Look Out for Loons
Join us for a deep dive into learning about the life and behaviors of one of Maine’s favorite residents – the common loon. We will discuss the many threats–both natural and human-made–that loons face and the actions that Maine citizens can take to support Maine’s loons. This program is part of the Maine Loon Restoration Project, which is focused on reducing loon mortality and improving nesting success.
We will begin at the Welcome Center promptly at 10:00 am with a presentation and slide-show. We hope participants will then join us for a one-mile walk to Little Dyer Pond for observation and discussion, though participants may choose to attend only the presentation. Those participating in the walk should bring a water bottle, snack if you choose, insect protection, binoculars if you have them, and sturdy walking shoes or boots (depending on recent weather, you might want footwear for muddy trails to the bog).
Cheryl Laz, Professor Emerita of Sociology at the University of Southern Maine, a Maine Master Naturalist, and a Look Out for Loons volunteer with the Maine Loon Restoration Project, will be the guest Naturalist for this session.
Finally, don’t forget to bring your own curiosity and love for Maine’s unique residents and their habitat!
A note to educators
There is immense value in getting students outside, even for short amounts of time, to explore the natural world. Research is continuing to show that taking kids outdoors benefits social-emotional learning and leads to greater focus when students return to the classroom. For many teachers, this may seem daunting for a plethora of reasons from short class blocks, behavioral concerns, ticks, access to trails, and the perceived difficulty of meeting learning goals in an unconventional setting. Teachers may also be new to learning about the ecology of their setting. This Naturalist Workshop Series is designed to help address the concerns and challenges of taking students outside and grow your comfort level facilitating class learning goals within and beyond the playground.
Each program will provide an opportunity to observe an educator teaching to a group of students. We will provide supplemental materials for teachers to bring back to school, content you can use with students, and time at the end to ask questions and brainstorm ways you can transfer the lesson to your school's unique setting.
We hope you will step outside with us and bring what you experience back to your schools!