Loon Rangers monitor loons on Wisconsin lakes every year from ice out to ice on. They not only record important loon events on the lake but they provide a critical educational service by discussing loon protection and habitat conservation with their neighbors, lake association, fishermen, and other visitors to the lake.

Who can volunteer to be a Loon Ranger?

Anyone who lives on or regularly visits a Wisconsin lake can send us their loon observations.

Download:
Monitoring Form
Monitoring Instructions
Loon Ranger Handbook

What if someone is already monitoring the lake?

We have a number of lakes with multiple observers. This is OK. It helps to ensure that someone will send us information because sometimes people can’t get out as often as they would like to. Plus, more observers on a lake means more people like you who are concerned about the loons. Sometimes these people work together to watch over the loons and to educate their neighbors.

Is there specific information you’re looking for?

Yes. Loon Rangers receive a monitoring form each spring, which asks for information such as when loons first arrived on the lake, if they nested on or just visited the lake, if they had chicks, how many chicks they had, and if there are any threats to the loon nest site. This information is gathered throughout the spring and summer, and then the volunteer returns the form to us in the fall.

What if I don’t know anything about loons, but I still want to help?

Volunteers receive a LoonWatch Information Guide and other information about loons to help them learn more about this northern bird. The Information Guide includes a list of sources, such as books and tapes, that volunteers can go to for more information. LoonWatch also sponsors two training workshops in June where you can learn more about loons and the monitoring program.

Is there any cost involved with being a volunteer?

No, we appreciate your donation of time! However, if you are interested in supporting LoonWatch and the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, you may provide financial support for their educational programs and projects. LoonWatch supporters receive the program newsletter, Tremolo, which provides current loon information, updates on LoonWatch programs, and announces workshops, lectures, and special events.

How do I sign up?

Give us a call or send us a letter or e-mail (see below) and tell us which county you’re in and which lake you would like to monitor.

Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute
Northland College
Ashland, WI 54806
(715) 682-1220
loonwatch@northland.edu