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   Northern Waters Land Trust and the National Loon Center invite you to join us for a FREE summer workshop series, “Share Our Shoreline”, which aims to educate the public about the importance of conserving Minnesota’s iconic loons and their freshwater habitats. The workshops, which will run monthly from July through September 2025 at the Cross Lake Recreation Area, are designed to provide participants with practical knowledge and hands-on experience to help protect these beloved waterbirds and their critical ecosystems.

   The workshop series will cover a variety of topics related to loon conservation, from shoreline management and boat safety to proper fishing practices and water quality monitoring. Each session will feature expert speakers, interactive activities, and a pontoon tour to reinforce workshop topics that will empower participants to take action toward loon conservation and land protection in their communities.

   Workshop Schedule and Topics:

  •  August 28, 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. Keeping Lakes Clean Speaker: Crow Wing Soil & Water Conservation District. Learn about water quality monitoring techniques and classifications, understand the critical connection between water quality and loon populations, and explore how surrounding land use and land protection efforts directly impact the health of lakes and their ecosystems.

  •  September 25, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. Clean, Drain, Dry Speaker: MN DNR Watercraft Inspection Unit. Improve your understanding of aquatic invasive species and the threat they pose to loon populations and water quality. 

   Each session will offer attendees the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, engage in meaningful discussions, and practice real-world conservation techniques to protect Minnesota’s loon population and their vital habitats. Whether you are a long-time loon enthusiast or new to conservation efforts, these workshops will provide valuable insights and actionable steps to make a difference. Share our Shoreline Workshops are offered at no cost to participants. 

   Location and Registration: The workshops will take place at the Cross Lake Recreation Area. Pre-registration is required, and participants can sign up through the Northern Waters Land Trust website at northernwaterslandtrust.org/events. Spots are limited to 14 participants to ensure we don’t exceed our pontoon capacity!

For more information on the workshops or to register, please contact the National Loon Center at 219-692-LOON (5666).

   About Northern Waters Land Trust: Northern Waters Land Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of land and water resources throughout Northern Minnesota. Through land protection, education, and community engagement, Northern Waters Land Trust strives to ensure the preservation of the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity for future generations. 

   About National Loon Center: The National Loon Center aims to restore and protect loon breeding habitats, enhance responsible recreation, and serve as a national leader in advancing loon and freshwater research. The NLC’s world-class facility is slated to break ground in 2025 and will be an interactive and family-friendly educational destination. To learn more about the National Loon Center’s mission, please visit www.nationallooncenter.org

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