A great day exploring the great outdoors at South Shore Fest

Administrator | Jun 08, 2025 | Comments 1

Story and photos by Sharon Harrison
It was a busy Saturday for the folks at the South Shore Joint Initiative (SSJI), a busy night too, as the local organization enjoyed its first South Shore Fest event.

It was a glorious day too: the sun shone, the temperature soared, and a smoky, hazy sky cleared for the many who came to explore and discover the south end of the County.

Held at Mariners Park, on County Road 13 near Milford, South Shore Fest was designed to be a fun, family-friendly (and free) event packed with things to do: kids’ and all-ages activities, information and displays, a museum exhibit on the Avro Arrow, live music, good food and more.

Intended to be a celebration of the great Canadian outdoors, especially as it relates to the County’s south shore, the community eco-fest covered everything from learning about nature and the environment, discovery of the night sky, to generational stories of the County’s commercial fishing industry.

SSJI president Cheryl Anderson, was happy with the packed day of events and activities, as well as attendance, on the fine-weather day.

“It’s been a great day, we are very pleased,” said Anderson, “So, I am really pleased about it, and we’ve had lots of good volunteers.”

A volunteer-run, non-profit registered charity, the South Shore Joint Initiative’s mission to educate and advocate for the protection, preservation and restoration of south shore lands and waters, where together biodiversity, and people, can thrive.

While the SSJI hopes the community takes the time to celebrate and learn about the County’s beautiful south shore at any time of the year, the event also coincided with Canadian Environment Week (June 1-7), which has celebrated Canada’s environmental accomplishments since 1971.

The day featured live musical entertainment from Kyra and Tully (above with Ruth Dwight on drums), as well as Reggie with Mario Panacci and Dwight.

Dwight also entertained later in the afternoon with her drumming circle, which included an invite for anyone to join in, even if they had never tapped a drum before.

“Ruth is doing a drumming circle, so not surprisingly, people are over there drumming. It’s great,” added Anderson.

While the main all-day event centred at Mariners Park, the morning included a series of guided nature walks (also free of charge) conducted by volunteers for those wanting to explore the great outdoors with a bit more up-close detail. The walks were centred on four different scenic routes on conserved and public lands, aimed at showcasing the rare beauty of the County’s south shore.

Geoff Craig, SSJI board member, explains how the “When I’m in nature, I feel…” board works. Below, some responses.

Around 80 people signed-up for the walks, with each covering a different level of difficulty, length and terrain, and included a family walk (suitable for kids) to exploring the more rugged shoreline environment for those seeking a more adventurous challenge, so there really was a walk suited to all needs.

The family kid-friendly walk explored the stunning 18-metre limestone cliffs of Little Bluff Conservation Area, standing tall over panoramic views of Prince Edward Bay.

SSJI Wild Thing co-ordinator Cheryl Chapman talks about wild things.

“This walk will take you along the park’s rugged bluffs and historic cobble beach, a barrier beach shaped by centuries of wave action, which is home to a rich variety of birds, reptiles and amphibians where Little Bluff offers a true shoreline adventure.”

The longest and perhaps toughest walk of the four, at six kilometres, and taking roughly two-and-a-half hours to complete, was the Maplecross Coastline Reserve, where the scenic walk celebrates the first official part of the South Shore Footpath. Fraser Moodey, of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, guided the walk which included the undeveloped shoreline, coastal wetland, forest, alvar and grassland habitats.

“The walks were well-attended, and I think everybody enjoyed their walk, and then people came back to this area afterwards,” said Anderson. “The kids’ area here has been full of kids all day which is very pleasing as really this is about the whole family, it’s not just about walkers, it’s about family.”

The other three walks, each at about one-and-a-half hours in length, included Point Petre in the Monarch Point Conservation Reserve (2.8 kilometres), the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area (two kilometres), as well as the family walk at Bluff Conservation Area (free parking included thanks to a unnamed donor).

“Point Petre in the Monarch Point Conservation Reserve, where open lake views, rare alvar and rocky beaches create a rugged beauty all their own, will lead you to the famous lone tree and the Orenda Ring -a hidden piece of Canada’s aviation history.”

Described as a gentle walk, the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area walk took walkers to the historic lighthouse by the edge of Lake Ontario.

“Along the way, enjoy scenic lake views, chances to spot migratory birds, and listen to the stories of the area’s fascinating natural and human history; a perfect outing for families looking for a relaxed and memorable adventure.”

Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area (PEP-NWA) is one of only 10 NWA across Canada open to the public, and it is open year-round. “Join us for this peaceful guided walk and enjoy stunning views. The quiet atmosphere is perfect for spotting wildlife in their natural habitats.”

Along with the South Shore Joint Initiative, local groups were represented with booths, displays and information where folks could learn more about local nature and environmental initiatives, as well as the 200-year history of the local commercial fishing.

Groups included the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists, the County Garden Club, the Quinte Field Naturalists, Quinte Conservation, Sandbanks Provincial Park, and the Nature Conservatory of Canada, among them.

Greg Lisk, RASC co-president, demonstrates how to safely look at the sun through a hydrogen alpha solar telescope which provides viewing of one specific layer of the sun’s atmosphere. Everyone was encouraged to take a look.

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC, Belleville Centre) had lots of celestial-related information on hand, as well as a bunch of friendly, well-versed amateur astronomers happy to share information and knowledge, along with a couple of telescopes where the public could stare up at the sun (unsafe to do with the naked eye or most other equipment, such as binoculars, but perfectly safe with sophisticated astronomy equipment under the guidance of experts).

The kids’ zone was a big hit with various activities on hand to try, such as making a bird nesting box (and taking it home) or a walking stick, all under the guidance of Wild Thing co-ordinator Cheryl Chapman, and some expert volunteer helpers. There was even the opportunity to write with a quill (feather) pen and ink, along with some self-guided activities with drawing, mazes, dot-to-dots and more.

South Shore Fest planned to wrap up with an evening event (also free of charge), deemed the first-ever Milford laser-guided night sky tour back at Mariners Park under the cover of darkness guided by members of RASC. Participants were invited to experience the wonder of the night sky. learn about constellations, sky myths, navigating the night sky and the importance of a dark sky. (Weather dependent).

“Inspired by the iconic Bruce Trail, a future South Shore Footpath, a project by the South Shore Joint Initiative, will enable everyone to step into nature and explore the rare beauty of local public lands,” notes Anderson in a recent media release. “A point-to-point walking trail from Point Petre to Point Traverse that will help to protect, conserve and restore fragile lands as well as promote everyone’s well-being is the group’s ultimate goal.“

Since the South Shore Footpath Project Launch in 2024, more than 20 enthusiastic volunteers have continued to explore and map some of the most scenic and walkable routes in South Shore conserved and public lands.