Buy Local Art. Protect Local Nature. Until Feb 18.
The Square Foot Art Show + Sale is in full swing at Arts on Main, and pieces are selling fast. This is your moment to purchase a one‑of‑a‑kind artwork that supports both local artists and South Shore Joint Initiative’s conservation work.
Every 12” x 12” piece in the show was created in response to SSJI’s mission to protect the rare and fragile South Shore Key Biodiversity Area. When you buy a piece, you’re not just taking home beautiful art — you’re directly strengthening environmental stewardship in Prince Edward County.
How to purchase
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Visit the gallery: Arts on Main Gallery, 223 Main St, Picton
Open Wed–Sun, 11 AM–4 PM
Open Family Day – Monday, Feb 16 -
Call to buy during gallery hours: 613‑476‑2066
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View artworks in our online gallery and call Arts On Main to purchase now!
- Can’t make it to Arts on Main? Email Cheryl Anderson for Canada-wide shipping options
The show ends February 18, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. If a piece speaks to you, don’t wait — make it yours and make a difference.
SSJI extends heartfelt thanks to Arts on Main Gallery, participating artists, who are donating 60 to 100% of sales proceeds to fuel SSJI’s future, and everyone who has already purchased or visited.
Your support fuels our work to protect the PEC South Shore!
The Importance of South Shore’s Coastal Wetlands
In recognition of World Wetlands Day — February 2
By Cheryl Anderson (2026)
Every year on February 2, communities around the world celebrate World Wetlands Day, a reminder of how essential wetlands are to healthy ecosystems and healthy communities. Here in the South Shore of Prince Edward County, we are lucky to have several important coastal wetlands worth celebrating and protecting.
These wetlands include areas in the National Wildlife Area, Big Sand Bay, Gull Pond at Charwell Point in Monarch Point Conservation Reserve, and the wetland at the end of Wellbanks Road. Each one plays a key role in keeping our shoreline resilient.
Coastal wetlands act like natural sponges. When Lake Ontario’s water levels rise, wetlands absorb the extra water so it doesn’t end up flooding homes and roads. As lake levels rise and fall, the wetlands are refreshed, creating new habitat for birds, fish, turtles, frogs, and the trees and plants that grow in them.
Because wetlands are rich in nutrients, they support an incredible amount of life. Many reptile and amphibian species at risk depend on PEC wetlands, including most of Ontario’s turtle species and the Western Chorus Frog. In Hillier, Slab Creek wetland has become well known for nesting Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons. These birds aren’t at risk, but their presence shows just how vibrant a natural wetland can be.
Wetlands are often called “the kidneys of nature” because they filter pollution from water. In some places, wetlands are even used as the final treatment stage for wastewater.
In the South Shore, Ducks Unlimited has created two impoundments in Monarch Point Conservation Reserve. These managed wetlands support species of all taxa including River Otters, Northern Harriers and White Ladies’-tresses Orchids. They also provide recreational opportunities for local duck hunters, hikers and birdwatchers.
Searching for Least Bittern - Lighthall Impoundment, Prince Edward County South Shore (Photo: Peter Fuller)
Unfortunately, wetland protection in Ontario has weakened in recent years. This makes it even more important for naturalists, scientists, and community members to speak up when development threatens these sensitive areas.
World Wetlands Day is a perfect moment to remember that protecting wetlands means protecting wildlife, clean water, and the long-term health of our shoreline.
Lighthall Impoundment, Prince Edward County South Shore (Photo: Peter Fuller)
Additional Resources:
Wetlands Advocacy Guide (PDF) from Ontario Nature (webpage link)
Speak up for Wetlands in Ontario campaign
FAMILY DAY FUN
📅 Date: Monday, February 16, 2026
🕑 Time: 9 AM to 3 PM
📍 Location: Wellington Arena
🦉 Join us for an OWL‑some Family Day!
SSJI’s Wild Thing Education Program is bringing owl‑themed fun to the PEC Family Day event at the Wellington District Community Centre!
✨ Discover the owls of PEC
✨ Examine real specimens
✨ Make your own owl to take home
✨ Enjoy hands‑on owl activities
It’s going to be a hoot! 😄
ASTRO TALK
📅 Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Picton Library
In collaboration with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, the Picton Library will have a telescope to borrow for free with your library card. Join us for a hands-on training session to become eligible to borrow the telescope. Learn how to use and care for the Seestar S50 smart telescope, and discover tips for stargazing and spotting celestial wonders.
Flashback February Spotlight!
Step back in time with us as Jeff Young presents a fascinating journey into local history. On Tuesday, February 25 at 7:00 pm, join us at the Macaulay Museum in Picton for an unforgettable presentation on Point Petre and the AVRO Arrow Free Flight Model Tests.
Discover how this quiet corner of Prince Edward County played a role in one of Canada’s most ambitious aviation projects.
Watercolour in the Woods
Until February 18, the Square Foot Art Show + Sale features a special contribution from the Wild Thing’s Watercolour in the Woods program.
This year, Grade 6 and 7 students from Sophiasburgh Central School, guided by local artist Tim Snyder, ventured into the NWA to capture the landscapes of the south shore through watercolour. Their field trip became a catalyst for deeper reflection: each student paired their artwork with written insights that express both the beauty and the ecological significance of this cherished landscape.
Their completed pieces have been gathered into a square foot album, designed as a community outreach and advocacy tool that amplifies youth perspectives on protecting our south shore.
The album is proudly displayed as part of the Square Foot Art Show + Sale, offering visitors a chance to experience the south shore through the eyes of its youngest stewards.
As a special Family Day highlight, Tim Snyder will be at the gallery on February 16 from noon to 3 pm to talk about the project, the students’ creative process, and the importance of youth engagement in environmental stewardship.
Watercolour in the Woods was made possible with the financial support of Quinte Arts Council and Nature Canada's NatureHood Program. Resources, program development and delivery facilitated by Sophiasburgh Central School and the South Shore Joint Initiative' Wild Thing Education Program.
More about Square Foot Art Show + Sale
More about Watercolour in the Woods project
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