The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is celebrating Earth Day with exciting news about local conservation efforts that are helping turn the tide for some of Ontario’s most at-risk reptiles. In 2024, the Southern Ontario At Risk Reptiles (SOARR) program had one of its most successful years yet. Thanks to dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners, they hatched and released more than 10,000 native turtles back into the wild—including an incredible 5,000 endangered Spiny Softshell Turtles. Without intervention, these eggs would have been lost to threats like trampling, flooding, excessive heat, predators, and invasive plants.
Throughout the season, the SOARR team located, assessed, and protected dozens of endangered and threatened turtles and snakes, including Spiny Softshell, Spotted, and Blanding’s Turtles, along with Eastern Hog-nosed Snakes and Queensnakes. The team built new nesting, basking, foraging, and cover habitats, and installed roadside fencing in key areas to reduce reptile mortality. “For the first time in likely over a century, the Spiny Softshell Turtle population is increasing along the Thames River,” says Scott Gillingwater, UTRCA Species at Risk Biologist. “This shows that focused conservation efforts really do work—but we still have a long way to go.”
In 2025, UTRCA is aiming even higher. With support from the community, they plan to expand their incubation lab with additional equipment to protect even more vulnerable turtle eggs. They also want to bring on new staff, grow their network of conservation partners, and enhance habitat protection so turtles and snakes can thrive for generations to come. But they can’t do it alone. This Earth Day, UTRCA is seeking donations to support hands-on conservation efforts for Ontario’s most vulnerable reptiles. Every nest saved, every fence installed, and every new biologist trained helps build a future where turtles and snakes are not just surviving, but thriving.
In celebration of Earth Day 2025, the City of Westmount is organizing a series of activities throughout April and May aimed at educating residents, raising awareness, and promoting eco-friendly actions. These free activities are offered to residents by registration only, and space is limited. Residents are encouraged to book their places online through the event page listed in the Events Calendar.
On April 22, 2025, an Earth Day Quiz will be held at the Westmount Public Library from 4 to 5 p.m. Children aged 7 to 12 are invited to participate in this special program led by local author Megan Durnford. Participants will have the chance to test their knowledge about plastic and its impact on the environment.
Following that, on April 24, 2025, a Tree Tour will take place in Westmount Park from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. This guided tour, limited to 20 participants, will be led by the City’s arborist, who will share the fascinating history and unique characteristics of the trees that adorn the park.
On April 26, 2025, there will be a Household Hazardous Waste Collection from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the parking lot of the Montreal Oral School for the Deaf, located at 4670 Sainte-Catherine Street West. This year, the collection will accept car and small truck tires, in addition to other household hazardous waste and electronics, making it easier for residents to dispose of these items responsibly.
Also on April 26, residents can join The Big Cleanup at Westmount Park from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Participants will gather in front of the Westmount Public Library to clean up the shared green space in preparation for summer. This community effort aims to enhance the beauty of the park while fostering a sense of community among residents.
Looking ahead to May 24, 2025, a conference and workshop titled "Mieux gérer ses matières résiduelles et fabriquer ses produits ménagers" (in French) will be held at Victoria Hall from 1 to 3 p.m. This event aims to demystify waste materials management at home, at the office, or at school through materials sorting and the 4Rs: refuse, reduce, reuse, and recycle.
On the same day, a Repair Workshop by Les Affutés will take place at Victoria Hall from 1 to 4 p.m., limited to 10 participants. This workshop will teach attendees how to diagnose and repair common small electrical appliances, promoting sustainability through repair rather than disposal.
From May 20 to June 2, 2025, the City will organize a Trash2Treasure collection of household items in good condition. Residents can schedule pickups, and a yard sale will be held weekdays from May 22 to June 2, 2025, at the southwest entrance to Westmount Park. This initiative aims to divert reusable goods from landfills by redistributing them to the community and charitable organizations.
As Earth Day approaches, both the UTRCA and the City of Westmount are encouraging residents to engage in conservation efforts and participate in activities that promote environmental sustainability. With community support, these initiatives can lead to meaningful change for both local wildlife and the environment.
