Loon Zoom: A Story About the Recovery of the Common Loon | January 15, 2026
- Adirondack Park New York, NY United States (map)
Loon Zoom: The Recovery of the Common Loon in Vermont and Cautionary Notes About the Future
A loon family on a serene lake.
For anyone who treasures the haunting call of the common loon echoing across Adirondack lakes, an upcoming virtual event, Loon Zoom #3, offers both hope and a thoughtful reality check.
This educational event, presented by the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation (ACLC), explores one of the most compelling conservation success stories in the Northeast—while also asking what it will take to protect loons into the future.
Led by Vermont Center for Ecostudies biologist Eric Hanson, the presentation examines the remarkable rebound of loons in Vermont over the past three decades, the remaining threats, and why loon recovery matters deeply to Adirondack communities.
About the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation?
Based in the Adirondack Park, the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is dedicated to protecting loons and their freshwater habitats through research, monitoring, education, and advocacy.
Loons are synonymous with the Adirondacks.
ACLC works closely with lake associations, volunteers, and partner organizations to track loon populations, protect nesting sites, and raise awareness about how everyday lake use—from boating to shoreline development—affects loon survival.
Loon Zooms are part of ACLC’s ongoing public education efforts, designed to connect lake lovers, paddlers, anglers, and conservation-minded residents with expert research from across the region.
A conservation success story—with lessons for the Adirondacks.
During this virtual talk, Hanson will share how loons in Vermont have made a notable recovery after decades of decline.
His work is connected to the Vermont Loon Conservation Project (VLCP), a program of the Vermont Center for Ecostudies (VCE), which partners with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.
The presentation will cover:
How loon populations were monitored over time
The specific conservation actions that helped reverse population losses
Persistent threats such as lead poisoning, shoreline disturbance, and recreational pressure
Why loons serve as “sentinel species” for lake health
For Adirondack readers, these lessons are especially relevant. Many of the same pressures affecting Vermont lakes—boat wakes, increasing shoreline development, climate change, and water quality challenges—also impact Adirondack waters. Understanding what worked in Vermont offers valuable insight into how Adirondack lakes can remain healthy for loons and people alike.
Why this matters now.
Loon protecting its nest.
Loons are more than an iconic symbol of Adirondack summers. Their presence (or absence) tells a larger story about water quality, fish populations, and ecosystem balance. Hanson will also discuss cautionary notes about the future, including emerging challenges that could threaten recent gains if conservation efforts lose momentum.
This program encourages attendees to think beyond admiration and toward action—how small changes in lake use, policy, and community engagement can have a measurable impact.
Why Adirondack readers should tune in now.
Event: Loon Zoom #3: The Recovery of the Common Loon in Vermont and Cautionary Notes About the Future
Format: Virtual presentation
Cost: $10 per session, or $50 for all six Loon Zooms
Registration: Online in advance
Loon Zooms are hosted online, making them easy to attend from anywhere in the Adirondacks—or beyond. Registrants will receive the access link by email the day before the event. A recording of the presentation will be sent the day after to all registered participants, so even those who can’t attend live won’t miss out.
If you love Adirondack lakes, paddle quiet waters at dawn, or want future generations to hear the loon’s call, this Loon Zoom offers meaningful context and practical insight. It’s a chance to learn from a regional success story—and to understand what’s at stake if we fail to protect the waters loons depend on.
For more information and to register, visit the ACLC’s website.
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Loons on ADK Talks Podcast
The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is one of the most popular guests on the ADK Talks podcast. Listen to their most recent appearance and find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
