SARANAC LAKE — The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation (ACLC) is excited to announce a new series of monthly online presentations titled “Loon Zoom,” dedicated to exploring the fascinating world of loon research, conservation, and ecology. This initiative will also feature esteemed guest speakers from across the United States, sharing their expertise and experiences.
The engaging Loon Zoom presentations will take place at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month from November through April, commencing on Thursday, Nov. 14. These sessions will spotlight guest speakers who are deeply involved in the conservation of loon populations, providing invaluable insights into their efforts and findings.
The inaugural presentation will feature ACLC’s executive director Dr. Nina Schoch alongside veteran ACLC field staff member and retired forest ranger Gary Lee. With decades of experience rescuing and rehabilitating distressed loons throughout the scenic Adirondack Park, they will share compelling stories and personal experiences drawn from their extensive work in the field. The discussion will delve into the various human-induced impacts affecting loons and provide an overview of the current status of the Park’s loon population.
Other highlights in the Loon Zoom series include:
¯ Dec. 12: “Common Loon Monitoring in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Through Bioacoustics: BRI Wildlife,” presented by biologist Carl Brown. He will share insights from his cutting-edge bioacoustics research aimed at monitoring the small but vital population of common loons in Wyoming.
¯ Jan. 9, 2025: “Loon Rehabilitation: The Ticking Time Bomb,” presented by Andrea Howey-Newcomb from Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research, Inc. She will introduce viewers to the complexities of loon rehabilitation and explain the unique challenges faced when providing care for this species compared to others.
¯ Feb. 13, 2025: “Our Favorite Loon Stories: Tales from 40 Years of Researching Washington’s Common Loons,” presented by Daniel and Virginia Poleschook, adjunct scientists at BRI. They will share a wealth of knowledge accumulated over three decades of monitoring and researching common loons in Washington State.
¯ March 13, 2025: “Luring Anglers with Lead-Free Tackle,” featuring Margie Manthey, a New York native who serves as the Fishing Director for the Wolfe Lake Association in Ontario, Canada. An enthusiastic angler who has become an ardent conservationist, Manthey will discuss the severe impacts of lead fishing tackle on loons and other wildlife, along with her initiatives to promote lead-free alternatives to the angling community.
¯ April 10, 2025: “Review & Preview: A Look Back at 2024 and Ahead at 2025,” presented by Griffin Archambault, ACLC’s research biologist. He will summarize the ACLC’s accomplishments throughout the 2024 field season and offer a preview of the organization’s research objectives, management strategies, and educational programming planned for 2025.
To discover more about this enlightening series and to register for the presentations, visit www.adkloon.org. Participation is available for $10 per individual presentation or an all-inclusive package of $50 for all six sessions. Please note that pre-registration is a necessity to receive an email invitation for the Loon Zoom meetings. Additionally, a recording will be made available for registrants unable to attend the live sessions.
The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation operates as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, dedicated to conducting rigorous scientific research and creating engaging educational programs aimed at promoting awareness and nurturing a passion for the conservation of Common Loons, not only in New York’s picturesque Adirondack Park but beyond.
For further information about the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, please visit www.adkloon.org, connect with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/adkloon, or reach out to the center directly via email at info@adkloon.org or by phone at 518-354-8636.
**Interview with Dr. Nina Schoch, Executive Director of the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation**
**Editor:** Good evening, Dr. Schoch. Thank you for joining us to discuss the exciting new initiative, “Loon Zoom,” that the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is launching. Can you tell us what inspired this series of monthly online presentations?
**Dr. Schoch:** Thank you for having me! “Loon Zoom” was born from our desire to educate and engage the public on the vital importance of loon conservation. Loons face numerous challenges, and we want to provide a platform for researchers and conservationists to share their findings and insights. We believe that when people learn about these majestic birds and the obstacles they encounter, they’ll be inspired to help us protect them.
**Editor:** That sounds fantastic! The inaugural presentation will feature you alongside Gary Lee. What can attendees expect from your session on November 14th?
**Dr. Schoch:** In our first session, Gary and I will share personal stories and experiences we’ve had while rescuing and rehabilitating loons in the Adirondack Park. We’ll discuss human-induced impacts on loons, such as habitat loss and climate change, and provide an overview of the current status of the loon population in the area. It’ll be both educational and heartfelt, as we want to convey our passion for these birds and their conservation.
**Editor:** In addition to your kickoff session, the Loon Zoom series features many other insightful presentations. Is there a particular guest speaker or topic you’re particularly excited about?
**Dr. Schoch:** Each presentation has its unique appeal, but I’m especially looking forward to Andrea Howey-Newcomb’s discussion on loon rehabilitation in January. The complexities involved in caring for loons compared to other birds are fascinating and often underappreciated. Each speaker brings a wealth of experience, and I believe our audience will benefit immensely from their insights.
**Editor:** It seems that the Loon Zoom series is not only informative but also has an interactive element. How can the audience participate?
**Dr. Schoch:** Absolutely! We encourage audience members to engage with our speakers by submitting questions during the presentations. Each session will include a Q&A segment, allowing participants to dive deeper into the topics presented. This is all about building a community passionate about loon conservation.
**Editor:** Sounds wonderful! For our readers who are interested in joining, how can they access the Loon Zoom presentations?
**Dr. Schoch:** The presentations will be held on the second Thursday of each month from November through April, starting at 7 p.m. They can register through our website at adkloon.org. It’s completely free, and we’re hoping to reach a broad audience.
**Editor:** Thank you so much, Dr. Schoch, for sharing this exciting initiative with us. We look forward to the Loon Zoom presentations and promoting the conservation of these remarkable birds!
**Dr. Schoch:** Thank you for spreading the word! We can’t wait to connect with everyone through “Loon Zoom.”
