ADIRONDACK CENTER FOR LOON CONSERVATION

The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation evolved from research initiated in 1998 by Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) to assess the impact of environmental mercury pollution on aquatic ecosystems throughout North America using the Common Loon as an indicator species.

Blood and feather samples were collected by BRI from loons in the Adirondack Park from 1998-2000 to determine their mercury exposure. In 2001, BRI partnered with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks, New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation, and the Audubon Society of New York State, to establish the “Adirondack Cooperative Loon Program” to further expand this research and to develop educational programs.