My fondest memories as a child were of those playing along the shore of the lake I lived on. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall the lake always provided endless fun. In Winter it was cross-country skiing along the ice, shovelling off a rink to skate on or ice fishing in one of the many ice shacks that took residence on the lake for those cold months. Spring was exploring all the animals and plants coming to life, like looking for frog eggs in the wetland and watching for the first migratory birds to return. I was always excited to spot my first Blue Heron or Common Loon of the season. It was also taking the absolutely freezing first swim of the year and seeing who was brave enough to jump in. Summer was full of swimming, kayaking, and playing on the raft with the other neighbourhood children. Many hours were spent chasing after frogs, snakes, and turtles and unknowing to me at the time, developing a deep appreciation and respect for these creatures. Fall was campfires on the beach with friends, kayaking to see all the trees changing colours and waiting for the ice to return for those winter activities again.

Having exposure to this Lake allowed me to develop a deep respect for the environment and a passion to protect it in any way I can. It drove my decision to pursue a career in ecological restoration and expand my knowledge on aquatic ecosystems so that I could protect the types of environments that were so dear to me as a child. I would not be the person I am today and doing what I do now if I had not had the privilege to live on a Lake that supported all types of recreation. I hope that in doing the work that I am, I can aid in preserving the lakes and waterbodies we currently have so that future generations can have the same experiences I did.