Love our loons. Keep them wild.
We protect Common Loons across Michigan through education, research, volunteer monitoring, and habitat stewardship—lake by lake, season by season.
Protecting a Michigan icon.
The Michigan Loon Preservation Association is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve the Common Loon as a breeding bird in Michigan through public education, research, and the protection and management of loons and their habitat.
Learn about MLPAOur work across Michigan
Science, stewardship, and informed lake communities give loons room to thrive.
Michigan Loonwatch
Loon Rangers observe and report loon activity to strengthen statewide knowledge and conservation.
Explore the program
Loon Rangers
Local volunteers monitor nesting pairs and help protect the lakes loons depend on.
Become a Loon Ranger
Annual Loon Count
Join a coordinated statewide effort to document adults, chicks, and changing populations.
View the annual count
Report an injured, stranded, or deceased loon.
Quick, accurate reporting helps MLPA assess the situation. Keep a safe distance and do not attempt a rescue yourself.
An organization built for Michigan’s loons.
Michigan Loon Preservation Association · A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Mission & history
Learn why MLPA was formed and how conservation work has evolved across Michigan.
Read our storyPrograms & results
See current monitoring programs, Annual Loon Count information, and opportunities to participate.
View count resultsContact MLPA
Questions about leadership, governance, programs, membership, or donations are welcome.
Contact the association