Aitkin Rivers & Lakes Fair covers the waterfront: loons, bats and beyond

With over 35 years as a non-game wildlife champion, Carrol Henderson, Minnesota DNR, talked about loon migration patterns at the Aitkin Rivers and Lakes Fair, June 20.

With over 35 years as a non-game wildlife champion, Carrol Henderson, Minnesota DNR, talked about loon migration patterns at the Aitkin Rivers and Lakes Fair, June 20.

A good crowd turned out for the 19th annual Aitkin Rivers & Lakes Fair on Saturday, June 20. According to event organizer, Diane Weisser, there was something for everyone, whether your interest was loons, wolves, bats or lake-bottom organisms.

DNR's Non-Game Wildlife expert, Carrol Henderson, presented new information gathered from transmitters placed on loons in 2013-2015. Information about their migration and other data can be found on the www.usgs.gov loon tracking website.

The Audubon Center of the Northwoods explored a spectrum of animals found in a north woods ecosystem. Tom Jones, DNR specialist, talked about zebra mussels and their current and potential impact on Lake Mille Lacs; DNR’s Rich Rezenka spoke about invasive species.

The Rivers & Lakes team give special thanks to Lone Lake residents Jerry and Julie Nelson, Dave Scott, and Brian Smeltzer, who volunteered to set up and/or work at the event.