Do you remember when you first connected with Prince Edward County’s rare and remarkable South Shore? 

Was it during a South Shore Stroll to Lake Ontario with me or another volunteer?
Or when we fought to keep our South Shore free of industrial wind turbines?
Or when Monarch Point was announced?
Or during a Wild Thing or Dark Sky event?

As a founding member of South Shore Joint Initiative (SSJI), I’ve worked tirelessly to protect the rare and fragile beauty of our South Shore. 

So as we start an exciting new chapter, I invite you to take a leading role in bringing it to life. I’m excited to announce we’re creating South Shore Nature Centre! 

Situated next to the heritage-designated Hudgin Log House, on lands leased from Nature Conservancy of Canada, we’re opening the County’s first outdoor environmental education and community hub. From spring through fall, all ages will gather next to Lake Ontario’s last remaining undeveloped shoreline.

Launching in fall 2027, the South Shore Nature Centre will be a permanent home for our flagship Wild Thing program, which engaged 1,800 participants in 58 free events in the last year alone. This place will allow us to expand hands-on school and theROC Youth Services programs with learning tools like detailed topographical maps and local historical artifacts. All ages can take part in popular SSJI  initiatives such as South Shore Fest, South Shore Watercolour Walks, Monarch Day, Clean-Ups, Bio-Blitzes and guided walks on the evolving South Shore Footpath.

Enriched by expertise in biodiversity, astronomy, fine arts and more, our educational programs forge deep and meaningful connections with nature. Especially in these challenging financial times, we want to limit financial barriers to enable as many people as possible to connect with SSJI programming for free or at a low-cost.

Thanks to early momentum, 2/3rd’s of start-up funding for South Shore Nature Centre is secured! Since August, support from generous donors, the Parrott Foundation, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, and municipal partners has brought us closer to our goal.

Now, we need your help to bridge the remaining gap. Your contribution will fund crucial features to ensure visitor safety and accessibility, including updated site facilities, educational materials, outreach efforts, and ongoing maintenance for our new walking trail. Your donation will help guarantee SSJI’s public events and school visits continue through 2027.

By supporting South Shore Nature Centre, you will foster local environmental stewardship, deepening ecological understanding across generations, and inspiring future conservation champions. Make a tax-deductible gift today through our website donation page to help bring the South Shore Nature Centre to life! Together, we can safeguard Lake Ontario's last undeveloped shoreline and inspire a deep passion for our South Shore in generations to come.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Cheryl Anderson
President & Co-Founder
South Shore Joint Initiative
🍁 protecting Prince Edward County’s South Shore since 2018

Want to make a significant contribution to South Shore Nature Center? Contact me to discuss options at 613-849-7743 or email me at [email protected]