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Speaker's Bureau

Would you like to learn more about loons, and help LoonWatch achieve its mission to educate citizens about loon ecology, current research initiatives , and let them know what they can do to protect loons? Speaker's Bureau volunteers learn to give customized educational presentations for groups like lake associations, schools, libraries, non-profits and other organizations. As trained speakers, volunteers play an important role in loon conservation by informing community members about ways to protect loons and their habitats. If you enjoy talking to people, would like to share your knowledge about loons, and wish to assist our efforts to protect loons and their habitats, then the Speaker's Bureau is for you!

What do LoonWatch Speaker's Bureau Volunteers Need to Know?
Volunteers need to know about loons and issues relating to their aquatic habitats. We provide volunteers with the latest information about loons so that they are prepared to answer questions that arise. It is up to you, however, to learn all you can from the information we give you, as well as on your own. Volunteers will find many books and articles about loons (referenced on our website) in local library or bookstores. Volunteers also need to understand how LoonWatch relates to the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute and Northland College. As a Speaker's Bureau member, you will be representing the LoonWatch program at your presentations.

How does the Speaker's Bureau work?
If you promise to attend a Speaker's Bureau training workshop and give at least four presentations per year, we will provide you with a toolkit that contains PowerPoint presentations, scripts, a loon costume, and fact sheets. Training workshops are generally held in northern Wisconsin locations throughout the year - please check our website for workshop dates & times. Presentations cover a variety of topics: K-12 programs, loon behavior, phenology, habitat, the Gulf Oil Spill and how Lead and Mercury affect loons. After the training, volunteers will spend some time reading and learning all they can about the loons and their aquatic habitats. When they feel prepared to give a presentation and answer questions we will attempt to pair up new volunteers with more experienced Speakers' Bureau members for at least the first presentation.  Since there are so many visitors and seasonal residents in loon country, we are also seeking volunteers who live in Southern Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, and anywhere else you may reside.

Volunteers may promote their services on their own by contacting teachers and organization leaders. In addition, requests for programs received at the LoonWatch office will be referred to Speakers' Bureau members located in the vicinity of the requested presentation. We request volunteers commit to giving a minimum of four presentations throughout the year, but the total number of programs provided by the volunteer is determined by that individual's personal schedule.

Contact LoonWatch if you would like to become a volunteer speaker or to request a presentation for your class, lake association, or organization at loonwatch@northland.edu, or (715) 682-1223.