Autumn in the Hills
Explore this season’s arts events, spot rare creatures, discover an unusual Mono garden and more – all in our Autumn issue.
As the fall issue came together, publisher/editor Tralee Pearce noticed that many of them seemed to have something in common – a sense of wonder and awe.
Resident naturalist Don Scallen describes how spotting rare species can feel like magic in his feature “Brief Encounters,” while Mono gardener Henry van Oudenaren coaxes unexpected plants from the earth, including kiwi, pawpaw and persimmon – sometimes much to his own amazement.
In “Season of Colour, Season of Art” local artists wow audiences at a long list of must-see fall festivals, studio tours and exhibitions. And Theatre Orangeville’s new artistic director, Jennifer Stewart, describes feeling a sense of kismet as she steps into her new role.
“Oscar and Sport: Erin’s War Dog” is the true tale of a furry, four-legged World War II soldier who found a home in Erin, and a well-deserved posthumous honour.
And if you’re “wondering” about how to get around, our News Desk delves into the improvements coming to local public transportation, including Orangeville’s popular fare-free bus and other initiatives that aim to connect rural communities.
Happy reading from In The Hills!

BRIEF ENCOUNTERS
A fleeting glimpse of one of these five rare Headwaters species can feel like magic – and like a warning we can’t ignore.

STILL WAITING ON THE BUS
Rural communities are built for drivers – but what about everyone else? As new transit efforts gain ground, riders are hoping for more than a lift.

TAKING THE STAGE
Jennifer Stewart, Theatre Orangeville’s new artistic director, steps into the spotlight.

SEASON OF COLOUR, SEASON OF ART
As leaves change so do the galleries and gathering spaces of Headwaters – here’s a curated roundup of fall’s must-see exhibitions and events.

HOW A MONO GARDEN GROWS … AND GROWS … AND GROWS …
Henry van Oudenaren’s remarkable selection of plants pushes the boundaries of what will grow successfully in Headwaters.

DUFFERIN RAIL TRAIL
Take a stroll through the bucolic countryside by following the tracks that once connected Orangeville to Dundalk.

FIELD NOTES: 175 YEARS OF THE ERIN FALL FAIR
The Erin Fall Fair turns 175, Belfountain throws a bash, and Canada’s most famous astronaut Chris Hadfield lands in Orangeville.

REST AND REPEAT
The importance of rest – whether napping or just taking a break – as a form of self-care.

HANDCRAFTED IN HEADWATERS
Discover mini terrariums containing hidden worlds, the art of blacksmithing and whimsical monochrome cards.

FOOD + DRINK: AUTUMN 2025
Toast local sandwich stars at Pia’s on Broadway, sip a flight of Caledon cider and dig into locally made pies.

OSCAR AND SPORT: ERIN’S WAR DOG
The true tale of a World War II four-legged soldier who found a forever home in Erin – and a posthumous honour.

NATURE JOURNALLING FOR KIDS
Outdoor educator Billie Jo Reid aims to inspire enthusiasm for the environment through sketching in nature.

CLASSIC DESIGN, CASUAL LUXURY
A tranquil Caledon home inspires connecting with nature, relaxing with friends and family, gracious entertaining – and a whole lot of sports.

YOUR COUNTRY SEPTIC SYSTEM, DEMYSTIFIED
How does a septic system work? Learn all about this vital part of rural life and avoid a messy meltdown.
Related Stories
How a Mono Garden Grows… and Grows… and Grows
A Mono gardener’s remarkable selection of plants pushes the boundaries of what will grow successfully in Headwaters.
Brief Encounters
A fleeting glimpse of one of these five rare Headwaters species can feel like magic – and like a warning we can’t ignore.
Season of Colour, Season of Art
As leaves change so do the galleries and gathering spaces of Headwaters – here’s a curated roundup of fall’s must-see exhibitions and events.
Taking the Stage
Jennifer Stewart, Theatre Orangeville’s new artistic director, steps into the spotlight.




