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2011
T.L. (Spike) Hennessy
In the mid 1960's a vision to secure and protect a large area of land on the south shore of Lake Ramsey became a reality. Through much perseverance and determination to get the job done, the expanse now recognized as the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area became a reality. T.L. (Spike) Hennessy played a very important part of this vision.
From the earliest days of Lake Laurentian Conservation Area, the Hennessey kinfolk worked relentlessly building boardwalks and helping clear hiking and skiing trails. Over the years, Camp Bitobig was supported by the family who appreciated the areas raw beauty and popularity as a learning centre.
The children & grandchildren of Spike and Maureen, whether they live in Greater Sudbury or other parts of the world continue to return year after year to walk and ski the trails, reconnecting with family and friends in the raw beauty of the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area.
The Hennessy family is very proud to support the continuation of their fathers dream and of his efforts for this special green space in Sudbury's community.
The family is a proud member of the Friends of Lake Laurentian and are honoured to be a Patron supporting this vitally important initiative in our naturally beautiful environment located in Greater Sudbury.
Thank You to All of Our Patrons of Lake Laurentian
Dr. David Pearson
2011
From 2001 to 2007, David was the Chair of the Ontario Office of the Canadian Climate Impacts & Adaptation Research Network. From 2008-2010 David was Co-Chair of the Ontario Government's Expert Panel on Climate Change Adaption and chaired the Science Advisory Panel for Ontario's far north Initiative. David was recognized for his community service as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Sudbury Rotary club in 1988 and in 2000 received the Geological Association of Canada's Ward Neale medal for communication of the earth sciences. He has received numerous awards for public communication of science and environmental work in Sudbury. In 2005 he received the Conservation Pioneer Award at the Latornell Conservation Symposium.
David has been involved with several environmental organizations in Sudbury such asEarthCare Sudbury, the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee and various lake water quality advisory efforts along with the Healthy Community Cabinet.
He is currently leading a project to develop changing climate adaptation plans in remote First Nation communities in the Far North of Ontario.
The Friends of Lake Laurentian are invigorated to have Dr. David Pearson as an academic Patron and avid supporter. His affiliation with FOLL will play an important role in our natural environment serving the community of Greater Sudbury.
Devon Kershaw
2011
Devon Kershaw is a young Sudbury born resident with many fond memories of the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area. His first recollection came from the days his parents would backpack Devon as a baby for walks on the hiking trails. Soon he was cross country skiing the BioSki trails. As he grew older he enjoyed walking, jogging and cycling across the areas vast system of trails. In winter he would be the first to cut the ski trail on what became known as the ‘Kershaw Kilometre’. When enough snow fell his favourite loop was the 10K trail adding in the K1-K2 at the end.
Springs & summers were filled with tributes of days paddling Lake Laurentian to the back bay and witness the variety of wildlife especially the return of the herons. Devon helped plant pine trees with his family during his young summer years and participated in camps doing pond studies and learning about wildlife in the area. On cold winter nights he recalled some wondrous hours with family looking through a telescope to see a comet that today still fills his memories with awe. As an accomplished World Champion representing Canada in cross country skiing, much of his passion comes from having special places in his life like Lake Laurentian—his roots in Ontario’s Nordic north. Much of his early skiing regime that brought him to world recognition began on the cross country ski trails at Lake Laurentian.
Upon reflection, Devon says that when he thinks about growing up in Sudbury, Lake Laurentian is the place where he got involved with nature and the recreational sports that continue to thrive there today—four seasons of the year.
The Friends of Lake Laurentian are proud to include Devon Kershaw, Olympian and World Champion as a Patron. May his experiences lead the way for the next generation of Lake Laurentian members.
Dr. Roberta Bondar
2011
A native of Northern Ontario (Sault Ste Marie),Dr. Roberta Bondar is globally recognized for her pioneering contribution to space medicine research. Aboard the Discovery mission STS-42 (1992) she conducted experiments in the shuttle's first international microgravity laboratory and continued her work at NASA in this field for more than a decade.
A true renaissance woman, Dr. Bondar is an acclaimed photographer of the natural wonders of our planet and author of four best selling photo essay books featuring her stunning photography of the Earth. Amongst her many accomplishments she is also an environmental educator and is a leading speaker and consultant in the field of corporate social responsibility and vital care for the Earth's environment.
The Roberta Bondar Foundation was formed to educate and improve knowledge of the environment in a way that stimulates interest, excitement, creativity, responsibility and for some the desire for focused study in this area of science. In 2007 the Ontario Ministry of Educationappointed Dr. Bondar to chair the Working Committee on Environmental Education. In 2009 all school boards have accepted and moved forward on all 32 of the recommendations dealing with environmental education.
It is a pleasure to embrace Dr. Bondar into the family of Patrons for the Friends of Lake Laurentian. We truly share a common outlook on preserving our environment through participation & education for everyone in our community.