Empowering People and Protecting Biodiversity on the South Shore

At the South Shore Joint Initiative (SSJI), we are driven by a clear vision: a permanently protected Prince Edward County (PEC) South Shore where biodiversity and people thrive together. Our mission is to educate and advocate for the protection, preservation, and restoration of the South Shore's rare and fragile lands and waters.

The Next Chapter: The South Shore Nature Centre

We are thrilled to announce the creation of the South Shore Nature Centre, officially launching in Fall 2027. Situated next to the heritage-designated Hudgin Log House on lands leased from the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the Centre will become the County’s first dedicated outdoor environmental education and community hub.

At the South Shore Nature Centre, visitors of all ages can take part in engaging community initiatives like South Shore Fest, Watercolour Walks, Monarch Day, Cleanups, BioBlitzes, Dark Sky events, and guided excursions along the South Shore Footpath. Enriched by local experts in biodiversity, astronomy, and the fine arts, these centre offerings are designed to forge deep, meaningful connections with the natural world. To ensure these experiences remain accessible to everyone in our community, we are committed to keeping our Nature Centre programs free or at a very low cost.

Tim Snyder leading our first Watercolour Walk - July 2026 (📸 Dawn Ayer)

Dark Sky event - South Shore Fest 2026 (📸 Katherine Rogalska)

South Shore Footpath Team guided walk - South Shore Fest 2025 (📸 Lesa Berec)

Wild Thing: Inspiring the Next Generation

The South Shore Nature Centre will serve as the permanent home for our flagship Wild Thing program which engaged 1,800 participants in 58 free events in the last year alone. Wild Thing introduces biodiversity to all ages through a dynamic blend of environmental science, creative arts, outdoor activities, and storytelling:

• Youth & School Partnerships: Engaging nature-themed programs with TheRoc Youth Services, Wild Hearts Forest School, including at least two trips to the National Wildlife Area (NWA), alongside programs for local elementary and secondary schools.

• Community Outreach: Monthly storytime programs at the Picton Library, pop-up nest box building workshops during Spring Break across library branches, and high-impact municipal events like the Milford Fair, Mayor’s Levee and PEC Family Day.

• Festivals & Events: Creating, managing, and presenting interactive children's activities at the annual South Shore Fest and Monarch Day.

• Arts & Science Integration: Leveraging our wide variety of preserved specimens - a major attraction at public events - to serve as real-world models for students in creative arts and crafts program.

The South Shore Nature Centre will allow expansion of this already well-recognized program in Prince Edward County, including hands-on programs and activities with learning tools like detailed topographical maps and local historical artifacts.

Monarch Day - August 2026 (📸 Danya Bosiak)

Secure the Future of the South Shore

Programs like Wild Thing are vital to cultivating deep, meaningful connections with nature. By supporting the final funding phase of the South Shore Nature Centre, you are ensuring these programs remain accessible to our community while safeguarding Lake Ontario's last undeveloped shoreline for generations to come. 

With two-thirds of our start-up funding already secured, we are actively raising the remaining funds. Your support ensures visitor safety and accessibility by funding updated site facilities, trail maintenance, and educational materials that will bring this community space to life.

Every support counts: donate here through our webpage or through Canada Helps.

If you wish to make a significant contribution to South Shore Nature Center, please contact Cheryl Anderson to discuss options at 613-849-7743 or via email at [email protected]