Labor Day 2021 Paddle
Category: Wildlife
Looking for Loon Renters
Loon nesting platforms have been installed on Chisago Lake, thanks to Nolan Huffman. As a member of Lindstrom Boy Scout Troop 159, Nolan’s Eagle Scout project was to build and deploy three loon nesting platforms.
Over the last 4 months Nolan found sponsors, researched different platform designs and scouted locations where they could be installed. He then purchased all of the materials and led his Boy Scouts Troop in building the platforms.
This project has been funded by the Chisago Lindstrom Lake Association (CLLA) with help from Lindstrom Hardware. Nolan and CLLA volunteers worked with the National Audubon Society and the MN DNR to make sure that the design was functional and safe for the loons and that Chisago Lake was a good place to put them.
Loons are very territorial. The nests have to be far enough apart so the males will not fight. Also, the water has to be deep enough for them to swim to the nest in an area large enough so the loons can take flight. Loon nests need to be at the water’s edge because it is very difficult for them to walk. These nests need to be in quiet, protected, hidden spots and the nesting pair prefer to reuse nesting sites year after year. The lake levels on Chisago Lake change a lot which makes it difficult for loons to establish long term nesting sites. This Eagle Scout project provides a good option to get loons to nest on Chisago Lake. A covered floating platform is an ideal location for their nest because it will protect their young from predators including eagles.
If you see the nesting platforms around the lake, please keep your distance from them. If you get too close the loons can be scared and will abandon the eggs in the nest.
Members of the Chisago Lindstrom Lake Association have taken ownership of these platforms. Volunteers will monitor the platforms and install/remove them from year to year and have obtained the necessary permits and insurance. If you have further questions and/or concerns please contact the Chisago Lindstrom Lake Association at clla-lakes.com or on Facebook.
Lawns to Legumes Grant Program
Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District has grant money available to homeowners on Kroon and Chisago Lake who want to participate in the Lawns to Legumes Program. The Lawns to Legumes program offers a combination of workshops, coaching, planting guides and cost-share funding for installing pollinator-friendly native plantings in residential lawns.
If you are interested in this program please contact:
Jacquelynn Kelzenberg
Chisago SWCD Conservation Technician
651-674-2333
jacquelynn.kelzenberg@mn.nacdnet.net
Additional information on the Lawns to Legumes Program can be found at https://bwsr.state.mn.us/l2l
Save the Date – Memorial Day Paddle
Save the date for the annual Memorial Day Paddle on Monday, May 28th. We will be starting from various points on the Chisago Lakes Water Trail and rendezvousing at Pizza Pub in Center City at two o’clock. Please see this link for the details. 05.28.2018 Memorial Day Paddle Flyer
You can email CLLA if you have further questions: chisago.lindstrom.lakes.assc@gmail.com
Baby Loons sited
Two successful nesting loons off Herman’s Point on N end of North Center. Very cool, been watching them all day, please keep your distance when boating….
Loons don’t begin breeding until they are three or four years old. The male chooses a territory and attracts a mate. Together the male and female build a nest out of reeds and grasses on the edge of the water. They take turns incubating the one to two eggs the female lays. After 28 to 30 days blackish brown chicks emerge from the eggs, soon ready for a swim. One of the ways parents care for their young is to carry them on their backs to keep them safe from fish and turtle predators. Young loons don’t fly until they are more than two months old.
Chisago-Lindstrom Lakes Association 