Lambton Shores Nature Trails
Lambton Shores Nature TrailsThe Lambton Shores Nature Trails (LSNT) organization was founded in 2011. The group of local outdoor enthusiasts was concerned about the ongoing destruction of some of the most environmentally significant lands in Lambton Shores due to off-road motorized recreational vehicles. They decided to get together with landowners and started to block off access to some of those areas and make them into official trails.
Ross Atkinson is the current Chair of Operations for Lambton Shores Nature Trails. He along with a group of dedicated volunteers currently maintains trails on seven properties — approximately 40 kilometres of trails in total. “Without volunteers, the work wouldn’t get done. Their selfless act of kindness to improve the trails so people can go out and enjoy them is greatly appreciated by the community," insists Ross. 
It’s also about marketing. “We have raised awareness to the local community that there were trails that existed in their own backyards. I can’t tell you how many people we have come across that didn’t realize there were trails here to be enjoyed.”
Ross says Lambton Shores Nature Trails doesn’t host many hikes and is primarily focused on trail maintenance. 2021 marks the club’s 10th anniversary and they have created a series of four stitched patches that they are handing out to people they meet along the trails. All 4 patches can also be purchased for a $20 donation. “The reason we picked these four designs for our badges is they are all very scenic spots along the trails,” Ross says. They include: “L” Lake Management Area — a two kilometre loop that navigates through forested dunes; Ausable River Valley & Mystery Falls — The most rugged trail network LSNT maintains; Lambton County Heritage Forest — The organization’s signature trailhead dubbed “The Heart Of The Trails” because there are more than 20 kilometres of trails within a five-kilometer radius; and Ipperwash Dunes & Swales — which features several footbridges on its two trails of four kilometres and two kilometres to get from one dune to the next.
Ross says he has a volunteer pool of about 50 people and when he reaches out for help, he can always count on 10-12 people from the group lending a hand. “We do everything from general maintenance to installing benches to building footbridges,” Ross says. The group is funded through donations and two annual local grants and is proud of its three local wheelchair-accessible trails
Related Stories
Victoria Sebben is a Certified International Wedding Planning Professional (IWPP), wedding decorator and event specialist. In 2006, a friend asked her if she would plan her wedding. At that time, I was an interior decorator, so I was excited and up for the challenge of planning the event and deco
J.D. Lawn Service
Joe Dawson has been cutting grass since as early as he can remember. What started out as a part-time job throughout school ultimately led to a life's passion. "In 1990 there was an opportunity to purchase a small company that was...
Sierra Rei Hart Photography
When Sierra Hart found herself in a bind after an injury in her life long trade she needed to find herself a new career in a hurry. "I was a bartender at the same Irish Pub for 20 years. It was all I knew until that point. I was good at it and I loved it," Sierra explains. "This time around though..."
KD Exteriors
In 2009, Kevin Downey opened KD Exteriors, located at 140 Russell Street South, specializing in custom windows, doors, siding and shutters. The company started out small with just Downey and his brother selling and installing. "We...
Related Stories
One Tooth: Active Wear
As a customer, Dan Little liked the clothing store One Tooth so much that when he heard it was being put up for sale, he bought it. "I took it over in August of 2021," Dan says. "My wife and I were customers of the store and we really liked it. We knew the previous owners so when we found out
Lawrence House Centre for the Arts
Volunteers and members are at the heart of the Lawrence House Centre for the Arts. The Lawrence House was constructed in 1892 by the Lawrence family. In 1878 Jacob Lawrence had moved to Sarnia and opened a sawmill on the St. Clair River. His son William Lawrence expanded the business by bringing in
When Bill Lamarche was the sporting goods and seasonal manager at a large retailer in London, he began dreaming about opening his own business. In 1989, he and his wife Alice purchased Sarnia Home Hardware. In 2001, they moved to their current location, 120 Russell Street, and since then the business
Sarnia-Lambton Alliance Against Hate
There are many things that go into assisting someone who is the victim of a hate-motivated assault, but Lindsey Travis says the number one skill is the ability to listen. We are here to help, here to listen, here to be an option for people to connect and have a space where they can talk openly ab
