Monarch Roost Survey Report – 2025
📝 📸 John Lowry
This year, the challenge has been waiting to see if Monarchs would rebound from very low numbers in 2024. Initial reports from their overwintering grounds in Mexico indicated a small increase in numbers, leading to cautious optimism among experts. However, the overall population trend still shows signs of decline.
The eastern population in North America has seen a "hopeful increase," but the western population has experienced a catastrophic decline, estimated to be down by 95%. There is a real concern that the western population may cease to exist.
Join Us at the Milford Fair!
📅 Saturday, September 13
🕗 Visit our booth between 9 AM and 4 PM (We'll be in the parade!)
📍 Milford Fair Grounds (Mt. Tabor)
2179 County Rd. 17, Milford, ON K0K 2P0
🌿 Explore the Wonders of PEC’s South Shore
Dive into the region’s incredible biodiversity and cultural heritage, and learn all about the visionary South Shore Footpath Project.
🔭 Stargaze with the Experts
Visit the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Belleville Chapter booth to discover the Dark Sky Project and how we’re protecting our night skies.
🎉 Get Wild with Us!
Don’t miss our surprise Wild Thing activity—a hands-on experience for Monarch lovers of all ages.
👕 New Merch Alert!
Pre-order our exclusive new merchandise HERE and pick it up at the fair. Be the first to wear your support!
Sunday Footpath Committee Walk – August 10th
📝 📸 Dale Smith
An early start and a route that followed along the lake to Lighthall Road made for a pleasant Sunday walk. This immature Ring-billed Gull had an even better idea: to bob along on the waves!
Perhaps the highlight was seeing more than a dozen eastern giant swallowtail butterflies busily feeding on purple loosestrife. While considered an invasive weed, purple loosestrife has the right colour and long-lasting, tubular flowers to attract these beautiful insects. Read more...
West Lake Community Association is organizing a symposium on Sustainability and Adapting to Change. Make sure to register here and visit South Shore Joint Initiative display.
Tune to our events page to discover all events brought to you by Royal Astronomical Society Canada, Belleville Centre in partnership with SSJI and Picton Library.
If you don't want to miss any important and stunning celestial events make sure to read Steven Burr's Naked Eye Astronomy Blog here.
Honouring Our Maritime Legacy
Join us on September 21 at 1:00 PM for the Mariners’ Memorial Service, led by Rev. Aaron Miechkota at South Bay United Church. This heartfelt gathering pays tribute to Prince Edward County’s rich maritime heritage and the many mariners who shaped our shores.
Following the service, guests are invited to a reception at Mariners Park Museum. Enjoy light refreshments, explore historical displays, and learn more about the inspiring work of the South Shore Joint Initiative. Everyone is welcome—come be part of this meaningful community event.
Quinte Woodland Conference
SSJI will be exhibiting at the Quinte Woodland Conference on October 2 in Maranatha Church in Belleville. The conference is organized by The Quinte Chapter of the Ontario Woodlot Association (OWA), a grassroots organization formed in 1999 committed to restoring, managing and advocating for healthy forest ecosystems.
In case you've missed it click here to read the Square Foot Art Show Announcement.
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