If you’ve spent any time in Minnekhada Regional Park, you might recognize Dan and Shannon. They are avid visitors in the park and can often be found there. Dan was recognized with an honorable mention at last year’s Volunteer Event… thank you to you both!
“Minnekhada Park is a gem! It is a very special place of nature, beauty, serenity and tranquility. We encourage people to explore all its natural beauty… while being very mindful of sustainable practices while visiting..”
How long have you been involved with Minnekhada Regional Park and why did you decide to volunteer?
We began volunteering one year ago. We decided to start volunteering with the park due to our love for the park and all things in it! We began visiting the park regularly over the past five years. We quickly fell in love with its amazing beauty and tranquility. There is something about being in nature that is so grounding and serene – it fills your soul. Just minutes from our home it has become our place to recharge and unwind. Volunteering with the park just seemed like a natural next step for us to give back to the place that gives us so much.
In what activities are you involved? How did you get started?We have volunteered for numerous bat counts and Western Toad monitoring initiatives. It’s been an amazing experience to connect with others who also love the park and want to contribute to seeing these species flourish and thrive. Dan was also very proud to receive 2025 recognition from the Minnekhada Park Board (MPA) for his volunteering efforts in 2025, specifically on bat counts/orientation.
We also adopt streets going into Minnekhada park and provide volunteer litter control. The Adopt-A- Street program increases community awareness and participation in litter control and sustainability.
What is your favourite thing / hike / location in the park?
As noted above, we quickly fell in love with all it’s amazing beauty and tranquility. There is something about being in nature that is so grounding and serene. Just enjoying a quick walk after work or a longer weekend hike…there is always something to see or enjoy in nature. There is also a great group of friends and acquaintances that we have developed.
What is your advice to people who are not aware of the Park OR not aware of the activities we have here?
Our advice to people is to simply get involved in your community/park. Check out the website or look at the information boards located at several entrances to the trails/parking lots to get valuable information on the park, initiatives, sessions, and volunteering opportunities. Get involved!