Two Colby students spent the summer of 2024 monitoring loons while interning with the Belgrade Lakes Association's Loon Preservation Project. For 2025, we have two new Colby Loon Interns, Ariana Farrokhi and Makena Logan who we are most excited about with their cumulative background and enthusiasm!
For 2025, the Belgrade Lakes Association enters its seventh year of the Loon Preservation Project in partnership with expert Lee Attix of Loon Conservation Associates. Our ongoing study of Great and Long Ponds aims to support and grow the loon population through sustainable strategies and protected nesting areas.
Volunteers across the lakes support the Audubon Loon Count each year. With continued funding, we aim to better equip and educate these passionate individuals to maximize conservation impact.
The BLA continues to lead educational and conservation efforts across the watershed—including water quality, phosphorus remediation, milfoil control, and land conservation.
Environmental changes, including weather and pollutants, have affected loon habits. This project is a proactive step to protect loons and preserve their habitat.
The project, led by Lee Attix, includes watershed research, nesting strategy consultations, public education, volunteer training, and contaminant analysis.
- People Served: 5,900 year-round + 4,400 seasonal residents
- Geographic Area: Great and Long Pond watersheds (Rome, Belgrade, Mount Vernon, ME)
- Time Frame: 2019–2027 (6 years completed)
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New 2022 Successful BLA Long Pond Robinson Style Loon Nest
BLA Loon Nest Upper Long Pond 2020
25 yr old Floating Nest Upper Long Pond 2019
A Special Thank You to all of our dedicated Loon Volunteers who contribute their time to weekly surveys. We couldn’t do this without you!
Lee Attix, Joan Amon, Sandy Colt, Paul Feinberg, Blaine and Nattie Horrocks, Elaine and Roger Karabin, Matthew, Alex and Tim McManus, Russ Sabia, Ruth Vigue, Alex Wall, and so many others!