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!
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.