Susie Wood posted on September 01, 2010 09:30
Thousand Islands Land Trust annual Loon Census participant Martin Zonnenberg won this year’s “The Common Loon” souvenir from the pool of participants. The paddle, donated by John M. Miller III of Thousand Islands Picture Paddles, is handcrafted from cherry wood, creating a complementary background for the drifting loon captured using the artist’s oil paint. The paddle drawing was an added incentive to attract more volunteers along the St. Lawrence River and the inland lakes to participate in this year’s loon census.
The 2010 Loon Census attracted 38 total participants, including many new and returning faces. If you did not have a chance to participate this year, please contact the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) next June at 686-5345 to sign up. The Common Loon Census takes place on the third Saturday in July from 8-9 a.m.
John M. Miller III has been painting loons on his souvenir paddles since 1995. Each 22-inch paddle is handcrafted and painted, reflecting the regions rich history. John enjoys painting Rushton canoes and sailboats, lighthouses and local wildlife seen along the region. The souvenir paddles combine his interest in the history of the Thousand Islands and the Adirondacks with his training as a portrait and landscape painter.
On behalf of the Wildlife Conservation Society, Adirondack Loon Conservation Program’s Common Loon Census, TILT appreciates the work of those participants in this year’s census and is grateful to John M. Miller III, for donating this year’s “The Common Loon” souvenir paddle.