The loon is such an iconic symbol of wilderness with its haunting call, red eyes, and distinctive markings. With all wildlife, we need to understand how to respect its boundaries while admiring it in its natural habitat. Thanks to the Adirondack Loon Center for Loon Conservation, there is a place to learn more about this aquatic bird.

The annual Adirondack Loon Celebration takes place at the Paul Smith’s VIC, October 7 from 1 to 5 pm, with a schedule of activities emphasizing the importance of loons to the Adirondack ecosystem. Live music with Celia Evans, Green Goddess food, silent auction, children’s activities, and other loon related activities are just part of the fun-filled day.

There is a lot to learn about loons. With the aid of the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation and Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC), a full day of loon-related activities sets the tone to educate and inform all of us about this aquatic bird. A drawing will be held the day of the event for a handcrafted loon decoy.

The Loon Center’s focus is to conduct research into migration, health, nesting, and population trends. Loons are territorial and come back to nest in the same locations. Loons are also the top tier of their food chain and therefore indicators of mercury poisoning and acid rain. Since loons can live between 20-30 years, the Loon Center and other organizations are able to track and research if toxins are accumulating and how that affects our waterways and other populations. The Loon Center continues to grow their educational outreach through school curricula and internships as well as initiating a fishing line and lead fishing tackle recycling program.

This is also the last weekend to view the Conservation Through the Lives of Adirondack Loons Art Show at the VIC, with submissions by Allen Aardsma, Linda Benzon, Gary Casagrain, Jeanne Dupre, Shawn Halperin, Rob Kleiber, Larry Master, Lisa McLaughlin, John Tate, and Ed Williams. The group exhibition depicts common loon habitat and habits in a variety of mediums.

Don’t worry if this loon celebration doesn’t quite fit the weekend schedule, stop by the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation’s downtown Saranac Lake office and showroom.

Photo provided.