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In The News:

County's Inaugural Civic Recognition Awards

At the County’s Civic Recognition Awards on September 24 at The Regent Theatre, Mayor Ferguson announced the recipients of the Mayor’s Special Achievement Award, including a heartfelt, posthumous honour for Myrna Wood, a long‑time volunteer and dedicated SSJI Board Member. She was a founding member of Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory and Prince Edward County Field Naturalists. Her legacy of kindness and community service continues to inspire many across Prince Edward County. Read more in CountyLive and Picton Gazette.

Myrna Wood by her Garden (Photo: Sandra Dowds)

Community Conversations in Athol

Athol has been filled with thoughtful civic energy. The recent All Candidates Meeting brought neighbours together for an evening of reflection, dialogue, and shared vision for our community's future. The room was warm and engaged, a wonderful reminder of the impact of local democracy.

Read the full recap in the Picton Gazette.

More civic events are upcoming, including the Mayor’s Debate at the Regent Theatre on October 5, as well as an additional Athol gathering organized by the recreation committee.

Quiet Magic of Monarch Roosts

SSJI volunteer John Lowry captured the stunning beauty of early autumn Monarch roosts on the South Shore using his Canon M50 II.

Explore the story and view John’s photography in his Biodiversity Blog: Quiet Magic of Monarch Roosts.

Photos: John Lowry

Get your Raffle Tickets before they're gone!

DRAW: 30 OCT 2026 @ 4 PM Little Ben Cottage, 361 Main St, Wellington

Amazing Prizes:

• Lakeside Getaway: A peaceful stay at Little Ben Cottage.

• Wine Tour: A curated County Wine Tour for six.

• Nature Walk: The inaugural walk with South Shore Footpath Volunteers.

• SSJI Merch Bundle: Featuring original local artwork by Jan Swaren and Dawn Ayer.

• River Adventure: Cabin Fever kayak or canoe trip on the Black River, plus lunch by Chef Jeremy Fletcher.

• Relaxation: A massage with Jennifer Bowman, RMT.

Tickets can be purchased by emailing [email protected] or calling 613‑849‑7743

Click here for more details.

October Night Skies

October brings crisp autumn air, longer nights, and exceptionally clear skies. Our latest Astro Blog highlights what to look for this month, including constellations, planets, and seasonal celestial phenomena. Click here to read the Astro Blog – October 2026 by Steven Burr.

BioBlitz Update

The Marsh Creek Community BioBlitz was a joyful success — two crisp September days filled with curious neighbours, families, naturalists, and first‑time explorers documenting the life that thrives along the creek. As one of only five Bioblitzes funded nationwide by the Canadian Wildlife Federation, it brought together PECFN, Feral Folc, SSJI, PEPBO, Friends of Delhi Park, VTLA Studio, and Trees for PEC in a true community‑science celebration.

Participants used the iNaturalist app to capture everything from fungi to birds to late‑season pollinators, creating a vibrant snapshot of local biodiversity. Take a look at the discoveries here.

🎃 Eco‑Friendly Halloween Decoration Tips

Halloween fun doesn’t have to spook the environment. A few simple choices can keep wildlife safe and reduce waste across Ontario.

• Go natural: Pumpkins, branches, leaves, and straw make beautiful décor and can be composted afterward.

• Skip fake spider webs: They can trap birds and small mammals. and pose a serious hazard to wildlife especially during fall migration.

• Use gentle lighting: Warm, low‑intensity LEDs protect nocturnal species. Reduce bright outdoor lighting to support dark‑sky habitats.

• Avoid single‑use plastics: Choose reusable or thrifted decorations instead of inflatables and plastic props.

A greener Halloween keeps the magic alive, for us and for the creatures who share our neighbourhoods.