The South Central Eco Institute has been recognized for its contributions to water stewardship and environmental education in the Red River Basin, receiving an endowment grant from the Red River Basin Commission.
The RRBC Endowment Grant, awarded by the commission’s executive committee, was presented March 19 during an event held alongside the organization’s 15th annual North Chapter Fish Dinner fundraiser in recognition of World Water Day.
The grant honours a small organization or project that has made a positive environmental impact through innovative initiatives and community engagement.
Program co-ordinator Kent Lewarne accepted the award on behalf of the institute. During the presentation, organizers noted Lewarne’s wide-ranging role within the organization, from administration and research to hands-on support.
The South Central Eco Institute focuses on water resource management and stewardship, bringing together academics, government representatives, environmental professionals and community members to support environmental awareness and action across the region.
Among its key initiatives is River Watch Manitoba, a student-driven data collection program that has been active for more than a decade. Through the program, students across Manitoba gather environmental data that is compiled and made publicly accessible online, supporting both education and long-term research.
Lewarne has also been working to introduce the River of Dreams program to Manitoba youth. Originally developed by the International Watershed Institute in the United States, the initiative invites students to design and launch small cedar canoes into local waterways. Each canoe carries a tracking number and a message encouraging those who find it to log its journey online before returning it to the water.
The program allows students to follow their canoe’s path through the watershed toward Hudson Bay, offering a hands-on learning experience about water systems and connectivity.
In addition to leading programs, Lewarne regularly visits classrooms throughout the Red River Basin to promote water conservation and environmental stewardship among students.
The RRBC Endowment Grant highlights the institute’s ongoing commitment to environmental education and community-based water advocacy.
