Events

All outdoor events are subject to weather conditions and/or date changes. Events will be postponed or cancelled when dangerous conditions or heavy weather are forecasted. For more information, please contact (207) 647-4352, stewardship@lelt.org or check our website at www.lelt.org for updates and additional activities. For hikes and work days, always wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather conditions and varied terrain. Please bring a map, water and snacks with you. Obedient dogs on leashes are welcome at LELT events unless specified. “Like” us on Facebook for information on upcoming events!

2020 Calendar of Events

Pondicherry Lunch Walk
Monday, January 3, 12:30 – 1:15/1:30pm
Pondicherry Park, Bridgton

Join LELT staff for a monthly walk in Pondicherry Park! We’re headed out to the trails the first Monday of every month in 2020, and we’d love your company! Nothing fancy and no agenda- just a chance to start the work-week off with a walk in the woods and build some community while we’re at it.

The group will decide on a route based on ability, interest level, and time constraints. Meet at the Depot St Parking Lot Kiosk, no RSVP necessary. Attend one walk or come every month, it’s up to you!

Backcountry Nordic Skiing
February 8 POSTPONED – Date TBD, 10 am – 2 pm
Crooked River Forest – Intervale, Harrison

Join Loon Echo Executive Director and Registered Maine Guide Matt Markot for a moderate backcountry Nordic ski adventure at Loon Echo’s Intervale Preserve on Scribner’s Mills Road in Harrison. You’ll need to bring your own equipment and metal edged touring skis are recommended. Snow conditions permitting, the preserve offers fine opportunities for off-trail ski touring (mostly flat and suitable for intermediate skiers) and perhaps a side trip via snowmobile trial to neighboring Fluvial Brewing for a pint or two! Meet at the parking area on Scribner’s Mills Road at 10 am. Event will be postponed for poor snow conditions. Please RSVP to execdir@lelt.org prior to the event. Approximately 3.5 hours. Strenuous

Kid’s Fishing Derby
February 15, 8:00 AM  
Highland Lake, Bridgton

Join Loon Echo Staff and local outfitter Unc’l Lunkers at the Maine Lakes Winter Carnival as they take part in the free Kids Fishing Derby at Highland Lake. Come participate, watch or volunteer. It will be a new experience for LELT! Unc’l Lunkers of Bridgton generously supplies the traps, bait and training. Your $5 button from the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce (GBLRCC) gets you into all the Winter Carnival Events! Meet at the GBLRCC booth at Highland Lake at 8:00 AM. Appropriate winter clothes and boots required. Snowshoes or traction devices may be necessary, plenty of water and snacks recommended.  Approximately 6 hours. Easy

Partnership Snowshoe
February 29, 9:30 AM (inclement weather date, March 1)
Crooked River Forests, Harrison

Join Loon Echo, Portland Water District (PWD) and Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) staff members for a “partnerships” snowshoe hike. Guests will have an opportunity to learn from the experts that work to protect land, water, and wild communities in the northern Sebago Lake region. Meet at the Intervale Parcel parking area on Scribners Mill Road in Harrison. Layered clothing, water and snacks are encouraged. Snowshoes and/or traction devices will be required. Approximately 3 hours, Strenuous. RSVP required online here or by calling LELT at 207-647-4352. Facebook Event

Mayberry Hill 30^th Anniversary
March 15, 2 PM
Mayberry Hill Preserve, Casco

Join us to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the conservation of Mayberry Hill. We will walk the 1-mile loop trail and reflect on the past 30 years of stewardship. Easy

Spring Sunrise Hike
March 20, 6:00 AM
Bald Pate Preserve, Bridgton

Get up early and join us to catch the first sunrise of spring from the summit of our beloved Bald Pate Mountain. Meet at the main parking area at 6:00 AM. Snowshoes, or traction devices required. Water, snacks (especially baked goods) and a headlamp are encouraged. In the event of snow or rain, the event will be canceled. Approximately 2 hours. Easy to Moderate

Trail Work at Pleasant Mountain
April 18, 9:00 AM
Pleasant Mountain Preserve, Denmark

Loon Echo trails are great because of the volunteers that adopt them! Join Loon Echo and Maine AMC volunteers as we spruce up the Ledges Trail after the long winter. Clearing drainage, building rock steps and brushing in “social trails” will be on the agenda as conditions allow. Tools and training provided. Appropriate work clothes, pants and boots required, plenty of water and snacks always encouraged. Meet at the Ledges trail head parking area at 8:45 AM. Approximately 6 hours. Strenuous

Earth Day Trail Work
Pondicherry Park, Bridgton
April 18^th, 9:00 AM

Come along with staff from Loon Echo and Lakes Environmental Association (LEA) as they host a morning of sprucing up the trails at Pondicherry Park with the Pondicherry Park Stewardship Committee. Participants will learn about basic trail oversight, the history of the Park and the meaning of Earth Day.  The Bridgton Community Center will host volunteers for a grilled chicken picnic at 12:30 PM at the Community Center. Appropriate work clothes, boots and gloves required. Tools and training provided. Bug spray and extra waters recommended. Meet at the Community Center at 8:45. Approximately 3 hours. Easy to moderate.

Earth Day Hike
April 22, 5:00 PM
Bald Pate Preserve, Bridgton

Join Loon Echo staff and friends as we make the annual trek to the rocky summit of Bald Pate to observe Earth Day. Earth Day is an opportunity to celebrate environmental protection efforts worldwide. Kid and pup friendly! Sturdy hiking boots or shoes, water and snacks recommended. Approximately 2 hours. Easy to moderate

Northwest River Paddle
May 2, 9 AM
Tiger Hill Community Forest, Sebago

For hardy spring paddlers who are up for a bit of exploring, join LELT staff for a canoe/kayak exploration of the Northwest River starting from the Folly Road bridge in Sebago. We’ll try to take advantage of high spring water (no rapids) to explore the river as it weaves it’s way south from the Tiger Hill Community Forest. We’re not quite sure what to expect but if you’re up for an adventure, bring your own canoe/kayak, warm clothing, and meet at the Folly Road Bridge at 9 am. Prior paddling experience is necessary. Please RSVP to membership@lelt.org prior to the event.

Vernal Pool Hike
May (date to be determined) 9:00 AM
Raymond Community Forest, Raymond

Raymond Community Forest is at the head of Crescent Lake and acts as an important natural filter for runoff headed to the pristine waters of the lake. Vernal pools are an indicator of forest health and are fun to study. Come along with Loon Echo staff as we follow a new trail and go in search of these interesting bodies of water that are home to our favorite “peepers”! Layered clothing, tick repellent, snacks and water are encouraged. Meet at the parking area on Conesca Road in Raymond. Approximately 2 hours. Easy to moderate

National Trails Day
June 6, 9:00 AM
Pleasant Mountain Preserve, Denmark

Give back on National Trails Day! Ledges Trail at Pleasant Mountain is one of the most popular hiking trails in the State of Maine. With heavy use comes continual maintenance needs. Join LELT staff and learn some basic trail work techniques. No experience necessary. Appropriate work clothes, sturdy boots, tick repellant, water and snacks are required. Approximately 5 hours Strenuous

Summer Solstice Hike
June 20, 5:00 PM
Bald Pate Preserve, Bridgton

Join us for the annual Summer Solstice Hike up the Bob Chase Trail at Bald Pate Mountain. This annual trek has been a Loon Echo tradition for 20 years. Feel free to share music, poems or stories that embody the spirit of the day. Sturdy hiking boots or shoes, water and snacks are always encouraged. Meet at the main parking area off of Rt 107 at 5:00 PM. The solstice is at Approximately 2 hours. Easy to moderate

Acoustic Sunset with Bruce Marshall
August 5, Time TBD
Narramissic/Peabody Fitch Woods

Loon Echo Land Trust’s Sunset Concerts Series moves to Narramissic Farm in South Bridgton. This summer’s concert will feature the vocals and guitar work of nationally renowned musician Bruce Marshall. A tireless performer with great originals, an expressive, soulful voice and accompanying guitar style on acoustic and steel dobro, he’s earned a reputation as one of New England’s best. Bruce has opened for the likes of BB King and most recently, Jay Leno. Approximately 2.5 hours.