High schoolers test water quality at Lake Erie Student Summit

Ontario-funded summit connects western Lake Erie students with scientists and conservation groups

StratfordToday StaffApr 30, 2026 5:30 PM

More than 100 high school students from across the western Lake Erie basin gathered in Sarnia and Point Edward on Wednesday for the Lake Erie Student Summit, a hands-on event focused on building the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to protect this globally significant freshwater ecosystem.

Organized by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) in partnership with St. Clair Region, Essex Region, Lower Thames Valley, Kettle Creek, and Catfish Creek Conservation Authorities, the summit was funded by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

The day began with an Indigenous welcome led by Lynn Rosales of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, grounding the event in teachings about respect, responsibility, and connection to water. Students then stepped into the role of citizen scientists, conducting water quality testing—including pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen—with guidance from the University of Windsor’s Real-Time Aquatic Ecosystem Observation Network (RAEON), Water Rangers, and Let’s Talk Science.

“Lake Erie is one of the most ecologically vital, and most threatened, of the Great Lakes, and the next generation of stewards is ready to take action,” said Karlee Flear, Community Education Coordinator with UTRCA. “By connecting them with scientists, community partners, and Indigenous knowledge keepers, students gain a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting our water and Great Lakes.”

“The Lake Erie Student Summit is a great example of how education and hands-on experience can inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Through the Great Lakes Program, our government is supporting opportunities that connect students to the Great Lakes and the actions needed to protect them,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

In the afternoon, students rotated through interactive activities along the waterfront, including a hatchery tour with Blue Water Anglers, the Monument of the Souls activity with Lynn Rosales, and sessions with community partners such as Tourism Sarnia-Lambton.

The summit is part of the broader Western Lake Erie Student Summit and Stewardship Project, a year-long initiative that engaged more than 500 students in Great Lakes learning, stewardship, and action.

Participating school boards included the Lambton Kent District School Board, Thames Valley District School Board, and the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board.