Helping Hands

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Sue and Sean have been volunteers with our Operations Crew for almost three years. Both have been avid participants in trail running, hiking and appreciating “nature’s great bounty”.

The Morrisons grasp the uniqueness of the Oak Savanna Carolinian Forest, its biodiversity and the home it provides to many species at risk. They are saddened by the garbage that they often pick up while on the trails and are keenly aware of the need to protect our natural environment by offering “positive interventions and support for all the living creatures that call those spaces home.”

In their words, “Being a helping hand volunteer has been a great opportunity to give back to the community and meet like-minded people with similar interests. It provides an opportunity to contribute to something meaningful. This work feeds the soul and is a great way to counter high stress levels many people feel at work, disconnect and just feel good.”

Their most memorable experience with the Operations Crew involved helping to build the boardwalk at the Ausable River Cut and planting dune grass in the same area. Both felt a great sense of accomplishment and pride upon the completion of these projects.

When asked about the importance of community volunteering, or advice for someone considering being a volunteer, they responded, “Find something that you enjoy or are passionate about. That will give you the most personal satisfaction and reward, and ensure that you continue on. The wonderful trails you enjoy would not exist without volunteers, and your level of participation can be what works for you at this time, so please get involved.”

Thank you, Sue and Sean, for all that you do for LSNT, and for demonstrating your care for your community. 

Paul has been a volunteer with our Operations Crew for several years. He considered a number of factors before making the decision to become a ‘helping hand’ with our operations crew: a pending retirement, his respect for the leadership of our organization and his love of trails.

As a former Orientation and Mobility teacher in blind travel, Paul’s skills in wayfinding, negotiating pathways, and orientation challenges for people with vision loss have been of immense help when our crews develop and maintain our ‘Gems of Nature’. 

Paul finds the effort to improve trail access and conditions "a rewarding activity because everyone supports each other, and the team is always successful."

Paul fondly remembers being part of the team that installed the pine-trunk-based plank bridges for the Ipperwash Dunes & Swales Trail. He found the engineering intriguing!

As a self-described wannabe trail builder, Paul says that “hard work improves my outlook." His family is very supportive of his involvement with LSNT.

Paul sums up his experience as a helping hand with the following: “You can always trust this group for a good ‘shoulder rubbing time’ outdoors where you belong. Some guys say they can’t retire and need to work. This is one very good option to keep you from having to do the ‘same old’. You’ll be glad you found it.“

Thank you, Paul, for all that you do for LSNT and for making your community better.

Darren has been a volunteer with our Operations Crew since 2016. He is a regular trail user and a neighbour of our Operations Chair who encouraged him to join our efforts to preserve our ‘Gems of Nature’.

As a high school geography teacher, Darren acknowledges the importance of being a role model for his students, and sharing his travelling experiences and love for the outdoors with them. Prior to becoming a ‘helping hand’, Darren contributed his free time as a volunteer with Lambton Shores Minor Hockey. 

As a member of our Operations Crew, he finds the effort to improve trail access for hikers and make trail conditions user-friendly for everyone to be very rewarding. 

Darren says that his “keen interest lies in the heavy labour projects." He sees the benefit for trail users when bridges, walkways, stairways and ground conditions are in good order. Darren fondly remembers answering the call for assistance with the construction of the stairway at the Ausable River Cut Conservation Area. Not only did he enjoy the camaraderie of the Operations Crew, he says that the expression "many hands make light work" was particularly fitting for this project.

Darren notes that he benefits from the opportunities to work with friends and leaders to accomplish a goal. According to him, “Each LSNT project is carefully designed, implemented with thoughtful detail and organization, [and carried out] with great people whose company I enjoy." His family is supportive of his volunteering efforts and “know its importance to the community fabric." 

Darren offers his philosophy of volunteerism: “I think we need to switch the term ‘volunteering’ to community building. Maybe we call it 'commuteering'. To many, volunteering means little more than giving time away. The work itself tends to be meaningless. Sports organizations require it from parents. Schools require it to graduate. Neither fosters an organic growth and appreciation of volunteering. At LSNT all the volunteers believe in what they are doing. It’s purposeful, they love the outdoors, and share that with the community. They believe they are builders. They believe they are stewards. They believe in legacy. So the volunteering work isn’t a giveaway to frivolous tasks. Our leadership has grown and enhanced the variety and demographics of our volunteer base to reflect different types. Members are building an experience for locals and visitors to the area. So ‘commuteering’ is community building with passionate people who believe that the cause is priceless."

Thank you, Darren, for all that you do for LSNT and for making your community better.

After lengthy teaching careers in Waterloo, Mary Lou and John moved to Grand Bend in the fall of 2017. While searching for volunteer opportunities in the community they discovered some information about LSNT on the municipal website. In the spring of 2019 they joined the Operations Crew, and shortly thereafter, Mary Lou offered her services to the Board as Secretary, a position which has morphed into a few other responsibilities!

Mary Lou and John both enjoy hiking and being in the outdoors so thought this was a good way to learn about local trails, but also contribute to the community.

As health and physical education teachers for most of their careers they appreciate the benefits of an active lifestyle. Mary Lou has also found her experience with teaching language and social studies a definite asset in her role as Secretary, but also the writing projects she has undertaken for LSNT. 

For Mary Lou and John volunteerism has been primarily coaching young people in a variety of sports, either at school or in the community.

The couple very much appreciate the work of LSNT and the opportunity it provides in helping people enjoy the incredible natural resources available in Lambton Shores and area. They enjoy being a part of a group that promotes the trails and improves access for people of all ages and abilities. Both enjoy travel and include hiking as much as possible while they are away, so it’s natural to compare those trails with what exists in our local area. We have terrific trails to explore and experience. 

John found the construction of the boardwalk at the Ausable River Cut an especially memorable project. It was an incredible team effort that not only benefits hikers, but also protects the fragile dune environment at the Cut. Mary Lou has really enjoyed putting together the LSNT newsletter as she has learned so much about the features of an Oak Savanna Carolinian Forest and its local history to share it with others!

Mary Lou and John believe that by doing something for others, with no expectation of reward, is immensely satisfying. With the many threats to our natural world, they feel good about taking positive action, even on a small scale, to preserve our ‘Gems of Nature’.

In their opinion, volunteering is “an important community builder.” According to them, “It demonstrates care and consideration for others when people give their time and energy with no strings attached. It definitely inspires others to do the same – and that can lead to a collective sense of responsibility and ownership.” Every community needs more of that spirit! To potential volunteers, Mary Lou and John would say “Don’t hesitate! You don’t need a special set of skills to lend a hand.”

Thank you, Mary Lou and John, for all that you do for Lambton Shores Nature Trails and your community.

 Winston has been volunteering with our Operations Crew for the past five years. He is a Paddle Canada Kayak instructor, has cycled across Iowa four times and hiked Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp and the Patagonia Region. An avid outdoors person, Winston was impressed with the number of trails in our area and went online for more information. As a result, he discovered the LSNT website and answered our invitation to volunteer.

A retiree from NOVA Chemicals for the past nine years, Winston relied on his work experience to assist our Operations Chair and an engineering firm develop the scope of work and an engineering design needed for the makeover of the train bridge on the Grand Trunk Railway Trail in Forest. 

Being an active community volunteer is an important part of Winston’s life. While living in Trinidad he helped with forming a soccer league in his village and assisted his neighbors to build houses. Since moving to Canada, he has volunteered at Canadian Mental Health, his church and Goodwill. Along with LSNT, he currently volunteers for Bluewater Trails, and is President of the Lambton Outdoor Club.

Winston’s mindset is to find joy and satisfaction in everything he does. He contributes his services “wherever the need is.” He very much enjoys being involved with trail maintenance.

Recently, with others in our Operations Crew, he cleaned, trimmed and blazed the new loop north of the Ausable River Valley Trail.  This “Helping Hands” experience was memorable for him because it provided a unique opportunity to help build a new trail. 

When asked how volunteering is of benefit to him, he responded, “it provides an opportunity to give back and also help maintain the trails for others to use. I enjoy being outdoors, the camaraderie, getting to know other volunteers and many times I learn something from others.” Winston’s family fully supports his volunteering efforts. His children also volunteer, and they understand the benefits it brings to themselves and others.

Winston’s own words best sum up his perspectives on the need for community volunteers: “I am concerned that there is a trend where people are not volunteering as much as in the past. This is already having a big impact on the non-profit and charitable organizations. Long standing charitable events are struggling and even being discontinued because of lack of volunteers. My hope is that some reading this, who are able to, may start volunteering. I urge others, if they can, to volunteer with something they like or would like to learn. It can be something ongoing or single events without ongoing commitments. Volunteering has always been and will continue to be an integral part of society.” 

Thank you, Winston, for all that you do for Lambton Shores Nature Trails and your community. 

With the encouragement of his grandfather Ed, one of LSNT’s charter members, Gage has been a volunteer with LSNT for about six years. He enjoys the outdoors and hiking.

Gage attends Grade 9 in the French Immersion program at Strathroy District Collegiate Institute. Allez les Saints! Although still considering his career path, Gage is leaning towards entering an apprenticeship in carpentry when he graduates.  We could sure use his carpentry skills in future projects!

Being a ‘Helping Hand’ is Gage’s first experience with volunteering. He finds it very rewarding to “help people get out and enjoy nature." A memorable experience for him was when our operations crew built benches along the Forested Dunes Trail. As Gage recalls, “It was memorable because my grandpa had the idea to, instead of carrying all the wood in, just have someone across Mud Creek with the wood and throw a rope to them to pull the floating wood across the water." Gage is learning from the best! Thank you, Grandpa Ed.

Aside from the benefits of being outdoors and walking the trails, Gage is using his volunteer hours to complete the community service requirement for secondary school graduation. A win-win. He has also finished the LSNT Youth Nature Challenge, an achievement of which his family is proud.

According to Gage, “Volunteering is important for the community because a lot of activities and organizations run off volunteers, such as some summer camps, LSNT and organizations that try to raise awareness about climate change and help fight it." Gage encourages others to “find something you like doing."

Thank you, Gage, and your family for all that you do keep our trail system user friendly and readily available for the public to enjoy our Gems of Nature.

Cathy has been a volunteer with our Operations Crew since 2018 after learning about LSNT from her neighbour. She has a “passion for the outdoors, walking and hiking”, so "getting involved with LSNT was a natural fit."

Cathy has been an avid volunteer for her entire adult life while living and working in London. She has held a variety of Board positions with organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society, Junior Achievement, and the Parkwood Hospital Foundation (now St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation), as well as volunteering with the Thames Valley Children’s Centre and Scouts Canada. She currently serves on the Board of Friends of Pinery Park.

Cathy enjoys clearing our trails “so everyone can enjoy them”, as well as blazing trails whenever necessary. In addition to assisting with the annual Bog Line cleanup in support of Earth Day she also organizes a neighbourhood cleanup. She is “amazed” that people continue to dump their trash along our roadways.

Bruce, Cathy’s husband, always supports her volunteer efforts. Cathy says, “I tell people who ask me why I volunteer – and I get asked this a lot – to find your passion, whatever it is, and then find out how you can get involved. You can make a difference while making new friends and you will find peace within yourself.” She recalls that, when the Ontario Ministry of Education implemented the 40 hours of community service as a secondary school graduation requirement, she was so impressed that she helped many of her son’s friends find placements. 

Thank you, Cathy, for all that you do for LSNT and the environment to make our community such a special place. 

Sadly, John passed away in February 2024 after a brief illness. After emigrating from Hungary to Canada in 1957 John enjoyed a long career as a chemist.

He loved the outdoors and helped to create the Ausable River Valley Trail in 1973. Located east of Arkona, this 12 km (out and back) trail is one of the region’s most challenging trails and a showpiece of the beauty of the area’s natural history. John was a section leader for one of the trail’s maintenance crews for many years.

Whenever LSNT did work in the Ausable River Valley John would drive from Bright’s Grove to volunteer his labour. He enjoyed the distinction of being our oldest ever volunteer, at age 88, when he helped to clear a side trail for a new bench along the Ausable River in fall 2023.

John was a committed volunteer whose passion to develop, maintain and improve hiking trails contributed to a trail system dedicated to the enjoyment of hikers in a user-friendly, well-maintained environment. John’s selfless acts and generosity were evident in his tireless work and inspired those who volunteered with him. His opinions were always valued and will be sorely missed.

Though John may no longer be with us in person, his presence will live on in the trails that he worked so hard to maintain, as well as in the fond memories of those who worked along side him. He was much respected for his positive attitude and his willingness to lend a helping hand whenever called upon. 

Thank you, John, for your unwavering commitment to the outdoors and for making our community a better place. 

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.

Karen has been a volunteer with Lambton Shores Nature Trails since 2018. Her interest in helping with our trail work started when she moved into the neighbourhood where LSNT’s founders, Klaus Keunecke and Marilyn Keunecke-Smith, lived. When they learned that Karen had a passion for hiking, it seemed that joining LSNT was a natural fit.

Karen had often volunteered during her varied working career but, in her words, being a volunteer with LSNT is a “personal” experience. She likes “getting outside, getting her hands dirty and enjoying nature, while at the same time helping make the trails safe and usable for others to enjoy as well.”

Karen values her volunteer work as a priority in her life. An adventurous outdoorsperson, Karen recalls an occasion when the LSNT operations crew was closing off unmarked trails that were not sanctioned by landowners or maintained by LSNT. LSNT’s purpose was to encourage hikers to stay on the marked trails to reduce ecological fragmentation. However, Karen remembered thinking that it seemed contrary to what she would normally do while hiking! Working on the trails, including protecting our ‘Gems of Nature', offered a new perspective for Karen.

Karen's husband supports and encourages her volunteer efforts as he knows how much she enjoys the experience. She also knows how important volunteerism is to a community. Karen says, “There is just not enough funding to keep all the things we like to do up and running if not for people who volunteer. The work that is done just makes our trails even better. It is also a great way to meet new people with common interests.”

We could not agree more. Thank you, Karen, for all that you do for LSNT and your community.

 Lee Talbot has been a volunteer with our Operations Crew since 2016 when he signed up after hearing Klaus Keunecke, LSNT’s founding father, speak at a Port Franks Horticultural Club meeting.

Lee’s working career has served Lambton Shores Nature Trails well. Prior to retiring in 2014, Lee and his family owned a 50-acre hardwood lot which they managed with the advice of a professional forester. As well, the Talbot family operated a multi-acre berry farm. 

Lee is a long-time member of the Ontario Woodlot Association and was involved with the Middlesex County Managed Forest Committee for four years. He also worked for the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority for twenty years in the areas of water management, flood control, and tree planting. For seventeen years, Lee volunteered with the London Kinsman Club to provide their maple syrup education program.

The practical skills Lee possesses and his ongoing commitment have benefitted LNST’s efforts to maintain and develop local trails for public use. He brings considerable expertise to work projects and, when things don’t go as planned, Lee strategizes to get the job done! Perhaps more importantly, Lee’s easygoing, cooperative nature is appreciated by all who work with him. He is a true team member who is always “at the ready” to help out.

Lee’s connection to the land continues to motivate his volunteer efforts with LSNT. He enjoys trail maintenance, noting that “it is good exercise, and the company is the best”. Lee’s family is very supportive and proud of his efforts with Lambton Shores Nature Trails.

According to Lee, “volunteering is very important as many community endeavours would not survive without volunteers”. Well said, Lee! We thank you for all that you do for LSNT and your community. 

Congratulations to Ed Hunter who received an Environment Award at the 2023 Lambton Shores’ Volunteer Appreciation Celebration. The Environment Award is presented to an individual or group for contributions to the protection, preservation, beautification, awareness and/or promotion of our local environment.

As one of the 2011 founding members of Lambton Shores Nature Trails, Ed has devoted his retirement years to serving on the Board of Directors, working cooperatively with community volunteers, encouraging youth participation and supporting the preservation of our local natural environment for free public enjoyment. Ed shares the LSNT team vision to preserve our local ‘Gems of Nature’ for future generations. His own enjoyment of nature year-round -- through hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, birdwatching and photography – makes Ed the perfect poster person for LSNT!

Ed and his wife Fredi have been residents of Lambton Shores since their early twenties when Ed emigrated from England. Ed notes that, over the years he has “come to appreciate the beauty and significance of the rare Carolinian Forests surrounding us.” In his travels around the world, Ed tries to educate people about this diverse ecosystem.

All those who work with Ed agree that he is a selfless person who genuinely cares about the community in which he lives. Ed espouses “service before self” with his humble and steadfast efforts to make Lambton Shores a better place. He is a worthy role model who continues to pay it forward!