The UTRCA participated in two Seedy Saturday events in March 2023, attracting over 1,000 visitors in London and Woodstock. They showcased flood plain simulations and raised awareness about rain gardens and watershed health while engaging children in learning about local biodiversity.
Spring has arrived, prompting garden planning and seed starting. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) attended two Seedy Saturday events on March 1st in London and March 8th in Woodstock.
In London, over 1,000 visitors explored more than 60 booths at the Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre. UTRCA staff showcased a flood plain simulator, explaining how rain gardens and low impact development can aid flood control and enhance native biodiversity. Attendees learned about the City’s Residential Rain Garden Program, a collaborative effort with the London Environmental Network.
The following weekend, UTRCA was at Seedy Saturday in Woodstock, hosted at the Woodstock Public Library featuring ten community partners. Numerous children and parents attended, enjoying their March Break. UTRCA staff discussed the link between watershed health and native species, showcasing freshwater mussel shells and engaging visitors with the relationship between mussels, fish, and water quality. Young attendees especially enjoyed learning about a snapping turtle shell and curious questions arose about its current whereabouts.
The Seedy Saturday events in London and Woodstock successfully informed over a thousand attendees about biodiversity, flood control initiatives, and watershed health. The UTRCA’s interactive displays encouraged community engagement, especially among children, highlighting the importance of native species in local ecosystems.
Original Source: thamesriver.on.ca