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The National Loon Center: A conservation vision takes flight

On Crosslake. Photo: National Loon Center

In Minnesota, the melodic call of the loon is iconic, reverberating off lake waters across the state. In 1961 the common loon was named the official state bird. Long before that, the loon was established as a spiritual symbol among local Native and Indigenous tribes.

“The loon brings all people together,” says Jon Mobeck, Executive Director of the National Loon Center. “Heard from a boat or on the deck, the call of the loon connects us to nature and each other in a unique way. It's a beautiful piece of the Minnesota way of life.”

Yet, experts warn that the beloved bird is a species at risk and needs careful conservation in Minnesota. 

“Loons face various threats, particularly in the form of human disturbance and lead poisoning,” Mobeck shares. “It has such a strong cultural significance that its ecological importance is sometimes understated.”

Mobeck says that the National Loon Center is working to change that. In 2021, the center opened its temporary visitor center in Crosslake. Working out of a small storefront, the center connects with thousands of people each year, aiming to transform every visitor into a champion for loons and freshwater. Mobeck says, that thanks to support anchored deep within the community, the number of potential champions will soon soar to tens of thousands.

Birds of a feather

Educators provide context to loon conservation on the National Loon Center's pontoon classroom, the "StewardShip."

Back in 2016, the residents of Crosslake gathered to take part in a community “visioning session." The event proved to be pivotal for the center's journey.

“Among many great ideas shared at the community gatherings, the idea for the National Loon Center was seen as a unique and exciting way to celebrate the loons and lakes that make the area special,” shares Mobeck.

As a part of the Whitefish Chain of Lakes in central Minnesota, Crosslake welcomes hundreds of loons each year. It’s a well-established point for breeding territories. As a loon hot spot, Crosslake was a natural fit for an organization dedicated to loon conservation. Plus, the center had the potential to draw in another breed of visitors, too. “It would also have the opportunity to contribute to the economic prosperity of the region through tourism-related commerce and jobs,” says Mobeck.

Ready to dive deeper, the community of Crosslake turned to the University of Minnesota Extension Central Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (CRSDP). This ultimately led to the project partnership with the UMN Center for Sustainable Building Research, using community “design thinking” to develop the National Loon Center Masterplan.

CRSDP, with help from a UMD grad student, facilitated the design process and provided resources and professional connections to complete a market and feasibility study that was essential to fundraising for the National Loon Center.

Building a new nest

Executive Director Jon Mobeck

After opening the small storefront in 2021, thousands of visitors have paddled through the temporary National Loon Center. Programming like loon education, lake tours, and Adopt-a-Loon are a few of their ongoing activities. With the temporary location well-established, the center is ready to spread its wings and start building a permanent nest. 

The National Loon Center will break ground on a new three-level, 15,000-square-foot facility in spring 2025, not far from the temporary center.

“The Center will be a world-class educational facility and visitor attraction projected to welcome 80,000 guests annually,” shares Mobeck. “The family-friendly amenity will celebrate and protect the clean lakes that are home to the beloved loon.”

“The National Loon Center is a shining example of how community-driven ideas that are grounded in a common, core value can create ripples of conservation transformation,” says Zins. “And we’re proud to be among the long list of partners coming together to create innovative ways to protect what we love.”

“CRSDP has served as a real partner in accomplishing our objectives,” says Mobeck. “Its unique combination of financial and professional resources and connections allows the CRSDP to help make good ideas happen while walking alongside its partners.”

The future looks bright for the National Loon Center, where a community is transforming a vision into reality, and ensuring that the iconic call of the loon continues to resonate across Minnesota’s lakes.

Future Lake Leaders

The National Loon Center has kicked off an exciting initiative called the Future Lake Leaders program, aimed at empowering local students as stewards of Minnesota's freshwater ecosystems.

Teaming up with the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School, which serves the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, the College of Design Initiative for Design Justice, the Center for Sustainable Building Research, and the CRSDP, the program is seeking collaboration in developing curriculum informed by Native and Indigenous perspectives.

Recently, students from Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig visited the Loon Center, where they explored conservation efforts and discussed how they can play a vital role in protecting Minnesota's natural treasures.

This initiative is all about fostering a new generation of environmental leaders who understand the importance of collaboration and respect for diverse cultural insights. By incorporating oral and visual storytelling, these young ambassadors will help build a curriculum rooted in cultural values and community connection.

Author: Emily Haeg Nguyen works as a statewide sustainability storyteller with the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) and Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs).

Permission is granted to news media to republish our news articles with credit to University of Minnesota Extension. Images also may be republished; please check for specific photographer credits or limited use restrictions in the photo title.

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