Events

July – December 2018 Calendar of 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. Bring a map, water and snacks with you. Obedient dogs are welcome at LELT events unless specified. “Like” us on Facebook for information on upcoming programs!

July –December Calendar of Events

Back on Your Feet Club

Join Loon Echo staff for a new program geared towards getting folks back into a regular walking and exercise routine after a career, injury or life change. This is about taking one step at a time, setting goals and making friends. Information sharing about proper footwear, nutrition and clothing will round out each walk. Walks will range from town streets to Pondicherry Park. Meet Friday mornings at 8:00AM at the Loon Echo office on Depot Street. Comfortable walking shoes for varied terrain and a water bottle are recommended. This event is free, however, registration is required by calling 207-647-4352 Approximately 30-90 minutes weekly. Easy

Sunset Concert Series

August 8, 6:00PM-Sunset, Casco

Loon Echo Land Trust’s famous Sunset Concerts Series on top of Hacker’s Hill Preserve on Quaker Ridge Road in Casco, returns Wednesday August 8 for a 7th season. This summer’s opening 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. Don’t miss this special Loon Echo benefit! Approximately 2.5 hours.

Kite Festival

August 9, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM, Casco

Kids of all ages are invited to spectacular Hacker’s Hill preserve for kite flying! Join Loon Echo staff and Casco Recreation Department for this fun family event. Master Kite Maker John Martin will be on hand with all the supplies to help kids assemble, decorate and fly their own kites! Big kids are encouraged to bring their kites too. Participants should bring appropriate gear, water and a picnic lunch to enjoy. This event is free but registration is required, contact recreation@cascomaine.org or Beth Latsey at 207-627-4187.

Hike for Mental Health

August 11, 9:00AM-11AM, Bridgton

Join Loon Echo staff at Bald Pate Mountain to discuss and reflect on the connection between a walk in nature and positive mental health and well-being. This hike is brought to you in partnership with Bring Change 2 Mind: A Lake Region community campaign focused on encouraging conversation to build understanding and acceptance of mental health challenges and substance use disorders. We hope you will join us to experience or share your own story about the power of nature for prevention and recovery. Meet at the main parking area at 9:00 AM This event is free, but registration is required by calling 2017-647-4352 Approximately 2 hours. Moderate

Evening Star Party at Hacker’s Hill

August 11^th 9:00 PM-2:00 AM, Casco

Loon Echo invites you to a relaxing evening under the summer sky, and if conditions allow, shooting stars! The Perseids Meteor Shower is always a favorite due to the warm summer temperatures. At its peak, this shower seems to originate from the constellation Perseus, giving rise to the name Perseids. 2018 should be an excellent viewing year as the moon will be near “new’ phase. In between shooting stars, gaze through telescopes, high powered binoculars and get familiar with “apps” for smart phones and tablets which make learning about the night sky even more fun! Make sure to bring a comfortable chair, bug spray, drinks and snacks. Meet at the summit at 9:00 PM (Come earlier if you want to view the sunset). Please park in the “Event Parking” area to the right of the summit. Approximately 5 hours. Easy

31st Annual Meeting

August 19, Bridgton

Celebrate 31 years of conservation with fellow Loon Echo members and fans at our Annual Meeting. This year the meeting and festivities will take place at South Bridgton’s historic Narramissic Farm. A hike to a historic granite quarry of the surrounding farmland will precede the annual meeting and dinner. Hike will meet at 3:00PM with the Annual Meeting festivities starting at 5:00PM. Advance registration is required, $35 per person. (See registration form on page )

Evening of Geology

August 22, 5:00 PM-7:00PM, Casco

Spend an early evening with very special guest Maine State Geologist Robert Marvinney, as we look back in time at the northern Sebago Lake region from a geological stand point. The land between the west shore of Sebago Lake and the White Mountains offer an interesting story of ancient ocean shorelines, glaciers and multiple ice ages. Hacker’s Hill provides a terrific vantage point and signs of geological events of the past. Meet at 5:00 PM at the summit. Please park in the “Event Parking” area to the right of the summit. Feel free to bring a picnic and stay for the sunset! (Sunset will be around 7:35 PM). Approximately 2 hours. Easy

Hawk Migration Watch

September 8, 9:00AM-12:00PM, Casco

Dick Anderson, former Director of the Maine Audubon, brings his enthusiasm for the southern hawk migration back to Hacker’s Hill from 9 AM until noon. The ideal conditions for migrating hawks are a northwest breeze with clear skies. Bring your comfy chair, binoculars, water and snacks. In the past, many varieties of hawks have been observed along with bald eagles and osprey. Please park in the “Event Parking” area to the right of the summit. Approximately 3 hours Easy.

Loon Echo Trek

September 15, Bridgton

With the support of title sponsor, Norway Savings Bank, the Loon Echo Trek will be a newly reformatted TREK event this year. There will be a 6-mile hike along the SOuthwest Ridge Trail for recreational hikers and an 8.4 mile Mountain Challenge Trail Division. Both races will end at Shawnee Peak Ski Area for an amazing after party including live music, a taco bar and Allagash Beer. FMI www.lelt.org/programs/trek

Foliage Paddle

October 6 CANCELED

Sunset/Moonrise Hike

December 22, 3:15 PM – 5:15 PM

Each month, there is one night when the sunset and moonrise are just minutes apart. When conditions allow, nothing is more fun than seeing both from a mountain top! Join Loon Echo Staff for this popular walk. Conditions on the ground may require snowshoes, or traction devices. Adequate layers of clothing, snacks and water are recommended. Meet at the Bald Pate parking area at 3:00 for the 3:15 ascent. The sunset is at 4:07 PM and the moonrise at 4:22 PM. Always a blast!

Approximately 2 hours. This event is free, however registration is required by calling 207-647-4352 Moderate