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CROSSLAKE — Northern Waters Land Trust, in collaboration with the National Loon Center, will host a "From Land to Water: Conserving Minnesota’s Loons" workshop series this summer, starting May 30, at the Cross Lake Recreation Area.

"Dive into the fascinating world of Minnesota's iconic state bird and the vital freshwater ecosystems they call home," a release said. "These interactive workshops are designed to educate participants on loon research and diverse conservation methods aimed at protecting loon habitats, food sources and nesting grounds."

The workshops will be held on one Thursday a month through September. A Conservation Topic of the Month workshop with guest experts will take place from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Participants can gain hands-on training in loon surveying from 5 to 7 p.m. in an Introduction to Loon Monitoring workshop.

The outdoor field component will take place aboard the National Loon Center's StewardShip on Cross Lake. Life jackets and binoculars will be provided.

The schedule for the Conservation Topic of the Month workshop will be:

• May 30 — Resilient Shorelines / Landscaping for Loons
• June 27 — Loon Safe Boating
• July 25 — Aquatic Invasive Species
• Aug. 22 — Water Quality Testing and Monitoring
• Sept. 19 — Loon Friendly Fishing

The schedule for the Introduction to Loon Monitoring workshop will be:

• May 30 — Intro to Loon Monitoring
• June 27 — Loon Nesting Behavior
• July 25 — Loon Chick Development
• Aug. 22 — Late Summer Behavior
• Sept. 19 — Pre-Migration Behaviors

The workshops are free and open to the public, but space is limited. To register, visit

"Loons are not only a beloved symbol of our region but also serve as indicators of the health of our lakes," the release said. "Through these workshops, participants will have the chance to learn from experts, engage in hands-on activities and gain a deeper appreciation for these iconic birds."

This series is a collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Loon Restoration Project.

For more information, call (218) 547-4510 or email info@nwlt-mn.org.