Manitoba Envirothon

10/16/2026

Meet the Steering Committee!

I am Eddie Shao, and I’m the Orals Chair!

I have been a watershed manager for the Swan Lake Watershed District for about 6 years now, and prior to that, I worked as a technician for about 3 years. I have my Bachelor of Environmental Studies, majoring in Sustainable Development with one minor in Geography and another in Mathematics from the University of Manitoba! I am also on a few different committees outside of work, started doing theatre this year, and volunteer with the Fire Department.

I think we are all secretly connected to nature in some way; whether you live in the rural countryside or the city, there is always a place to appreciate nature. For me, living in Swan River has allowed me to connect with nature on a deeper level. Swan River is nestled between the Duck Mountains and the Porcupine Hills, so any time you head to those areas, there's no cell service at all. Being able to disconnect from the digital world and camp, fish, or hike allows a person to fully appreciate what nature has to offer. When you slow down for a few seconds, you start to realize the biodiversity and life that is out there just waiting to be discovered!

My connection to Envirothon started in Grade 9. I wanted to do something different and thought, what better opportunity than to take an extracurricular and get a credit doing it! Little did I know that it involved public speaking- GULP- which I was not very good at doing—but again, who is?! We placed 5th at Provincials that first year, then went on to place 1st at Provincials for the next three years. We competed in North Carolina, California, and New Brunswick, eventually placing 1st at Nationals in New Brunswick—the first Canadian team to do so in the 24-year history of the international competition!

Needless to say, I got over my fear of public speaking, and now I don't mind it. I now assist where I can by judging Mock Oral presentations and reviewing topic areas with Envirothon students at my local high school.

Practice makes perfect—doing something a little outside your comfort zone can be rewarding!

10/16/2026

Meet the Steering Committee!

I am Lindsey, the Chair of the Soils Test Writing Committee!

I have been involved in Envirothon since high school, where I competed on the Vincent Massey Collegiate team for three years.

My Envirothon experience inspired me to earn a BSc in Agroecology and an MSc in Soil Science, both from the University of Manitoba. After working various jobs with Western Ag Innovations, Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers, and AAFC, I am currently the Recruitment and Student Experience Coordinator with the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the U of M.

I love the opportunity to stay involved with Envirothon and share my passion for soils with students. I would love to discuss soil (or cats) with you!

10/14/2026

10/14/2026

💧 What is happening across Manitoba’s watersheds? Find out in The Current 2026!

The newest edition is now available and filled with stories about the projects, partnerships and local action shaping the future of watershed management in Manitoba!

Learn how farms are becoming climate solutions, and discover the practical work happening across Manitoba’s 14 watershed districts.

A big thank-you goes to every watershed district, producer, partner and community member who contributed to another successful year. Happy reading!

📖 Do not wait for the article spotlights. Start reading today! Find the magazine on our website or read it directly here:

https://heyzine.com/flip-book/790c4e2171.html

10/12/2026

Meet the Steering Committee!

I am Lynda Nicol, the Executive Director of the Manitoba Association of Watersheds and a Steering Committee Member.
I have a background in non-profit management, specializing in program development and implementation, strategic planning, and operational excellence.
I feel most at peace in nature, particularly when I’m in or close to water. Conservation and protection of our waterways for today and future generations is what guides my work with MAW and Manitoba Envirothon.
I’m inspired every day by the students who participate in Envirothon! Their ingenuity, passion, and commitment to environmental issues give me confidence in our future environmental leaders. I’m grateful to be part of an initiative that helps young people build their knowledge, connect with nature, and become the environmental leaders of tomorrow.

10/09/2026

Meet the Steering Committee!

I am Katrina Froese, and I’m the Plant Ecology Discipline Chair!
I am the Education Manager at FortWhyte Alive, where I deliver programming about biodiversity and ecosystems. Before working at FWA, I worked as a summer field assistant in entomology and water quality research. I have a Bachelor of Science in Ecology from the University of Manitoba.
I grew up in the country in southern Manitoba in a family that appreciated the outdoors in all seasons. I spent a lot of time playing in the snow and walking in the woods. I discovered my favourite courses in university were limnology, entomology and botany. I enjoy growing native plants in my backyard and going birding in the spring to observe and appreciate biodiversity.
I started volunteering with Envirothon in 2021 and helped develop and judge the oral presentation questions before becoming Plant Ecology Chair in 2024. FortWhyte Alive is also the host of the Central Regional Competition.