In 1998, the FBP Board of Directors introduced an annual award which recognizes the outstanding efforts of those who contribute generously of time and spirit to Park initiatives. This award is dedicated to the memory of Helen and Peggi Armstrong who gave so much to this organization, thus setting the standard for all recipients.

2011 - Glenna Roberts, Enthusiastic Archaeologist
Anyone who has spent time working alongside Glenna at an archaeological excavation, knows she sets the bar very high when it comes to dedication to detail and overall stamina. Glanna is a member of the Ontario Archaeological Society - Ottawa Chapter, and a long-time supporter of archaeological outreach programs at Bonnechere Park. She has worked with the Friends to co-host OAS conferences, public archaeological digs, and the our annual family archaeology day. We admire her quiet manner and her quick wit.

2010 - The Carleton Place Gang
Every spring for about the past 20 years, the Carleton Place Gang decends on Bonnechere Provincial Park for a weekend clean-up. Arriving ahead of the busy summer season, members of the CP Gang spend a couple of days working their way through the campsite, cleaning up winter-falls and doing other small chores that help bring the Park back to shape. We recognize the CP Gang for all their volunteer efforts and their many years of dedication to the Park. We look forward to welcoming the next generation.

2009 - Ken Swayze, Archaeologist
In his quiet diligent way, Ken Swayze has helped uncover and record the archaeological history of the Little Bonnechere River. In particular, he focuses on the prehistoric era -- a perspective that offers both challenges and new horizons. Over the years, Ken has worked on various research excavations, as well he has provided valuable support and expertise in the presentation of public archaeological programs both in the field and at Bonnechere Park. In October 2009, Ken was the lead archaeologist on the Back to Basin research dig.

2008 - Laurie Fraser, Volunteer Extraordinaire
For 20 years Laurie volunteered countless hours in supporting husband Jim's efforts to create an oasis of hospitality, rich in natural and cultural heritage for the enjoyment and enlightenment of many who were drawn to the Little Bonnechere River. Often working behind the scenes, Laurie was always there to plan events, host visitors, and prepare and serve meals. For over a decade, Laurie was a founding member and secretary of the FBP Board of Directors. Her generosity, and willingness to give of her time, energy and talents, and most of all her friendship is much appreciated.

2007 - Alasdair Fraser, Photographer
Alasdair Fraser received the 2007 FBP Directors Award for his keen interest in sharing and recording the scenery, people and events along the Little Bonnechere River. As well, his quiet manner, graciousness and kind ways have enriched many of the Friends’ gatherings. Though son Jim is no longer Park Superintendent, we hope that Al and his friend Ann will continue to think of Bonnechere Park as their favourite Ottawa Valley getaway for many years to come. Read more in the Fall 2007 newsletter [.pdf 700 K].

2006 - Marian Clark, Licenced Archaeologist
Marian Clark joined the OAS Ottawa Chapter in 1982. Since then she has energetically prepared fundamental agenda for many Chapter meetings and archaeological expeditions including those co-hosted by the FBP along the Little Bonnechere. Over the past decade she has helped arrange several programs of cultural interest including Archaeology Day, school programs and public digs at Bonnechere Park. Read more about Marian's contributions to the FBP in the Fall 2006 Circle of Friends newsletter [.pdf 644 K].

2005 - Merill Burchart, Folk Artist and Woodworker
In his trademark quiet and unassuming manner, Merril has long supported the efforts of the FBP. Drawn to the area through family history, Merril has left his mark on Bonnechere Provincial Park through his various donations of hand-crafted woodwork and painted pieces. He has created several miniature replicas of the Basin Depot cabin and the famous Cockburn pointer boat. In spring 2002, he unveiled his prized contribution to the FBP: a life-sized version of the pointer boat that holds court under the north canopy of the Davenport Centre. After 100 hours of construction, Merill and members of his family launched the craft upriver near Basin Depot and paddled down to the beach at Park. The Little Bonnechere had arrived. At the time, historian Rory MacKay congratulated Merill and his crew for navigating a pointer boat on the Bonnechere for first time in a century. Read more about Merill's journey in our Spring 2002 Circle of Friends newsletter [.pdf 926 K].

2004 - Fred Blackstein, Master Canoeist and Wilderness Enthusiast
For six years, Fred Blackstien kindly offered his services to co-host the highly popular Wilderness Skills Course. Hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts learned about reading maps, using compasses and GPS, and how to survive in the wilderness. Over the years, Fred donated all registration fees to the FBP — thousands of dollars were raised for program enhancement at the Park. Fred continues to be a strong supporter of the FBP and can often be seen paddling along the Bonnechere. Fred is shown here in his prized, orginal birch bark canoe built by Stan and Jackie Sarazin from the Pikwakanagan First Nation at Golden Lake. The Sarazins come from a family which is known internationally for the art of traditional birch bark canoe making. This canoe was built for display of the traditional methods at the International Plowing Match, held in Pembroke in 1994.

2003 - Tom Ballantine, Licenced Archaeologist and Curator
Tom Ballantine received the 2003 FBP Directors Award in recognition for his contribution towards the various archaeology programs and digs hosted by the FBP along the Bonnechere River and at Basin Depot over the past decade. In 2002, at the invitation of Park Superintendent Jim Fraser, Tom became a member of the Bonnechere Cultural Heritage Project which conducts scientific studies, collects information and develops protection models relevant to key cultural heritage sites in the region. A licensed archaeologist, Tom hails from Gooderham and is curator of the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Although he had no previous connection with the Bonnechere River Valley, Tom understands the value of what he learns through his explorations and studies of this region. “You can take what we’re doing here on this river home to your town and do the same thing,” he said. “It’s just that here there’s a bunch of people who wanted to do it. They had the gumption to go out and do it.”

2002 - Dave Croft, Avocational Archaeologist
Contributing to the Ottawa Chapter’s Public Archaeology Day at Bonnechere Park is only a small part of Dave's contribution to the Upper Ottawa Valley communities. A resident of Pembroke ON, Dave is a regular speaker at area schools and considers getting the next generation knowledgeable and excited about archaeological conservation an important responsibility. Dave has also been a valuable volunteer member of archaeological efforts at both the Basin Depot and Lafleur Homestead Sites over the past seven years. Dave’s knowledge of aboriginal and Euro-Canadian artifacts is admirable. He is equally at home on either kind of site and never discriminates. Read more about Dave in our Fall 2002 Circle of Friends newsletter [.pdf 708 K].

2001 - Herschel Payne, Fine Artist
Recognized internationally , Herschel Payne has been artist-in-residence for Bonnechere Provincial Parks since 1995, and has come to call this river valley his artistic home. The artist has created a legacy by painting the special qualities of our area, and as an ambassador of the region through the many art workshops he teaches in Ottawa, Bonnechere and Algonquin Parks, and Pukaskwa National Park of Canada. In recognition of the artist's dedication to the Bonnechere-Algonquin region, the FBP named in his honour a walking trail that travels through both parks; Payne's Pine Trail is featured in Walks of the Little Bonnechere. Herschel Payne is also artist-in-residence for Pukwaskwa National Park of Canada, and The Taylor Statten Camp at Canoe Lake in Algonquin Park. Read more about Herschel in our Fall 2001 Circle of Friends newsletter [.pdf 196 K]. Photo: M. Runtz

2000 - Ontario Archeological Society Ottawa Chapter
Since its inception, the FBP has developed strong relationships with several like-minded people and organizations who share in our vision to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the Little Bonnechere. One of our most willing and capable partners in this quest has been the OAS Ottawa Chapter. Over the years, this dedicated group of volunteers has helped us rediscover our identity by teaching us how to dig into the past — literally! They have worked with us to co-host public digs, kids’ workshops and interpretive programs for teachers and students. They have taught us about the scientific method of archaeology, conducted test pits, helped us write books, dated our artefacts, and shared in the rush that comes when one uncovers yet another treasure.

1999 - Friends of Algonquin Park
The Friends of Algonquin Park [FOA] have been good neighbours to the FBP. They have helped by providing books and other stock during the early years of the FBP Bookstore, when there was little or no cash to flow and they supported the publication of Spirits of the Little Bonnechere. The FOA have assisted in the co-operative undertaking to investigate the archaeology of Basin Depot in the Bonnechere watershed of Algonquin Park and supported the FBP's conference on Cultural Heritage Tourism in Ontario. The Friends of Algonquin Park are true practitioners of partnership, and under the wise guidance of their Directors their staff continue to provide the highest quality of service to the public, including the directors and members of the Friends of Bonnechere Parks. Read more about the presention to the FOA in the Fall 1999 Circle of Friends newsletter [.pdf 248 K].

1998 - Roderick MacKay, Avocational Archaeologist and Historian
Rory was presented with the inaugural Board of Directors Award for his outstanding contribution to Bonnechere Provincial Park, and his love of the area and the people who have called Algonquin and Bonnechere home, particularly over the last 150 years. Rory is an accomplished teacher, avocational archaeologist, librarian, blacksmith and author. Rory authored Spirits of the Little Bonnechere, which was published by the FBP in 1997. Rory was also recognized for giving so much of his time and spirit to the efforts of the FBP. He has conducted pioneer blacksmith demonstrations at the Park, aided in the research and writing of Discover the Spirits of the Little Bonnechere, established the Friends’ first website, donated historic artifacts for display at the Park, and provided a wealth of research and support to several Park projects including the Bonnechere Cultural Heritage Project. Read more about Rory in our Spring 1999 Circle of Friends newsletter [.pdf 236 K].