Lambton Shores Nature Trails

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Lambton Shores Nature Trails

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Our vision is to have a network of connected, accessible, safe and user-friendly Nature Trails in Lambton Shores and Vicinity.

Visit our web page - www.lsntblazers.com

11/03/2026

In union there is strength." -- Aesop

11/01/2026

Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes. Even the smallest helping hand is appreciated!

10/27/2026

We’ve all heard the saying, “Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.” For the Lambton Shores Nature Trails volunteers, it took just 12 feet of railway track to gain a real appreciation for the hard work and determination required to build the thousands of miles of rail line that connected communities across Canada in the 1800s.

Volunteers accepted the challenge of constructing a section of railway track along the route where the rail line once passed through the Town of Forest. The project serves not only as a reminder of the vital role the railroad played in the community’s development, but also as an educational display. An interpretive information panel has been installed to explain the components, measurements, and engineering involved in building a rail line.

Much of the steel used in the project was recovered from the creek beneath the Forest train bridge. Rather than seeing the material sent for scrap, volunteers embraced the opportunity to repurpose it into a meaningful historical exhibit.

We would like to thank Lee M., Lee T., Marty, Ed, Mike, Christine, Todd, Bryan, Mary Lou, and Ross for their dedication and hard work on this unique, once-in-a-lifetime project. Everyone contributed wherever needed, making it a true team effort from start to finish.

Special thanks go to Mike for the many hours spent cutting and hauling steel, and to Lee M. for his extensive preparation work and for driving in the “final spike.”

We also extend our sincere appreciation to the businesses that supported this project along the way: Ows Railroad Construction & Maintenance Inc, Lakeshore Forest Products Ltd, Metal Wurx Media Blasting, Woods Rural Repair and Prout's Building Center.

10/24/2026

TWO WEEKS from today! You are invited to join us for a free slideshow presentation at the Kineto Theatre in Forest on November 7th at 2:00 p.m. We're looking forward to seeing our many volunteers and supporters to say thank you in person.

10/23/2026

Ipperwash Dunes and Swales

Eight boardwalks refurbished in just 17 months. More than 200 volunteer hours. Countless screws. Dedicated volunteers. Lasting friendships.

This project was built not only with tools and materials, but also with generosity, teamwork, and a shared commitment to making a difference.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and skills to this multi-year effort. Your selfless dedication made these improvements possible.

We are also deeply grateful to those who have taken the time to share their appreciation. While recognition is never expected, your kind words remind us that our work matters and that together we are making a positive impact in our community.

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." — Winston Churchill

10/18/2026

On Saturday, 13 volunteers joined Kandyce and Trista from the Nature Conservancy of Canada to complete the last leg of the Ipperwash boardwalk project. Fortunately, Mother Nature supplied a sunny, but cool, work environment.

Prior to the workday, volunteers cut steel culverts to size and attached anchor boards for the deck planks.

While most of the group hauled in 19 culverts, 19 16-foot deck planks and other building materials to the jobsite (approximately 1 km, several times), others dismantled the existing boardwalk and prepared the soggy ground. Old deck boards were set aside and support logs rolled out of the way for new culverts. Because the swale area is so wet, none of the existing materials could be re-used.

Culverts for the initial sections were positioned and, as planks were attached, a chain of workers kept materials moving and the boardwalk growing. Some volunteers worked on top of the new surface to transport supplies, while others stood in soft muck to position culverts and attach planks.

In less than three hours, the “last spike” (or screw in this case!) was installed at the far side of the swale.

Thanks to Kandyce, Trista, Brent, Terry, Derek, Ed, Mike, Christine, Todd, Lee A., Lee T., Sandra, Sam, Ross, and Mary Lou for your persistence with a challenging task. We appreciate the NCC’s support for every step of this ambitious multi-stage project. We also really enjoyed the lunches you provided at the end of each of the work days!

A special note of thanks to Nette for her donation of culverts and Monica for organizing overnight storage of the load of lumber for this last project.

Over the last two years, we have replaced 8 boardwalks with over 200 hours of volunteer service. Thank you to all our volunteers who participated at each stage. Ipperwash Dunes & Swales is a popular hiking location that, through your committed efforts, is now even more accessible.

10/14/2026

Rock Glen Conservation Area, in Arkona, is open again!

Plan your visit today: https://www.abca.ca/conservationareas/rockglen/

The park was closed temporarily (on October 19 and part of October 20) to make it possible for a work crew, with large equipment, to replace Hydro poles.

The work is now done and the conservation area welcomes you back.

10/13/2026

LSNT has been busy this fall. Check out our newsletter to see what's been happening.

10/13/2026

The Ipperwash Dunes and Swales white trail will be closed on Saturday, Oct. 17th until 1 pm for boardwalk refurbishment.

10/12/2026

What began with Klaus Keunecke’s vision of a “green tunnel” and the planting of trees in 2017 continued with the installation of the chip dust path in 2021. This accessible path behind the Port Franks Community Centre has been made possible through the ongoing support of the Municipality of Lambton Shores. Thank you to the Vibrancy Fund and the many dedicated volunteers for helping bring this community asset to life and keeping it accessible for all.

Address

10140 Andrea Street
Grand Bend, ON
N0M2L0

Website

https://lsntblazers.com/

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