Conservation Through the Lives of Adirondack Loons

 Our Work

RESEARCH

The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation and its partners have conducted studies on the Adirondack loon population since 1998. Our research has targeted environmental pollutants, factors affecting reproductive success, migration, health, and more.

We collaborate with other organizations to use our scientific research findings to inform state, regional, and national policies to better protect aquatic ecosystems throughout the Northeast.

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation uses the results of its loon research to promote environmental education and stewardship in the communities and classrooms of the Adirondack Park and beyond.

Through exhibits at the Adirondack Loon Center, our interactive curricula, and engaging field experiences, we use the Common Loon to inspire passion for the natural world.

Management & Conservation

The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation uses buoys, signage, and artificial nest rafts as management tools to increase reproductive success in Common Loons. We also perform rescues to help individual loons survive fishing line entanglement, becoming iced-in, and other calamities that would otherwise result in mortality. These efforts are supported by our amazing field staff and volunteers across the Park!

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation’s programs promote active participation in environmental conservation by both Adirondack residents and visitors. For example, our Loon-Friendly Lake Certification Program provides lake-owners with training about loon ecology and natural history. Additionally, the program includes wildlife-friendly projects such as conducting lake cleanups, improving shorelines, and recycling fishing line.

Threats to Loons

At the southern edge of their species range and at the top of the food chain, Adirondack loons are an important biological indicator species. By studying and protecting them, researchers are able to monitor environmental stresses that threaten countless other species. To learn more about Common Loons and the threats they face in the Adirondacks, click Learn more.

Pollution

Common Loons are impacted by airborne mercury pollution and acid rain, which are transported long distances in the atmosphere and accumulate in aquatic ecosystems. They also become tangled in abandoned fishing line, and they ingest lead fishing tackle which causes lead poisoning.

Climate Change

Loon nests are very vulnerable to water level fluctuations. Torrential rains and strong storms, which are increasing in frequency and intensity in the Adirondacks, can flood a nest in a matter of hours.

Human Disturbance

Loon families or nesting loons are easily disturbed by boaters and paddlers. Shoreline development can also limit nesting sites.

Get Involved!

Join the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation in our research and educational programs! Your support and time will help us enhance awareness about threats to Common Loons and the Adirondack lakes where they live. Your generous contributions will lead to a broader understanding of loon ecology and inspire deeper environmental stewardship, protecting loons and their habitats for generations to come.

Learn

Want to learn more? Attend an event or field trip, visit the Adirondack Loon Center to view our exhibits and meet our staff, read our blog, or schedule a presentation near you!