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The Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute relies on a corps of active citizen volunteers to fulfill its mission and goals. Volunteers reach out to their communities, provide on-the-ground protection for northern habitats and species, and share their interest and knowledge about the environment around them. For more information on ways to volunteer, see below or contact the Institute's volunteer coordinator, Pam Troxell, at ptroxell@northland.edu.
Since 1978, hundreds of volunteer Loon Rangers across northern Wisconsin have helped LoonWatch keep an eye on nesting loons. Each summer, Loon Rangers watch loons on a lake where they live, vacation, or visit often. They record when loons arrive, if they nested, how many chicks were produced, and any potential threats to the nest site. In the fall, they send this information into LoonWatch and we use it to inform management decisions and to identify critical loon nesting habitat. Loon Rangers also help protect loons by spreading the word to their neighbors and other lake users to steer clear of loons on nests and on the water.
Every five years we conduct a one-day count of adult and young loons on a select group of lakes. This information is used to estimate Wisconsin's breeding loon population. Currently, Wisconsin lakes host more than 3,100 adult loons each summer. Our next population survey will be conducted in 2005.
To join our loon monitoring program, please contact LoonWatch at 715-682-1220 or at loonwatch@northland.edu.
The Speakers' Bureau is an essential part of the Timber Wolf Alliance and LoonWatch's public education outreach. Members volunteer to give presentations to schools, clubs, and the general public. As trained speakers, volunteers can play an important role in conservation by informing community members about timber wolves, loons, and their habitats.
After training, volunteers give presentations in their communities, usually with another Speakers' Bureau member. Volunteers have access to the slide programs, brochures, and other education materials provided by the Institute for their presentations.
Speakers discuss subjects like the environment, land restoration, ecology, in addition to the behavior and habitats of wolves or loons. Volunteers also speak about the Sigurd Olson Environmental Instititute and its relationship to the community and Northland College.
Those wishing to become a volunteer are trained at a Timber Wolf Alliance or LoonWatch workshop. Once training is completed, volunteers are encouraged to attend programs given by experienced Speakers' Bureau volunteers. Volunteers give programs to groups within a 25-mile radius of their home
If you are interested in becoming a Speakers' Bureau volunteer, please contact the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at (715) 682-1223 or e-mail us at ptroxell@northland.edu.