Part of the Lake Windermere Ambassadors Mandate is to provide barrier free access to information about Lake Windermere, the surrounding watershed, and how we can work together to ensure that we are enjoying it safely for years to come. The example below are just some of ways that we have been doing this over the years. We continue to adapt our programming to be relevant and accessible to all members of the community.
Winter Stewardship Program
In the winter of 2016-2017, the Lake Windermere Ambassadors partnered with the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club to pilot a new Whiteway Ambassador project. The partnership introduced a more consistent Ambassadors presence on the frozen lake, and cultivated awareness about winter water stewardship while also collecting donations for the maintenance of the “Whiteway” (Lake Windermere’s world-class skating trail!) by the ski club , a portion of which returns to Ambassadors programs.
The Lake Windermere Ambassadors will continue to look for creative ways to engage winter users of Lake Windermere, using the Ambassadors ice hut, and through developing similar partnerships with winter recreation groups. Future activities might include winter season lake sampling, ice fishing demos, and interpretive skating activities on the lake.
Tours, Workshops, and Webinars
Whether it be our Nuisance Nutrients Workshop, Watershed Tours or presenting at online forums the Ambassadors jump at these diverse opportunities to provide in depth and hands on education. We strive to offer at least one free community workshop style event each year and have been able to provide instruction on a variety of topics including, but not limited to:
- Lake Keepers
- Green Shores for Homes
- Nuisance Nutrients
- Lake Management Lessons
- Lake and Creek Sampling Demonstrations
- Watershed Tours
To find out about future events subscribe to our eNewsletter and watch our blog.
Stewardship Guides
The Ambassadors have developed two tools for helping you steward Lake Windermere, a Winter Stewardship Guide and a Green Boating Guide. Both guides offer useful tips and tricks to ensure that you are maintaining lake health while still enjoying the activities you love on Lake Windermere. Guides are available in digital and hard copies – for a hard copy send us an email or find us at our next outreach event.
Summer Camps and School Programs
We believe that the youth in our community have the power to act as the strongest stewards for Lake Windemere, and we want to support them by offering free programming through our local schools and parks. We have run a number of one day lessons along with term long programs in partnership with other educational organizations. Our programs have included hands on sessions testing water quality, catching macro-invertebrates, and lake clean ups, along with in class lessons on watersheds, pollution, water monitoring and more. Stay updated on upcoming programs through our eNewsletter and blog – or book a program for your class or group!
Shoreline Clean Ups
Since the before the Ambassadors formed a Society, when we were still the Lake Windermere Project, we have been hosting and participating in Shoreline Clean Ups. We have done them in the spring, fall and winter seasons! These are a great low level way to get involved in becoming a steward for Lake Windermere. Watch our eNewsletter and blog for the next clean up near you!