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An Evening on the Thames
March 23, 2017 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Join us for a trio of talks about the Thames river! We’re trying something new and asking three different groups to speak on the same evening, each addressing different topics. Speakers will include Tara Tchir from The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, Chris Johnston and Andrew Farrants of Thames River Paddling Routes and finally Mark Drewe of Traverse the Thames.
Part I. The Thames River Clearwater Revival: Finding Credence in a Watershed Strategy for the Thames River
By Tara Tchir, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
This talk will give an overview of the UTRCA’s watershed strategy and water management plans for the Thames River. We’ll discuss the water quality and quantity of the river alongside recommendations and the steps UTRCA is taking to ensure the overall health of the watershed.
Tara is the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Ecologist and Project Manager of the Thames River Watershed Management Plan.
Part II. Thames River Paddling Routes
By Chris Johnston & Andrew Farrants
http://thamesriverpaddlingroutes.webs.com
Chris Johnston and Andrew Farrants are avid paddlers and backcountry campers living and working in London. In 2015, they co-founded the Thames River Paddling Routes Project. Their aim is to collect information by paddling all four branches of the Thames River and to create an easily accessible online location for the info they’ve gathered in trip reports. Their hope is to spread their enthusiasm for local paddling and to get more people out on this historic, extensive river system – right here in our own backyard.
Part III. A Beginner’s Guide to Paddling the Entire Thames River
By Mark Drewe of Traverse the Thames
In 2016 filmmaker Mark Drewe started an online and social media awareness campaign with the goal of encouraging more positive interaction between the public and the Thames River. As part of this campaign, Mark led a group of inexperienced paddlers on an attempt to paddle the entire length of the Thames (290km), filming and sharing their experiences from the water for a TV series. But the trip did not go as hoped and early on his inexperience in planning and paddling was exposed. Find out what Mark learned from his misadventure on the Thames as he fought not only to keep the team together but also just to make it past day one.
Mark Drewe is a local filmmaker and producer with a passion for adventure. A lover of nature and storytelling, Mark tries to connect these themes in his work to create visually compelling and fascinating stories that inspire people.
Seating is limited. Please call 519-455-6252 to register. No charge for admission but donations of non-perishable food items for the London Food Bank are welcome.