2023 – Joe Poliquin, Fish Creek Pond

Saranac Lake, NY – The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation invites one and all to celebrate Common Loons, one of the Adirondacks most fascinating icons, at the Paul Smith’s College VIC (8023 NYS Rte. 30) from 1-4:30pm on Sunday, October 8th . This free, fun-filled, “loony” day will feature activities for the whole family, including:

•  9am-12pm: Guided Paddle with the experts ($$, space is limited – preregistration is required).
• 1-4:30pm: Visit with Adirondack Loon Center staff, enjoy delicious food by Chef Humble ($), great beer by Hex and Hop ($), bid in a silent auction featuring beautiful loon-related items, and look forward to children’s crafts, a scavenger hunt, and other activities!
• 1- 2pm: Live music by Blessid Dirt
• 2:00-3:15pm: Presentation by Dr. Mark Pokras, Tufts University: “Loon CSI: Why Loons Die”
• 3:30: Loon Calling Contest
• 3:30-4:30: Interpretive Walk
• 4:30 pm: Hornbeck Canoe raffle drawing

Dr. Mark Pokras of Tuft Wildlife Clinic, will be the featured speaker at the Celebration. Dr. Pokras holds a B.S. from Cornell University and earned a D.V.M.  from Tufts’ Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Mark has been involved in wildlife care and rehabilitation for nearly 50 years and has worked on conservation and health issues both in the U.S. and internationally.  He currently consults, lectures and writes on a variety of environmental health and conservation topics.  Mark has studied loon mortality research and lead poisoning in wildlife for decades, and he is a leading researcher in the field.

2021 – Nina Schoch,Little Green Pond, Juvenile Loon

At the Loon Celebration, the winning raffle ticket will be drawn for a beautiful lightweight Hornbeck classic 10’ canoe. Raffle tickets are $20 each or 6 for $100. To purchase raffle ticket and to learn about Pete Hornbeck, visit adkloon.org or call 518-354-8636.

“The day will be an exciting opportunity to learn about threats, both natural and anthropogenic, that affect loon survival” said Beth Boos, Stewardship & Outreach Director for the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, “We invite everyone to join us in enjoying Blessid Dirt’s wonderful music, delicious food by Chef Humble, drinks from Hex and Hop, and the beautiful venue.”

The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is a 501(c)3 non-profit that conducts scientific research and engaging educational programming to promote and inspire passion for 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 www.adkloon.org or www.facebook.com/adkloon, or contact info@adkloon.org or (518) 354-8636. The Adirondack Loon Center at 75 Main Street in Saranac Lake is open from 10am-5pm every day.