2025 marks the tenth anniversary of the Lake Winnipeg Community-Based Monitoring Network (LWBMN). For a decade, members of the community have generously used their time to collect water samples from over a hundred sites, contributing to a high quality dataset that pinpoints phosphorus hotspots in the Lake Winnipeg watershed.

In celebration of the excellent work of our community volunteers, we will be highlighting ten volunteers over the course of this tenth field season.

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Originally from China, Bingqi loves to spend time outside jogging, exploring, hiking, and finding ways to remain curious about the world. Now working as a Research Assistant for the Agricultural Climate Solutions Living Labs project at Assiniboine College, Bingqi first found LWCBMN through his Land and Water Management instructor, James Hood (another LWCBMN volunteer).

Binqui says that what began as a school project has grown into something even more meaningful. “Over the past year of studying in college, taking water samples in Souris has been a refreshing break from my daily school routine. I’ve felt a sense of personal value by doing my small part to help monitor and protect the health of Lake Winnipeg. Without my family here with me, being part of the Lake Winnipeg Foundation has felt like being part of a larger family—it has given me a true sense of belonging.”

Before moving to Manitoba, Binqui says he mainly used tap water for drinking and cooking. But now, living in Minto, MB, he has to filter well water before using it for drinking and cooking. “This experience has made me more aware of where my water comes from and how important it is to protect water quality in rural areas,” Bingqi says.

Bingqi feels very strongly about the benefits of water sampling with LWCBMN. “Over the past year of volunteering, I’ve learned how to collect water samples quickly and safely. Sometimes, people driving by will stop and ask what I’m doing. I explain that I’m collecting water samples for the Lake Winnipeg Foundation to help monitor phosphorus in the river. I think after seeing me out there a few times, they start to remember me and become more curious about the work—it's a small way to raise awareness in the community.”

Bingqi believes that it is very important for LWCBMN to continue to grow, as long-term data is one of the best ways to provide a clear picture of changes in water quality over time. “LWCBMN is doing something that few other organizations can: gathering wide-scale stream data through the power of community volunteers. While engaging people in hands-on science, it also raises awareness about environmental issues. With another 10 years of growth, LWCBMN can collect even more data, produce more accurate analysis, and play a stronger role in controlling phosphorus levels and protecting our watersheds.”

Being a volunteer means not only helping our watershed, but gaining new experiences and a deeper connection to the environment says Bingqi. “In the end, you’ll likely receive more than you expected—from a sense of purpose to the joy of making a real difference.”

In the end, you'll likely receive more than you expected - from a sense of purpose to the joy of making a real difference.

Brooke Thomas is very passionate about the environment. From her work as an environmental officer with Manitoba Hydro to her time kayaking on Lake Winnipeg, water has been a big part of her life.

She began volunteering with LWF when she was on maternity leave and had some flexibility in her schedule. Since Lake Winnipeg is one of her favourite places, collecting water samples for LWCBMN felt like a meaningful way to help the health of the lake.

One of her favourite parts of sampling has been including her daughters. “I’ve known Lake Winnipeg had poor health, so anything I can do to contribute and help out is important to me. Bringing my two young daughters along to show them how to collect water samples and give them an insight into what I do during the day has been really special, too,” says Brooke. Even if her kids don’t understand the meaning of every sampling step, she likes explaining why she’s sampling and giving back to the lake.

Brooke has seen the impact that policies can have on water quality, as her work with Manitoba Hydro includes environmental mitigation for water bodies. Brooke thinks that LWCBMN is important because it brings “like-minded people together who want to see Lake Winnipeg become healthier”. This includes providing data to the decision-makers who can make changes that will hopefully improve the health of the lake.

For anyone wondering if they should start water sampling, Brooke is incredibly encouraging. “Do it, it’s so fun!” she says. “It’s an excuse to get outside. If you have kids you can bring them or you could use it to get away from your kids for a little bit. It’s very relaxing coming to the site, grabbing a sample, just being outside. ”

I've known Lake Winnipeg had poor health, so anything I can do to contribute and help out is important to me. Bringing my two young daughters... has been really special, too.