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In this Issue:

 

Upcoming South Shore Events

Experience the night sky with Steve Burr (Royal Astronomical Society of Canada) and SSJI.

Fall’N’Stars on Fri., Sept. 27, 2024 and Sat., Sept. 28, 2024. Meet time for both days is 7:00 P.M.

Meet at Johnson RV Park, 3255 County Rd. 13, PEC, ON.  RSVP.

Explore the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area with Cheryl Chapman, Part of SSJI’s Wild Thing Outdoor Education Program.

NWA Tour on Sat., Sept. 28, 2024 and Sun., Sept. 29, 2024. Meet time for both days is 9:00 A.M.

The tour coordinator will contact you with details closer to the tour date. RSVP.

For more information, contact Cheryl Chapman at [email protected]

Space is limited! RSVP for South Shore Events now at ssji.ca
Unable to attend and want to support? Donate or become a member now at ssji.ca

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Jazz Wine and Art Raises $5K for SSJI

by Katherine Rogalska

We are delighted to announce the resounding success of the recent Jazz, Wine, and Art event, which took place on August 18, 2024. Thanks to the incredible support from our donors, sponsors, and attendees, we raised over $5000 to further the conservation efforts of the South Shore Joint Initiative (SSJI) in Prince Edward County.

The event itself was a true celebration of music, art, local wine, and delectable food. Brian Legere and Michael Monis Quartet, renowned for their captivating performances, mesmerized the audience and added to the already extraordinary atmosphere of the PEC Jazz Festival.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Exultet Estates, Peg’s Patties, and Black Cloud Bodega for their exceedingly generous contributions to the event. Their support played an integral role in its resounding success, and we are sincerely grateful for their unwavering commitment to our cause.

One of the event's highlights was the silent auction featuring extraordinary bird nesting boxes painted by local artists. These beautifully crafted creations garnered immense interest, with every single birdhouse finding a new home. We must give special recognition to Dick Bird for his exceptional craftsmanship in handcrafting the birdhouses that served as perfect canvases for our artists. The talent of our local artists and craftspeople, who consistently exhibit enthusiasm for supporting our work always inspires us.

Through the bids placed on these remarkable pieces, our participants contributed extensively to funding our advocacy and educational initiatives for the rare and delicate South Shore of Prince Edward County.

We are truly overwhelmed with gratitude for the generous support and enthusiastic participation shown by everyone involved. It is through your unwavering commitment and dedication that we can continue to protect and preserve the cherished South Shore of Prince Edward County. Your invaluable support has undoubtedly made Jazz, Wine, and Art an unforgettable success.

SSJI Jazz Wine and Art Event Photo Gallery 

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Monarch Day 2024

by John Lowry

Hot and humid weather did not deter more than fifty participants from attending the South Shore Joint Initiative’s ‘Monarch Monitoring Blitz’ event held on July 28th, at the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Hudgin-Rose property alongside Monarch Point Conservation Reserve.

The event coincided nicely with international efforts to focus attention on the plight of the iconic Monarch butterfly.

Hudgin Log House (Photo: John F. Foster)

Several display tables were situated beside the heritage designated Hudgin House. Barb Tomlin was on hand to paint Monarch themed decorations on arms and faces, Cheryl Chapman of SSJI’s Wild Thing program and Eli Drummond of the Nature Conservancy of Canada presented informative and interesting educational displays.

Registration Tent (Photo: John F. Foster)

Quinte Field Naturalists Display (Photo: John F. Foster)

SSJI Display (Photo: John F. Foster)

Barb giving Cheryl a tattoo (Photo: John F. Foster)

John Lowry explained SSJI’s Monarch Roost Survey project to be held in the first two weeks of September. Eight possible roost areas have been identified. Participants will be asked to monitor an area several times over the two weeks. The project is a continuation of the work carried out by and in conjunction with the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

John Lowry speaking (Photo: John F. Foster)

Participants listening to John Lowry speaking about SSJI’s Monarch Roost project (Photo: John F. Foster)

Monarch Day participants were separated into two groups to explore the local habitat for Monarch eggs, caterpillars and adults. While searching for Monarchs, the observers were treated to views of other butterflies and insects including Swallowtail and American Lady butterflies, grasshoppers, spiders and Praying Mantises.

They reported a few Monarch caterpillars and a generous number of eggs attached to the numerous milkweed plants. Since it takes about four days for the caterpillars to hatch from the eggs, it was perhaps a week early to see many caterpillars. Adult Monarchs were in good supply, not only on Monarch Point Conservation Reserve and the Hudgin-Rose Nature Reserve, but also along the South Shore roadsides.

A short Monarch tour was conducted by Cheryl Chapman. The walk in the National Wildlife Area yielded few Monarch egg sightings, but again found several adults. Thank you to everyone that participated in SSJI’s annual Monarch Day event.

Monarch butterfly adult female (Photo: John F. Foster)

Monarch eggs on Milkweed leaf (Photo: John F. Foster)

SSJI Monarch Day Photo Gallery (Photos: John F. Foster):

Swamp Milkweed

Woodland Sunflower

White Meadowsweet

Raccoon front paw track in mud

Summer Azure butterfly

Milkweed Tussock Moth larva

Trail used by Monarch Day Bioblitz Team

Giant Swallowtail

Carolina Grasshopper

Click here to read more about Monarchs in Prince Edward County and view more photos and maps on our Monarch Monitoring webpage.

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The South Shore Footpath Project - A Step Towards Conservation and Wellbeing

by Geoff Craig

Saturday, June 22 marked a significant milestone for The South Shore Footpath Project, a visionary initiative set to create a point-to-point walking trail spanning from Point Petre to Prince Edward Point in Prince Edward County. Inspired by the success of the Bruce Trail, this project is founded on the proven belief that time spent in nature fosters a deeper love for the environment and a stronger commitment to its protection.

The kickoff event for The South Shore Footpath Project took place at Mariner’s Park on Saturday, June 22 and drew 150 eager participants despite an early morning rain. The weather may have deterred a few, but those who attended enjoyed a day filled with walks, nature exploration, and community spirit.

SSJI Foot Path Launch Registration (Photo: John F. Foster)

SSJI Footpath Walks Schedule (Photo: John F. Foster)

The walks at Point Petre and Point Traverse were well-received, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and biodiversity of the area. A highlight of the day was the sighting of a Blanding's turtle, a species of special concern, delighting nature enthusiasts.

SSJI Footpath Launch Sign (Photo: John F. Foster)

The event featured a variety of informational booths hosted by local conservation organizations, including the South Shore Joint Initiative (SSJI), Prince Edward County Field Naturalists (PECFN), Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory (PEPtBO), Quinte Conservation, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), Sandbanks Provincial Park, and the Dark Sky initiative. These booths provided valuable educational opportunities, helping attendees learn more about local wildlife, conservation efforts, and the importance of protecting natural habitats.

Children enjoyed nature-based crafts and face painting, making the event a fun and educational experience for families. Big Mike's BBQ was also there delighting the hungry tummies of the walkers. The success of the day was largely due to the dedication of more than 30 volunteers who ensured everything ran smoothly.

Geoff Craig, the project leader, opened the event with an inspiring message to the crowd. "You are part of something that isn’t just about a footpath, but building a legacy of conservation and wellbeing in our community," he said. His words resonated with the attendees, highlighting the broader impact of the project on both the environment and the community’s quality of life.

The South Shore Footpath Project is poised to become a cherished asset for Prince Edward County, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to connect with nature, improve their well being, and contribute to conservation efforts. As the project progresses, the continued support and involvement of the community will be crucial in turning this vision into a reality.

SSJI Footpath Booths at Mariner’s Park Museum (Photo: John F. Foster)

Mariner’s Park Museum - Venue for SSJI Footpath Launch (Photo: John F. Foster)

The South Shore Footpath Project is poised to become a cherished asset for Prince Edward County, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to connect with nature, improve their well being, and contribute to conservation efforts. As the project progresses, the continued support and involvement of the community will be crucial in turning this vision into a reality.

The successful kickoff event has set a positive tone for the future of the footpath, demonstrating the community's strong commitment to preserving their natural heritage. With ongoing efforts and collaboration, the South Shore Footpath Project will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

SSJI Footpath Launch Pt. Traverse Hike Photo Gallery (Photos: John F. Foster):

Long Point Harbour

Smooth Rose

Gray Dogwood

Wetland on Pt. Traverse Trail

Purple-flowered Raspberry

Pt. Traverse Trail

Pt. Traverse Lighthouse

Young Mink

Looking east to False Duck Island

Hairy Beardtongue

Dock at Long Point Harbour

Common Milkweed

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Kids Korner

by Cheryl Chapman

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Naked Eye Astronomy – August and September 2024

by Steve Burr

The Moon

We started the month off with a new moon on the 4th of August followed by the first quarter on the 12th of August. The full Sturgeon moon arrived on the 19th of August and according to the Farmer’s Almanac, it derives its name from the sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain which were harvested at this time of year by the Native Americans. The last quarter moon appeared on the 26th of the month and passed through the Pleiades just after midnight.

The Perseid Meteor Shower

The Perseid meteor shower peaked during the evening of the 12th and the early morning hours of the 13th. Luckily, the first quarter moon set around 10:30 pm giving us a dark sky to view this celestial spectacle. The Perseid meteor shower appears to originate from the constellation Perseus and owes it origins to debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle, discovered by Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle, in 1862. To observe this event, remove yourself from as much light pollution as possible and look to the NE for the constellation Perseus. You will need to give your eyes some time to adjust to the darkness. The best time for viewing is after midnight.

The Planets

Venus started to distance itself from the sun and could be seen low in the Western sky just after sunset. On the 4th of August, Venus was within just 1.7°of the waxing crescent moon shortly after sundown. As the month progressed, we saw Venus’s distance itself further from the sun and rise higher in the evening sky. Mars gained ground in the morning hours and rose just after midnight. On the 14th of August, Mars passed within 0.3°of Jupiter in the early morning hours. They appeared to kiss in this conjunction.

Jupiter (Photo: Steve Burr)

Jupiter was in Taurus and rose after midnight and continued its progression of rising earlier each evening throughout the month.  For those with good binoculars or a telescope, a double transit of shadows across the surface of Jupiter by its moons Io and Europa at 3 am occurred on the 7th of August. Saturn was visible in the evening sky, rising around 10 pm at the beginning of the month to 8 pm by the end of the month in the constellation of Aquarius. On the evening of the 20th and the early morning of the 21st, we saw an occultation of Saturn by the waxing gibbous moon.

The Sun

The autumnal equinox in the in the Northern Hemisphere arrives on the 22nd of September ushering in the fall.  It is at this time; the sun passes directly over the earth’s equator providing equal length of day and night.  Zodiacal light is visible in the morning twilight just before sunrise for the next two weeks.

Zodiacal Light (Photo: Randy Boddam)

The Moon

On the third of September we had a new moon.  Now is the time to get out and see the Milky Way arching from the Northeast to the Southwest.  The central bulge of our galaxy is clearly visible in the constellation of Sagittarius.  Just look for the teapot low in the Southwest sky around 9 pm.  The first quarter moon arrives on the 11th. For those with good binoculars or a telescope, check out the craters along the terminator line between day and night on the surface of the moon. You won’t be disappointed as the surface features become more accentuated. On the 17th of September, we have a partial lunar eclipse commencing at 8:41 pm. You will see the Earth’s shadow slowly covering the Northwest section of the full moon and progressing until 10:44 pm to the height of the eclipse which will cover approximately the Northern third of the moon. This partial eclipse will end after midnight at 12:47am as the Earth’s shadow moves on. On the 18th of the month, we have a Harvest full moon, so named according to the Farmers Almanac, as it pertains to the timing of the autumnal equinox which provides plenty of moonlight in the evening allowing the farmers additional time to harvest their crops. In the early morning hours of the 22nd, the Moon is 0.2° North of the Pleiades. This a beautiful sight to see if you can stay up long enough. We end off the month with a last quarter moon on the 24th of September.

Lunar Eclipse (Photo: David Billo)

Milky Way (Photo: Dave Cotterell) 

The Planets

Venus can now be seen in Virgo after sunset low on the Western sky. You still have to be quick to catch a glimpse of it as the planet sets by 7:40 pm. Mars is now an evening planet rising at 11:30 pm at the beginning of month to 10:53 pm by the end of the month and moving from constellation Taurus into Gemini. Jupiter is also becoming an evening planet rising prior to midnight. With your binoculars or telescope, try to make out the moons of Jupiter as you have all night to enjoy this sight. Saturn now rises early in the evening and is visible most of the night in Aquarius.  Just before dawn on the 17th, we see Saturn within 0.3° of the moon low in the Western horizon.

Fall’N’Stars 2024

Eastern Ontario’s favorite star party is once again returning to the South Shore of Prince Edward County, the weekend of 26 - 27 September.  This event is open to amateur astronomers and those interested in the night sky to join us for a rustic weekend of star gazing along with many social events including but not limited to: short astronomy related presentations, a catered dinner on Saturday night, nature walking trails, and most importantly, the chance to share with other like-minded individuals the love of all things Astronomy.  Fall'N'Stars is a rain or shine event. In the case of inclement weather, we have alternative events planned for an inside venue.  Click here for further information and registration). See you under the stars! 

Group Photo Fall'N'Star 2023 (Photo: Steve Burr)

Fall'N'Stars (Photo: Steve Burr)

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Ode to Poison Ivy*

by Catriona McDonald

Hail, shining jewel of the forest’s edge,
who, guarding the damp and shade-worn oaks,
graces the green boughs of the sun-warmed hedge
and hides in the root-skirts of the Wort Folks.
Strong oils weep, coating your arrows-leaves:
a warning, a curse to any so arrogant,
ignorant, or foolish, your fierce spears
fine punishment for woeful woodland thieves.
Erroneously thought malevolent,
human ruin ignites your caustic tears.

* McDonald, Catriona. Ode to Poison Ivy in “Poison Ivy” article by Ken MacDonald. Prairie Smoke 21(7):16. Carden Field Naturalists. Accessed Sat., June 29, 2024.

Also, in “The Druid’s Well”: https://thedruidswell.com/2021/07/30/ode-to-poison-ivy/ . Accessed Sun., June 30, 2024.

(Foster, John F. 2024. Poison Ivy. Photo P1041194 from SSJI Monarch Day 2024 photo set)

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Northern Dog-day Cicada1

by Ken MacDonald

Northern Dog-day Cicada, Neotibicen canicularis, seen in Midland, Ontario, Canada, July 25, 2024. I believe this is a nymph that may have just emerged from the ground and was seeking to climb our lilac tree where it could undergo its final metamorphosis into a winged adult. As children in North America, we were told the story of the Grasshopper and the Ant. However, the original fable written by Jean de La Fontaine in 1668 is "La Cigale et la fourmi", the Cicada and the Ant.

Dog-Day Cicada (Photo: Ken MacDonald)

“Cicada and Ant” by Jean de la Fontaine2

Having sung the summer through,
Cicada found herself quite destitute.
And when the North Wind blew,
Provisions being less than scant,
She crawled on down to neighbor ant
With cries of famine,
Hoping to borrow just a bit of seed
To tide her over till the coming Spring.
“I’ll pay of course,” she tried to plead,
“Before the month of August,
Both interest and principal.
Come, trust a fellow animal!”
The ant however is no lender;
Lending is the least of all her flaws.
“Could you tell me what you did
On all those hot dry days?”
She asked the borrower.
“Night and day, my pardon to you ants,
I sang, for one and all.”
“You sang? I am enthralled!
Now all you have to do is dance.”

1 - MacDonald, Ken. 2024. Northern Dog Day Cicada in Prairie Smoke 21(8): 31. Accessed Wed., July 31, 2024.

2 - De la Fontaine, Jean. 1668. La cigale et la fourmi in Les Fables de La Fontaine. Accessed Sun., Aug. 08, 2024.

https://www.myfrenchlife.org/2011/12/30/fable-cicada-and-ant-by-jean-de-la-fontaine-eng-fr/

 

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Life Cycle of Pacific and Atlantic Salmon1

1 - TRCA. 2021. Life Cycle of Pacific and Atlantic Salmon. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Toronto, ON. https://trcaca.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/app/uploads/2021/09/27165332/Salmon-life-cycle-Final-edit.pdf . 

Accessed Fri., Aug. 16. 2024.

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Editor's Note

This is the 25th edition of The South Shoreliner. The editor would like to thank the following for contributing to this 25th edition of The South Shoreliner: Katherine Rogalska, Cheryl Anderson, Geoff Craig, Cheryl Chapman, Steve Burr, John F. Foster, Catriona McDonald, Ken MacDonald, and TRCA. Contributions make the newsletter readable and interesting. For the next and upcoming newsletters, contributions of articles, photos and events are always welcome.

-- John F. Foster, The South Shoreliner Editor

 

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