Your LOWWSF team may be a bit biased, but we think summer 2026 was pretty incredible. As you settle back into the regular rhythms of school, back-to-work, or whatever else marks the transition from long, languid days at the lake to the crisp routines of autumn, please read on to hear some highlights from this summer we’d like to share with you.

Under the supervision of Dr. Vince Palace, Julianna, LOWWSF’s comms specialist, ran a study at IISD-ELA that looked at how wild rice grows in direct competition with two stages of cattail maturity: seeds and mature (i.e. rhizome stage) under simulated drought conditions. Read on to learn more about Julianna’s excellent Master’s research!

What does water security mean to Canadians, what challenges and opportunities do they see, and which actions the federal government should prioritize? Read on to learn how LOWWSF is engaging in this important conversation!

It has been a full summer for LOWWSF, and we have been steadily working on the Canadian Domestic Phosphorus Management Plan (PMP) for the Rainy–Lake of the Woods watershed. Much of the plan is now in draft form, bringing together science, local knowledge, partner conversations, and potential actions to reduce phosphorus entering our waters.

We’re preparing for our annual Ask an Expert webinar series, with sessions planned for late October and November. This year’s topics will include mining research in the basin, climate impacts, water governance from Grand Council Treaty #3, and research on how nutrients move through our waterways.

It’s hard to believe that 2026 is already approaching the halfway point. We’ve had an incredibly busy year-to-date and are long overdue to provide some substantial updates on the projects we’re coordinating, leading, and developing. 

In the photo: In May, the LOWWSF team visited Pegamigaabo School in Big Grassy First Nation