LakeSmart: Stewardship in Action!
LakeSmart is an environmental outreach program unique to our area, brought to you by LOWDSA. A team of students with environmental education backgrounds spend the summer sharing ways to live and play green at the lake. They provide knowledge and resources on topics like creating shoreline buffer zones, reducing run-off, septic systems, eco-friendly cleaning, invasive species prevention, safe boating, and more.
What's it all about?
LakeSmart is an award-winning community outreach program unique to our area delivered by a team of post-secondary students. It is designed to offer information to shoreline residents and anyone who enjoys the lakes and environment on ways that they can live and play green at the lake. The LakeSmart Team is equipped with knowledge and resources on a broad range of topics including creating and maintaining shoreline buffer zones, septic systems, using eco-friendly products, invasive species awareness, and much more.
The LakeSmart program runs from May to September and includes both online and in-person programming including research projects, collaboration with other organizations, farmer’s markets, dock visits and more.
Meet the 2026 LakeSmart team
Mimi Mastromateo
I’m beyond excited to be back for my fourth consecutive year with the team. Born and raised in Kenora, I truly can’t imagine a summer not spent on Lake of the Woods—it’s home in all its essence. After leading the LakeSmart team in previous years, I’m thrilled to be working with LOWDSA and the LakeSmart team in a social media oriented role. I’m passionate about creating engaging content that connects our community and promotes the protection of this incredible region. I’ll also be joining the LakeSmart team periodically throughout the summer to lend a hand and stay connected to the program.
During the school year, I study Anatomy & Cell Biology at McGill University and compete as a varsity and national-level swimmer. I’m so grateful to continue being part of LOWDSA—a team that shares my love for the lake and is deeply committed to protecting its health and beauty for generations to come.
Cass Wagenaar
I’m thrilled to be back with Lake Smart as team lead for another year!
Being back on the lake is one of my favorite parts of coming home for the summer. Living on such a beautiful body of water, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for Lake of the Woods. It is definitely what I miss most while away. How lucky are we to call this home!
I’ve just finished my third year in Environmental Science and Biology at Trent University in Peterborough, where I continue building new research skills, whether it’s water quality sampling or forest plotting. I’ve also made valuable connections with other lake associations, and I’m eager to share what I’ve learned from them.
I am excited to get involved in the community and continue to raise awareness on the importance of sustaining our lake.
Ashley Vogrig
It is great to be back for a third summer with the LakeSmart Team!
Having just completed my fourth year at Carleton University in the History and Theory of Architecture program with a double minor in Heritage Conservation and Archaeology, I am ready to immerse myself back into lake life and take what I have learned and apply a conservation perspective to our team.
I am eager to get underway with all of our events and to see some familiar and new faces! We also have some new additions coming this summer with the one I am most excited about being the Boat Wash Station!
Growing up around the lake has shown me how lucky we are to be surrounded by what the region has to offer and how important it is to take care of it. I hope to use my background in education and experience to be an asset to this team for another year! I am so happy to be back to help preserve our beautiful lakes for future generations!
Kailyn Rozecki
I’m extremely excited to be returning to the Lake Smart team for my second summer!
In the fall, I will be starting my third year of Kinesiology and Recreational Management at the University of Manitoba, where I continue to develop a strong understanding of the human body, how it moves, and its relationship with the environment. I am eager to bring this knowledge and perspective to the team!
Lake of the Woods has always been an important part of my life, as I have spent every summer there. This lifelong connection to the lake has deepened my appreciation for its ecosystem and sparked my interest in helping protect its natural beauty for years to come.
I look forward to reconnecting with the community, learning from others, and contributing my background in health and human movement to the Lake Smart team this summer!
See you at the dock!
The LakeSmart boat, generously supplied by our lead sponsor, Woodlake Marine, is the key to the program and its most recognized feature. Your LakeSmart Team is looking forward to a busy summer travelling the lake for dock visits. The LakeSmart boat may not go into smaller lakes, however, the LakeSmart Team will drive to many of them and are always open to visiting members of your community or to participate in your event. Contact info@lowdsa.com to talk to the LakeSmart Team about making stops in your area.
And although our typical dock visits made in person are limited to certain geographical areas, there are no limits to our virtual “dock” visits. We collaborate with other cottage associations and groups in the area for group learning opportunities to help you with specific concerns.
We thrive on your support
The LakeSmart program is only possible with the support of our sponsors and LOWDSA member donations to the Environmental Initiative and Special Projects (EISP) fund. For more information and to help us continue delivering the LakeSmart program year after year please consider donating to the EISP fund or becoming a sponsor.