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 2024 LakeSmart team
Emilia Mastromatteo
I have long cherished the breath taking beauty of lake life and I am delighted to re-join LakeSmart, a program close to my heart. This year, I am particularly excited as I step into a leadership role within the team.
After completing my second year as a varsity athlete at McGill University, studying Cell Biology and Anatomy in Biomedical Sciences, I am excited to bring a renewed commitment to enhancing our initiatives. This season, my focus will be on expanding the programming we developed last year, aiming to educate our community about preserving Lake of the Woods and advancing our vision as a non-profit organization. I look forward to making a significant impact on our community engagement efforts and continuing our commitment to environmental stewardship.
Ashley Vogrig
It has been a privilege to grow up, spending time at my family cabin while appreciating the nature that Lake of the Woods and other surrounding areas had to offer. Having the opportunity to be on the LakeSmart team will allow me to learn more about where I grew up, adjacent regions, and discover tools to help preserve the land for future generations.
I recently completed my second year in History and Theory of Architecture with a minor in Heritage Conservation at Carleton University. My love for architecture affixed a connection to the environment through learning about different approaches of using and respecting nature to create some of the most amazing buildings around the world. With a focus on heritage conservation, my interest in environmental conservation grew and became another important aspect in my education. Architecture plays a big role in any ecosystem, so I believe gaining knowledge through LOWDSA is an asset that I will be able to apply through an environmentally focused perspective in my later studies.
Cass Wagenaar
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 enjoy camping, swimming, fishing, and canoeing which are all things that require a healthy lake ecosystem. 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.
I have recently finished my first year of environmental science at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario. Throughout the year I learned so much about the importance of sustainability and ecosystem protection and look forward to putting it into practice.
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.