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🌿 With Gratitude and Warm New Year Wishes from the South Shore Joint Initiative 💚

As we welcome a fresh new year on the South Shore, our hearts are full of gratitude for the many generous donors who make the work of the South Shore Joint Initiative possible. Every contribution—large or small—helps protect this extraordinary landscape, support vital conservation projects, and create opportunities for people to connect with the natural world in meaningful ways.

Your commitment strengthens our community. It fuels our educational programs, stewardship efforts, and the shared vision of a thriving, biodiverse South Shore for generations to come. Thank you for believing in this place and in the power of collective action.

As 2026 unfolds, we wish each of you a peaceful and inspiring year ahead—one filled with wellness, renewal, and countless moments in nature. May the South Shore continue to offer you quiet trails, wide skies, migrating birds, and the grounding beauty that makes this region so special.

From all of us at SSJI, thank you for your generosity, your passion, and your partnership. Here’s to a hopeful year shaped by community, conservation, and the enduring magic of the South Shore.

Cheryl Anderson,
President, South Shore Joint Initiative

South Shore Joint Initiative’s first-ever Square Foot Art Show + Sale runs January 23–February 18, 2026 at Arts on Main Gallery, Picton.

The Backroom Gallery will showcase square‑foot works by local artists whose pieces are inspired by SSJI’s mission to protect Prince Edward County’s rare and irreplaceable South Shore.

Explore our online Preview Gallery and check back often—new artworks are added regularly. It’s a wonderful way to spark your New Year inspiration and see how creative expression and visual storytelling are helping build awareness, inspire stewardship, and strengthen conservation efforts.

Proceeds from art sales are shared (40% to the artist / 60% to SSJI), with the option for artists to donate their portion to SSJI in exchange for a charitable tax receipt.

Our opening reception is filling up quickly—5 pm entry is fully booked, but RSVPs are still open for the 6 pm reception (click here to RSVP).

We’re deeply grateful to the emerging and established artists who have contributed such meaningful work and continue to support our mission to fully protect Prince Edward County's South Shore.

SSJI on The Grapevine – Tuesday, January 13 at 12 noon - 99.3 County FM

Tune in to The Grapevine for a conversation all about the South Shore Joint Initiative and a look ahead at the projects and programs planned for 2026. The interview will introduce listeners to SSJI’s mission and explore what makes the Prince Edward County South Shore one of the most ecologically significant places in Ontario:

• Why the South Shore matters
  Learn what makes this 26‑kilometre stretch—Canada’s largest remaining undeveloped Lake Ontario shoreline—so vital for migratory birds and wildlife.
• The evolving South Shore Footpath
  Hear how this low‑impact trail helps people connect with the landscape while protecting sensitive habitats.
• Art, photography, and community engagement
  Get a preview of SSJI’s first‑ever Square Foot Art Show + Sale and how creative expression is helping build awareness and support for conservation.
• How to get involved
  From educational events to supporting the footpath, listeners will discover simple ways to take part in protecting this extraordinary place.

A perfect segment for anyone curious about the South Shore or looking for meaningful ways to support local conservation.

Celebrating Youth Voices and the South Shore at the Square Foot Art Show

From January 23 to February 18, the annual Square Foot Art Show + Sale will feature a special contribution from the Wild Thing’s Watercolours 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 will be proudly displayed as part of the Square Foot Art Show and Sale, offering visitors a chance to experience the south shore through the eyes of its youngest stewards. More about Square Foot Art Show + Sale here.

Step Into Nature Raffle Update!

We are thankful and overwhelmed with our South Shore fan community! All ticket sales support our mission to permanently protect PEC's South Shore.

The raffle draw took place at the Royal Hotel on January 4th and the winners are:

• Royal Hotel Empire Room One Night Stay - Stephen Davies
• South Shore Stroll for Six + Bucket Hats - Gaye & Doug Smith
• SSJI Canadian-Made Merch Bundle (for Two) - Bill Mohan
• Iris Casey “In Sync” Bird Sculpture - Sacha Warunkiw
• One Hour Massage with Jennifer Bowman, RMT - Deborah DeCombe

We extend heartfelt thanks to The Royal Hotel, Iris Casey, and Jennifer Bowman for their generous support of this meaningful fundraiser.