Discover the wonders of Minnesota’s loons through summer workshops

042020.N.BD.Loon5.jpg — A loon flaps its wings on Boom Lake in Brainerd.

By Dispatch staff report

May 05, 2024 at 3:00 PM

CROSSLAKE — The National Loon Center and Northern Waters Land Trust, in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources–Loon Restoration Project, announced the return of the summer workshop series, “From Land to Water: Conserving Minnesota’s Loons.”

Dive into the fascinating world of Minnesota’s iconic state bird and the vital freshwater ecosystems they call home. These interactive workshops are designed to educate participants on loon research and diverse conservation methods aimed at protecting loon habitats, food sources and nesting grounds.

“This year we are introducing a new and expanded format featuring two programs each month: a specialized conservation topic with guest experts and an introduction to loon surveys, providing hands-on training for statewide loon monitoring initiatives,” the organizations reported in a news release.

This is an in-person workshop with an outdoor field component aboard the National Loon Center’s StewardShip on Cross Lake. Life jackets and binoculars will be provided.

Ten workshops will be offered on Thursday afternoons from May through September.

2:30-4:30 p.m.: Conservation Topic of the Month workshop

May 30 — Resilient Shorelines / Landscaping for Loons,
June 27 — Loon Safe Boating,
July 25 — Aquatic Invasive Species,
Aug. 22 — Water Quality Testing and Monitoring,
Sept. 19 — Loon Friendly Fishing.

5-7 p.m.: Introduction to Loon Monitoring workshop

May 30 — Intro to Loon Monitoring,
June 27 — Loon Nesting Behavior,
July 25 — Loon Chick Development,
Aug. 22 — Late Summer Behavior,
Sept. 19 — Pre-Migration Behaviors.

Registration

This enriching workshop series is free and open to the public. Spaces are limited. To secure a spot, register online through the Northern Waters Land Trust website: northernwaterslandtrust.org/events .

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Contact Information

Questions about the event? Call the office at 218-547-4510 or email to info@nwlt-mn.org .

These workshops are funded in part through the Land and Waters Preservation Trust, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Crosslake Ideal Lions Club, Savaloja Memorial Fund, and from the Outdoor Heritage fund as part of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.

The National Loon Center is dedicated to the conservation of Minnesota’s loons and their freshwater habitats. Learn more at www.nationallooncenter.org .

Northern Waters Land Trust is committed to preserving the natural beauty of northern Minnesota through watershed protection programs. Explore more at www.northernwaterslandtrust.org .

The Minnesota DNR Loon Restoration Project focuses on initiatives to enhance and safeguard loon populations in Minnesota.

By Dispatch staff report

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