Originally published in Lake of the Woods Area News, Volume 55, Number 4, Fall 2025
The LakeSmart program continues to be a leader in environmental education, community engagement, and shoreline stewardship across Lake of the Woods and the surrounding region. This summer, our team set out to connect with residents and visitors through a wide variety of events, programs, and initiatives all with the shared goal of keeping our lakes healthy and thriving.
One of our most consistent outreach efforts took place at the Matiowski Farmers’ Market every Wednesday, where we engaged with the public about everything from invasive species (always a crowd favourite) to shoreline erosion, lake health, and tips for protecting waterfront properties. We also took our booth to the Sioux Narrows Farmers Market and the Granite Lake Market, allowing us to reach even more communities and expand the conversation around lake-friendly living.
Another popular initiative was our Dock Talks, where we hopped aboard our LakeSmart boat, generously provided by Woodlake Marine, and toured the shores of Lake of the Woods, stopping at docks to chat directly with waterfront property owners. These one-on-one conversations covered erosion prevention, invasive species management, and general lake health, offering personalized advice and helpful resources in a relaxed, approachable setting.
Equally important to our mission, is reaching the next generation of lake stewards, which is why our kids’ programming plays such a big role in what we do. This summer, we visited classrooms from Kindergarten through Grade 12, along with several summer camps, bringing hands-on, interactive lessons to young learners. Topics ranged from pollution and the water cycle to habitats, invasive species, and shoreline care. After each presentation, we led a fun activity. Whether it was games of blob-tag where kids pretended to be invasive species spreading through a lake, building tiny ecosystems from natural materials, or using our water table to demonstrate how pollution from urban areas affects watersheds, we made sure learning was both fun and memorable.
On the environmental action front, our team held monthly shoreline clean-ups in and around the Kenora area, and we also responded to community requests for additional clean-ups. Picking up litter, cans, plastics, and sharps from beaches and shorelines helped keep these spaces safe, clean, and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
In August, we hosted our annual Metal and Electronic Waste Day at Pye’s Landing, providing a convenient way for both road and water-access residents to responsibly dispose of unwanted items. Thanks to Titan Contractors for supplying the metal bins, this event made it easy for the community to take part in protecting our environment while clearing out clutter.
We also continued our ongoing collaboration with the IISD Experimental Lakes Area (ELA), organizing tours that gave participants a rare behind-the-scenes look at freshwater research in action. Attendees visited chemistry labs, fish biology stations, and meteorological sites, learning how ELA scientists monitor ecosystems and study environmental impacts. A highlight of the tour was a hands-on netting activity, where participants helped catch and identify small fish and invertebrates, mimicking real fieldwork used to assess lake health.
Another key initiative this summer was our annual tree plant and seedling sales. Each year, we sell seedlings to the public, encouraging residents to take part in local reforestation efforts. This summer, the LakeSmart team planted around 2,500 trees along Mac Lake Road. These efforts help restore wildlife habitat, reduce erosion, and support overall biodiversity in the region. In 2025, 10,000 more trees have been planted through LOWDSA contributing to our total of 340,000 over the years.
Our team also brought creativity into the community through storm drain painting in the Harbourfront and Lakeside neighbourhoods. By painting “A Healthy Lake Starts Here” near each drain, we created a fun and effective reminder that what goes down the storm drain flows directly into our lakes. This subtle form of outreach kept the message of lake protection front and centre all summer long.
We were proud to take part in the Lake of the Woods International Sailing Association (LOWISA) sailing regatta again this year, setting up our booth at Crow Rock Lodge, one of the event’s overnight stops. We handed out sailor-specific dock kits and information on protecting lake ecosystems while on the water. Continuing a tradition that’s become a win-win situation, we also collected bottles and cans from participants to return for deposit refunds, with all proceeds supporting our programs.
Another highlight of the season was our participation in local community talks through our speaker series. We had the pleasure of attending the Sioux Narrows Ladies Lunch and visiting Pinecrest Home, sharing insights into our work and answering questions from engaged and passionate audiences. These events sparked great discussions, from personal lake stories to actionable tips residents could use on their own properties.
One thing we all were excited for this summer was our Celebrate Lake Life event. This summer’s event was a 9-hole golf tournament at the Kenora Golf and Country Club, featuring a silent auction and a BBQ lunch. It was more than just a fundraiser; it was a celebration of the community’s shared commitment to protecting our waters.
This summer, every initiative we took on was driven by the belief that a healthy lake begins with informed and empowered people. With the incredible support of our generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and engaged residents, we were able to make a meaningful impact throughout the Lake of the Woods watershed.