't make it? All presentation materials and draft maps are available on Engage Thames River! (https://engage.thamesriver.on.ca)

08/23/2026

Only 2 spots remain!

🍂 Fall registration is open for Fanshawe Nature School!
Give your little one the chance to learn, play, and grow outdoors this fall. Through songs, stories, nature play, exploration, and hands-on discovery, children and their caregivers will experience the wonders of the changing season together. 🐿
Designed for children ages 2–5 with an accompanying adult, this 6-week outdoor program encourages curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong connection with nature.🌿

Link to register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fall-2026-fanshawe-nature-school-owls-owlets-adult-child-program-tickets-1994303058132?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawT1Ud1wZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4EX62uV-5j-4XosZoTq4ocCWrx20rW5tJ7r_mLhsjCT0k34XENI-7Bh1hYVQ_aem_lwPi_E8QZiN8LxTU9zQSJA

08/21/2026

🚜 Attn Farmers and Landowners:

The Phosphorus Reduction Program is open for 2026 applications, with even more categories and increased incentives for those combining BMP practices.

Eligible practices include:
• Manure Management – up to $50/acre
• Cover Crops – up to $30/acre
• Reduced Tillage/No-Till – up to $30/acre
• Variable Rate Application (high P fields) – up to $20/acre
• Solid Manure Storage Covering – up to $8,000
• Erosion Control Structures – up to $10,000

Practices can be combined to maximize funding opportunities and help improve soil health, reduce phosphorus losses, and add value to your farm operation.

Learn more and apply 👉 https://thamesriver.on.ca/landowner-grants-stewardship/phosphorus-reduction-program/

Connect with Chris Van Esbroeck, Agricultural Stewardship Specialist, to identify eligible categories and build the right fit for your farm. There is no one size fits all solutions, so this program is designed to help find opportunities on every operation.

08/20/2026

The Town of St. Marys and the UTRCA have struck a new partnership with Festival Hydro for the 2026 St. Marys Tree Power program.

The UTRCA’s Tree Power program offers affordable native hardwood trees to watershed residents, through partnerships with its member municipalities and sponsors. This is the fifth year the program has been offered in St. Marys and the first with Festival Hydro as a sponsor.

St. Marys residents can now purchase a tree via UTRCA's online shop. The trees will be available for pick up at the St. Marys Municipal Operations Centre on Saturday, October 3.

To shop, visit: https://shop.thamesriver.on.ca/product/st-marys-tree-power/

08/19/2026

It's back! 🌳📣The Township of Lucan Biddulph, the UTRCA, and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) have partnered for a third year to make native trees available and affordable for Lucan Biddulph residents through the Tree Power program.

There will be 125 trees available, all for $30 each. Orders will are now open online and trees will be available for pick up on Saturday, October 3rd from 9 am to 11 am at the Lucan Public Works Building.

To learn more and place an order, visit: https://shop.thamesriver.on.ca/product/lucan-biddulph-tree-power/

08/14/2026

A HUGE thank you to everyone who came out to join us yesterday at our Thorndale Demonstration Farm Soil Health Tour!

We appreciated everyone who took the time to join us, learn and share your insights! Thank you to Chris Meier from A&L Laboratories, as well as Adam Hayes and Ted Taylor from the Soil Resource Group for their informative presentations!

View Flickr album here 👉 https://www.flickr.com/photos/utrca/albums/72177720335151779

08/13/2026

🌱 Year 3 of our Phosphorus Reduction Program is underway, with funding available to help farmers and landowners implement projects that reduce phosphorus, improve soil health, protect local waterways, and strengthen farm operations.

New funding categories were introduced this year, as well as higher cost-share opportunities for those implementing multiple Best Management Practices. 🚜🌾

Find out more at:

The Upper Thames Phosphorus Reduction Program is Now Open and Accepting Applications The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is excited to announce that Year 3 of the Upper Thames Phosphorus Reduction Program is now underway, with funding available to help farmers and landowners implem...

08/12/2026

TOMORROW 📣📣📣

Join us for the Thorndale Demonstration Farm Soil Health Tour! 🌱

🗓️Thursday, August 13, 2026
⏰9am-12pm
📍Thorndale, Demonstration Farm

Learn how to get more value from your soil tests, improve crop fertility decisions, and build long-term soil health on your farm.

Featuring:
- Chris Meier (A&L Canada Laboratories)
- Adam Hayes (Soil Resource Group)
- Ted Taylor (Soil Resource Group)
- Beth Wrona & Chris Van Esbroeck (UTRCA)

Earn CEU Credits in Nutrient Management, Soil and Water Management as well as Professional Development!

Register for FREE, and save your spot here 👉
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thorndale-demonstration-farm-soil-health-tour-tickets-1995147791753