“Fresh air and muddy boots make everything better." -- Author Unknown
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Christine and Michael have been volunteers with our Operations Crew since 2021. Michael signed up to work on the Ausable Cut stair build in June after hearing about LSNT from a former co-worker, and Christine pitched in that fall.
Though retired, the Virosteks still operate a “small 300 acre cash crop farm." Their connection to the land is a big reason for their motivation to volunteer with LSNT. Both are familiar with using all sorts of tools and enjoy construction projects including house renovations, wood cutting and mechanical repairs.
Christine and Michael especially enjoyed helping with the construction of the footbridge in the Ausable River Valley. They described this project as “quite a group effort which resulted in a great trail improvement."
The Virosteks are no strangers to volunteering. Both currently give of their time to the Sarnia Horticultural Society and have helped with the Friends of Macgregor Point Provincial Park and Friends of the Pinery in the past. Christine also volunteered at their children’s school when they attended.
Both Christine and Michael enjoy being “out in the natural world.” They “have hiked a lot of trails across the country and enjoy the Lambton Shores trails as much as any." However, they recognize that our local trails would not be as enjoyable to use if it were not for the efforts of LSNT’s volunteers.
In their words, “We have learned that a dedicated group of volunteers with a great leader can accomplish things that some feel are not possible. And these accomplishments enhance that community. For other volunteers, we would say all help is appreciated and everyone has something that they can contribute.”
Thank you, Christine and Michael, for all that you do for LSNT, and for your community.
Please visit our Helping Hands page to learn more about our selfless volunteers who give back to the community!
A large contingent of volunteers came out on a beautiful, sunny November day to plant dune grass at the Ausable River Cut Conservation Area. The team made quick work of the dune grass planting; filling in gaps to help restore the landscape to its natural state.
In the spirit of the Grand Trunk Railway which once ran through the town of Forest, a “train birdhouse” has been installed along the Grand Trunk Trail. Designed and handcrafted by Lambton Shores Nature Trails board member Ross Atkinson with assistance from the NLSS Grade 11 Custom Woodworking class, the birdhouse is a great addition to the trail which follows the original rail bed to the west of the town. Thank you to Lee Main for helping with the installation and special thanks to Dean & Connie Percy for their generous donation to make this project possible!
In 2021, LSNT celebrated a decade of promoting, developing and maintaining the trails in Lambton Shores and vicinity. With the addition of several new board members in late 2022, we celebrated a renewed commitment to our vision and considered how we might utilize this injection of spirit!
Fran Kassies, our new Director for Publicity, built upon our 10-year logo to create a refreshed and energized version. Fran chose colours to represent the sky, water, land and pathways that we travel. She also kept the yellow-orange sun as our west coast sunsets are famous for their brilliant wash of colour over the lake. Thank you Fran!
The Huron St portage project at Mud Creek in Port Franks is now complete. A deck extension, ramp, floating dock and canoe/kayak launch has been installed; bringing to an end a project that started in 2021 with the clearing of vegetation and phragmites followed by the initial installation of the boardwalk and main deck in 2022. We would like to thank all the great volunteers who gave freely of their time! This is a welcomed addition to the community - giving easy access to Mud Creek for canoeists and kayakers.
We are pleased to announce the completion of the Ausable River Cut boardwalk. This project not only involved the building of the boardwalk but also the addition of a rope to section off the sensitive dune grass areas and a handrail along the elevated section. Thank you to all the volunteers along with the donors who helped make this project possible.
Thank you to all the vendors for participating in the Women and Wellness for Everyone event at the Port Franks Community Centre. LSNT board members Diane Smith and Fran Kassies met lots of great people; sharing trail maps, promotional items and selling memberships.
Ed Hunter and Diane Smith represented LSNT at the recent "New to Forest" event held at the Forest Legion. Thank you and welcome to all those who dropped by to say hello. See you on the trails!
In partnership with the Lambton Shores Phragmites Community Group, we installed two boot brush stands on the Woodland Heritage Trail behind the Lambton Heritage Museum. Boot brush stands help prevent the spread of invasive species by allowing hikers to brush their footwear before and after navigating the trail.
We are proud to announce the installation of our first Wind Phone at the Ausable River Cut Conservation Area. Thanks to the work of Ed Hunter, Ross Atkinson and Lee Main.
LSNT hosted a very informative seminar on the Habitat Stewardship Program in progress at the Pinery. Victoria Pepe, a research student from the Pinery, was the guest speaker. She spoke about threatened and endangered species in the area and how we can help preserve and improve the natural habitat for these species (red headed woodpecker, bank swallow, whippoorwill, and monarch butterfly). Thanks to the Ausable Port Franks Optimist Club for providing the meeting room and for The Friends of Pinery Park for partnering with us for this event.
Please visit our archives page to see more of our work!
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