In The News:
Protecting Dark Sky
(August 27, 2026) Prince Edward County is taking meaningful first steps toward protecting its night skies. At last week’s committee of the whole meeting, council agreed to explore ways the municipality can support a proposed South Shore Dark Sky Preserve, working alongside SSJI and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. From a potential Memorandum of Understanding at Mariners Park Museum to the development of a dark sky policy, the County is beginning to outline how it can help safeguard this rare natural asset.
Read the full story in County Live by Sharon Harrison here.
Protecting Forest Elders
(August 24, 2026) South Shore forest elders are at risk, and community advocates are sounding the alarm. Hydro One has denied appeals to protect three 300–400‑year‑old Burr Oaks and Shagbark Hickories along County Road 13—trees that represent some of the last remnants of PEC’s original Oak‑Hickory woodland. With Hydro One planning their removal to relocate utility lines, the decision now rests with Prince Edward County’s Operational Services department, where residents and environmental groups hope for a last‑minute reprieve.
Read more in County Live here.
Invitation to a South Shore Watercolour Walk – Fall Colours' Edition 🎨🍂
Discover the beauty of Prince Edward County’s South Shore this fall with a guided Watercolour Walk led by plein‑air painter Tim Snyder and volunteers from the South Shore Footpath Project. This relaxed outdoor workshop invites you to explore one of PEC’s most remarkable natural landscapes—heritage sites, alvar ecosystems, and Lake Ontario’s shoreline—while sketching at your own pace.
Beginners are warmly encouraged. Tim will share tips on choosing subjects, composing your page, and experimenting with watercolour techniques. Bring your favourite sketchbook and medium, pack a lunch, and enjoy a creative day outdoors.
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 9:00 am–2:30 pm
Location: Hudgin Log House, Hudgin‑Rose Nature Reserve, 191 Ostrander Point Road
Spots: Only 15 available—registration required
Cost: Pay‑what‑you‑can (suggested $50) after RSVP confirmation
Questions? Contact Lesa Berec at [email protected]
Register here today and join us for a colourful day on the South Shore!
Naked Eye Astronomy Blog
September’s night sky brings a mix of celestial treats—from close encounters between the Moon and bright planets to the soft glow of Zodiacal light ahead of the autumn equinox. Steven Burr’s latest Naked Eye Astronomy update guides you through what to watch for this month, including the Full Corn Moon, shifting planetary positions, and a spotlight on the constellation Capricornus. Dive in and see what September has in store for skywatchers. Read more...
Milford Fall Fair — Join Us September 19!
The Milford Fall Fair is celebrating its 80th year, and SSJI will be right in the middle of the fun at the Milford Fair Grounds (Mt. Tabor). Stop by our tent to explore South Shore biodiversity, heritage initiatives, the Footpath Project, Dark Sky Preserve efforts, and kid‑friendly Wild Thing activities — including an ALL ABOUT BATS theme this year.
And don’t miss our Step Into Nature Raffle, featuring nature‑inspired prizes that support South Shore conservation. Swing by, say hello, and get your raffle ticket while you’re there.
With crafts, telescopes, hands‑on learning, and the world‑famous Milford parade at 11 AM, it’s a perfect day to celebrate community and the South Shore.
Join us Saturday, September 19 — and don’t forget to enter the Step Into Nature Raffle!
Marsh Creek Community Bioblitz: Sept 25–26 🍁
Join local nature lovers for a two‑day Marsh Creek Community Bioblitz — one of only five Bioblitz projects funded across Canada by the Canadian Wildlife Federation. Organized by Prince Edward County Field Naturalists (PECFN) and Feral Folc in partnership with the South Shore Joint Initiative, Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory, Friends of Delhi Park, VTLA Studio and Trees for PEC, this free event invites everyone to help document local biodiversity using the iNaturalist app.
Drop in for guided walks, workshops, kid‑friendly activities, and hands‑on learning. No experience needed — just curiosity and a willingness to look a little closer.
Click here to view highlights from Monarch Day:
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