The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation will present its 2018 Loon Recognition Award to naturalist Gary Lee at the View Arts Center in Old Forge on Friday, July 6, from 5 to 7 pm.

The reception will feature a presentation showcasing Gary Lee’s extensive contributions to the conservation of loons in the Adirondacks, as well as live music, hors d’oeuvres, and beverages.  The proceeds will benefit the Center’s loon research, rescues, and conservation projects throughout the Park.

A retired NYS DEC Forest Ranger, and avid naturalist, birder, and photographer, Gary Lee lives with his wife of 55 years in Inlet in their house by a pond in the woods. Lee was stationed in the West Canada Lakes and Moose River Plains.

Gary Lee co-authored Birding in the Adirondacks, Sixty Great Places to Find Birds, and has received many awards for his achievements over the years, including the 1991 Conservationist of the Year Award by the NYS Conservation Council, induction into the NYS Outdoorsman Hall of Fame in 2007, and the 2017 M. Paul Keesler New York Outdoor Citizen Award.

The Loon Center invites those attending the reception to share a short story about Gary Lee at the event. If they would like to contribute a photo of Gary for the slide show, they should email it to info@adkloon.org.

Tickets are $75 per person, and are available online, or by contacting info@adkloon.org or (518) 354-8636.

The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation conducts scientific research and educational programming to further the conservation of Common Loons (Gavia immer) in and beyond New York’s Adirondack Park.

To learn more about the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, visit the Loon Center at 15 Broadway, Saranac Lake, visit their website, or contact the Center at info@adkloon.org or (518) 354-8636.

Photo of Gary Lee releasing a loon by Nina Schoch.