We’re protecting loons.

Imagine a northern lake without the haunting calls and awe-inspiring presence of the common loon. It’s a disturbing thought, but in some places, it’s happening. Air and water pollution, loss of habitat, and increasing recreational activities on lakes all pose serious threats to loons across North America, and in some cases are responsible for loons and loon music disappearing from traditional nesting lakes.

LoonWatch, a program of the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, protects common loons and their aquatic habitats through education, monitoring, and research. Our primary focus is Wisconsin; however, our education and research activities extend to the Upper Great Lakes region. We support North American conservation efforts by working with loon conservation organizations across the United States and Canada.

Learn about our Annual Lakes Monitoring Program and how to become a Loon Ranger.

Upcoming Loon Ranger Workshops

No upcoming events.

Speakers’ Bureau Presentations

The Speakers’ Bureau helps LoonWatch achieve its mission to educate citizens about loon ecology, current research initiatives, and lets them know what they can do to protect loons. The LoonWatch Speakers’ Bureau is comprised of volunteers who have natural resources and loon monitoring experience, as well as LoonWatch staff who are trained to give professional presentations about loons and LoonWatch. Our volunteers learn to give customized educational presentations for groups like lake associations, schools, libraries, non-profits, and other organizations. To request a presentation, email us.

Loon Appreciation Week and Poster

2023 LoonWatch Poster Front To commemorate Loon Appreciation Week, LoonWatch creates an annual poster featuring a loon photograph. Learn more about ordering posters, submitting a photo, and becoming a poster sponsor.

Buy Loon and Lead Alert Signs

LoonWatch works to educate the public about how they can help protect loons. These signs are designed to be posted at boat landings, marinas, or resorts to help make residents and visitors aware of the presence of loons and how to protect them. Allow three to four weeks for delivery.


You can tap the images above to see a larger image for each sign in a new tab.

Loon and lead alert sign sales are currently on pause. To inquire about future ordering, please contact the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute (email is preferred).