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 2025 LakeSmart team
Cass Wagenaar
I am happy to be back working with Lake Smart for my second summer now and am eager to be stepping up into a leadership role as the team lead this season! This organization is very special to me as my mother worked this same position years ago and I am thrilled to be following in her footsteps. Being exposed to the lake from such a young age allowed me to experience all the wonderful features it has to offer. My passion for the environment stemmed from this as I had much appreciation for nature and the outdoors. I am very grateful for the opportunities I have had on and around Lake of the Woods and want to help sustain this region for generations to come.
My love for the lake has grown over the years as I have furthered my education in the environmental field. I am halfway done with my degree in environmental resource science and biology at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario. Throughout the years I learned so much about the importance of sustainability and ecosystem protection and look forward to putting it into practice.
Ashley Vogrig
Lake of the Woods has always been a passion of mine. Growing up with a cabin on an island, spending most summers enjoying nature, it built a sense of responsibility within me to take care of the lake. With this being my second year as a Lake Steward on the LakeSmart team, I am once again able to support the lake through not only what LOWDSA has to offer, but reach out to the public who also want a clean lake.
I have recently completed my third year at Carleton University in the History and Theory of Architecture program with a double minor in Heritage Conservation and Archeology. I believe architecture has a large role to play within ecosystems and the environment, and with my heritage conservation background, I hope in my future I will be able to apply lake health in my projects. My studies have encouraged advocating for the environment and heritage, and I plan to do the same within the LakeSmart team in educating the public and supporting lake and shore health to preserve the area for generations to come!
Aneira Olson
Hey everyone! My name is Aneira Olson, and this will be my first summer being on the LakeSmart team! I recently graduated from high school and am planning on going to university for chemistry/biology and music. I love spending my time swimming, playing basketball, singing and playing guitar, doing art, and hanging out with my many animals. I’m passionate about making sure that the wild creatures that share our home have safe and healthy habitats. I’m so excited to learn more about lake stewardship, and to share information about keeping the lake ecosystem healthy and maintaining biodiversity. I can’t wait to connect with people about our shared love of Lake of the Woods, and to help care for a place that is special and important to so many of us! See you on the lake! 🙂
Mimi Mastromateo
I just can’t get enough of LOWDSA! I’m beyond excited to be back for my third 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 now be working with LOWDSA as the Social Media Manager. 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.
Kailyn Rozecki
I am extremely excited to be joining the Lake Smart team this summer! I recently completed my first year at the University of Manitoba, studying in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management. I am eager to bring my understanding of the relationship between human health and the environment to the team.
Lake of the Woods holds a very special place in my heart, as I have spent every summer there growing up. This lifelong connection to the lake has sparked a strong commitment to protecting its ecosystem and preserving the natural beauty that has given me so much over the years.
I look forward to connecting with the community, sharing knowledge, and contributing my background in health and my love for the outdoors 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.