FOLQ Volunteer Spotlight: Kris Ingersoll, Goose Counter

11/5/2025

Wakefield resident Kris Ingersoll is FOLQ’s new goose counter. He uses a combination of A.I. technology and old-fashioned methods to count geese at Lake Quannapowitt.

Wakefield resident Kris Ingersoll is FOLQ’s new goose counter, following the dedicated volunteerism of long-time counter and Board Member Bill Butler. Kris recently moved back to Wakefield after time away and wanted to volunteer in town when he saw our need for a goose counter.

Kris says, “I thought FOLQ would be a good organization to work for and I am really enjoying it.” He also volunteers with the Wakefield Food Pantry. Kris and his wife Kelly have a 6-yearold daughter, Kennedy, who attends Woodville Elementary and often accompanies her dad to count geese at the lake.

As goose counter, Kris visits the lake twice per week between April and November, counting geese on land and on the water. He uses a combination of A.I. technology and good old-fashioned manual counting with binoculars to develop the numbers he reports to FOLQ and Wakefield’s Department of Public Works.

“I compare both sets of numbers to provide the best possible data,” says Kris. The numbers he provides help the DPW evaluate the effectiveness of the Goose Control Program in and around the lake.

Why does FOLQ count geese at Lake Quannapowitt?

A single goose generates up to 3 pounds of waste every day, which introduces bacteria and harmful nutrients into the water that can lead to algae blooms and other environmental and health risks. Learn more about FOLQ’s goose control program on our website.

Our sincere thanks to Kris for his dedication to this important work!

Categories: Education, Stewardship, Water Quality