Certified Hike Leader Course
**** Due to the overwhelming response, this course is now FULL. If you are interested in taking the course, please email Ross Atkinson rpatkinson@xcelco.on.ca. If there is enough people interested, we will consider hosting a second course in the spring. ****
Lambton Shores Nature Trails in conjunction with Hike Ontario will be hosting the Certified Hike Leader course. Please see the course description below for more details. Due to Covid restrictions, the classroom portion has been replaced by two virtual sessions.
Wednesday March 17th from 6:30-9:00 pm (via Zoom)
Wednesday March 24th from 6:30-9:00 pm (via Zoom)
Following the virtual sessions, an in-person, socially distanced, masked, on trail session will be held in Port Franks on a Sunday (date TBD).
Registration
The cost of the course is $60 (normally $85). Please use the link below to register for the March 17th class ONLY (minimum age 16). You will be required to attend both virtual sessions and the in-person session. Reference materials will be emailed to you after registration. Space is limited.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hybrid-chl-course-lambton-shores-tickets-142101031009
Questions? Please contact Ross Atkinson rpatkinson@xcelco.on.ca or 519-786-4956
Certified Hike Leader
Be a Hike Leader! It’s often been said that enjoying a hike is increased by the presence of a leader. Not just someone who knows the way, but someone who applies safety, best practices, fun, local knowledge and the ability to work with his or her group to make a successful outing.
Take the next step in your hiking progress and become a leader. Hike Ontario’s introductory hike leadership certification program takes candidates from hiker to leader, ready to facilitate great outings for fellow hikers and also to inspire them to become Certified Hike Leaders themselves.
The Certified Hike Leader certification is a sanctioned standard and will assist the candidates in leading club hikes, and developing skills for work in Provincial Parks, Youth Camps, and other community organizations for example, Scouts Canada and Girl Guides.
Objectives:
- To introduce participants to the skills, knowledge and attitudes of a trained hike leader, including appropriate risk management for day hikes where the hike is no more than 2 km from road access.
- To provide the prerequisite for the Wilderness Day Hike Leader and Wilderness Trip Hike Leader programs.
Content/Topics Covered:
Topics will include risk management, leadership, trail guides, navigation, outdoor techniques, environmental protection, hike planning, practical problem solving on a class group hike.
Participant Expectations during course:
- Demonstrate good physical fitness and the ability to move confidently and efficiently when traveling on trail.
- Present a positive and commanding attitude on safety when leading a group.
- Demonstrate a high standard of leadership, problem solving and route finding.
- Show ability to establish effective communication with regard to the hiker’s safety, comfort, and enjoyment.
- Demonstrate a respect and care for the environment.
- Have a proper standard of equipment as required for day hiking trips.
Get Yours Today!
2021 marks our 10th Anniversary and we have created a set of four commemorative stitched patches to mark the occasion.
We chose to highlight some scenic and memorable locations:
- ‘L’ Lake Management Area
- Ausable River Valley & Mystery Falls
- Lambton County Heritage Forest
- Ipperwash Dunes & Swales
The commemorative set is available for a $20 donation. Please contact Linda Attard lsntlindaa@gmail.com or 519-243-1596
2021 Memberships are now available for $15 per person or $25 per family. Our business partners have special offers for LSNT Members. Make sure to show your membership card.
Note: Purchase your membership early and get a longer time to take advantage of our partner specials. Some offers may change seasonally.
Interactive Land Management Seminar
Interactive Land Management Seminar
Interactive Land Management Seminar
Kate Monk, Stewardship, Land and Education Manager with the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority, was the guest speaker at an interactive seminar on a cool but comfortable day at the pavilion behind the community centre in Port Franks. Kate enjoyed the opportunity to speak about their experience with land management to 16 attendees, including many facts about the properties where LSNT maintains the trails (L-Lake, Ausable River Cut and Mystery Falls).
Interactive Land Management Seminar
Interactive Land Management Seminar
(Video 1/2 of Seminar)
(Video 1/2 of Seminar)
(Video 1/2 of Seminar)
(Video 2/2 of Seminar)
(Video 1/2 of Seminar)
(Video 1/2 of Seminar)
Grand Truck Trail Resurfacing
Thank to Ed, Lee M, Lee T, William, Dean, Ross and Walter for resurfacing the Grand Trunk Trail in Forest. The community will be very appreciative of everything you have done to make the trail better and accessible for mobility devices. Thank you for giving back to the community and special thanks to the Forest Community Foundation whose generous grant made this project possiblle.
Plant Identifiers
A young and spirited work crew finished the installation of the native plant identifiers at The Heart of the Trails in Port Franks.
Seven Grandfathers Carvings
The Seven Grandfathers (Love, Respect, Courage, Wisdom, Truth, Humility, and Honesty) carvings have been installed around the Circle of Life at the Heart of the Trails (Port Franks Community Centre). Thanks to artist Garrett Nahdee and everyone involved in making this community beautification project a reality.
Wheelchair Accessible Loop
Volunteers spent over 30 combined hours completing the wheelchair accessible path in the Ausable River Cut Conservation Area in Port Franks. Thank you Walter, Darren, Lee M, Lee T, Ed and Ross!
Trailhead Central
We now have a physical location to provide our nature enthusiasts with information and services to help connect them to nature! Trailhead Central is located at 10048 Greenway Road, at the corner of Greenway Road and Highway 21. Beginning Monday, June 1, the self-serve facility will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during spring, summer and fall. You will be able to pick up information and maps of local trails, and also drop off your badge questionnaires. We are hoping to develop volunteer staffing during busier times.
The Heart Of The Trails
Signs have been added to the Port Franks Trailhead structure. ”The Heart Of The Trails” and “Connecting People To Nature” were attached to the cross beams along with the year it was completed.
Roadside Recognition
Signs have been installed along Bog Line to recognize LSNT’s participation in the County of Lambton Adopt A Road program. The bottom of the signs can be conveniently flipped down on work days to notify vehicles to watch for workers.
Your Support Is Appreciated!
Your Support Is Appreciated!
Your Support Is Appreciated!
We are pleased to announce the completion of the trailhead structures in Forest and at the Port Franks Community Centre. We want to thank everyone who helped make this a reality! Come out and enjoy the trails in the area.
Please consider donating to these community beautification projects. For donations over $300, a coloured leaf with your name and a brief comment will be added to the 'Donor Recognition Tree' featured on the side-panel at either of the trailheads.
Claim Your Free Award
Your Support Is Appreciated!
Your Support Is Appreciated!
Hike all 7 Nature Trails in Lambton Shores & Vicinity and correctly answer each question to receive your FREE badge!
- Ausable River Cut Conservation Area
- Lambton County Heritage Forest
- Forested Dunes Nature Reserve
- L Lake Management Area
- Ipperwash Dunes and Swales Nature Reserve
- Mystery Falls
- Forest Trails