Each year the Frontenac Provincial Park awards the Rick Briese Award at the Friends of Frontenac Annual General Meeting. Named in the memory of Rick Briese, a dedicated volunteer with the Friends for many years, it is awarded to the volunteer(s) who have gone above and beyond, and made significant contributions to the Friends of Frontenac, Frontenac Park and its visitors.
Some of the more recent recipients were Louise Langlais and Mike Fisher, for their work creating the new Friends of Frontenac Website and helping to modernize the way the Friends engage the public and promote our initiatives. In 2023, the Outdoor Classroom Committee was recognized for their significant contributions to that project and the impact it has on our visitors and the local elementary school students that have benefited from it. In 2022, Dave Lucas was recognized for his leadership with the very popular Wilderness Navigation Courses and Glen Alkema was recognized for his development and leadership with the Friends of Frontenac online store.
Rick Briese with volunteers,
photo by Simon Smith
Trail Monitors win 2026 Rick Briese Award
At our Annual General Meeting on March 7, Superintendent of the Park Ben Chabot, presented the 2026 Rick Briese Award to the Friends of Frontenac Trail Monitors. Ben thanked the trail monitors by stating, “without your dedication and commitment to your trail, our network of hiking trails would not be as well maintained, safe and enjoyable for our visitors. Your work happens in the background but directly benefits every one of our hiking and backpacking visitors. You are essential in helping ensure our trails are swept and ready for use in the spring as well as ensuring they are safe for use throughout the year. Your detailed reports are essential in our staff being able to promptly and efficiently address any hazards and your work as an ambassador while monitoring your trail adds a special element to the experience of the visitors you interact with.”
Myra Emery, coordinator of the trail monitoring program, accepts the award from Ben Chabot
About the Trail Monitoring Program
Each year the Friends of Frontenac looks to volunteers to assist with trail maintenance to keep the 100+ Km of trail at the Park in good condition. Volunteers are asked to pick a trail, which they are responsible for maintaining between the months of April and September. Generally there are 4-6 volunteers dedicated to each trail, where members can share responsibility for their respective trails. Maintenance sweeps are completed monthly with the first sweep being conducted prior to April 25. General responsibilities include clearing brush, trimming branches, adding trail and portage markers, and reporting large fallen trees, damaged infrastructure, and unique wildlife sightings. All training is completed online and maintenance supplies are provided. Parking on days trail maintenance is conducted will be free by accessing a temporary pass. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with our trail maintenance program, please reach out to info@friendsoffrontenac.com