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Saturday & Sunday, January 23 & 24, 2010
Mushers Bowl Snowshoe Hikes
Join Loon Echo for a moderate snowshoe hike to the summit of Bald Pate Mountain in South Bridgton during the popular Mushers Bowl Weekend. Snowshoe hikes both days begin at 10:00 a.m. Check in at the Five Fields Farm Stand at 9:45 a.m. to register. Hikers should bring the appropriate winter clothing, snacks, water and snowshoes (a few pairs are available upon request).Learn more about the Mushers Bowl by calling the Chamber at 647-3472 or www.mushersbowl.com.
Saturday, February 13
Pondicherry Valentine’s Day Snowshoe
Bring your sweetheart to a snowshoe hike in beautiful Pondicherry Park in downtown Bridgton at 1:00 p.m. After the hike, there will be a wine and cheese social at the Tannery Pub inside the fantastic Magic Lantern Theater. Hikers should bring the appropriate winter clothing, snacks, water and snowshoes (a few pairs are available upon request). Hikers should meet at the town garage on Willett Road behind Hannaford at 12:45 p.m. RSVP required.
Sunday, March 21
Sunrise Hike at Bald Pate Mtn.
A special early morning hike to welcome the first sunrise of spring from Bald Pate Mountain in South Bridgton. Hikers should bring appropriate winter clothing, water, snacks, flashlight and snowshoes (a few pairs are available upon request). Brave hikers will meet at the Bald Pate parking lot at 6:00 am. Sunrise is 6:41. This was a spectacular hike in March of 2009 and you won’t want to miss it. Tailgate party with donuts and hot cocoa to follow.
Saturday, April 10
Trail Maintenance at Pleasant Mountain
Join Loon Echo and Maine Chapter of the AMC for trail maintanace on the popular Ledges Trail at Pleasant Mountain at 9:00 a.m. Tools supplied. Bring work boots, gloves, water and plenty of energy rich snacks. Expect a thorough work out as we prepare the trail for the many visitors expected in the 2010 season. Workers will meet at the trailhead on Mountain Rd. at 8:45 a.m A fun day with many photo opportunities.
Thursday, April 22
Earth Day Hike at Bald Pate Mountain
Annual Earth Day hike at Bald Pate Mountain at 3:00 pm. Fun for the whole family as we celebrate Earth Day from the summit with poems and music. Afterwards, enjoy a Bald Pate Celebration Ale and tap your toes to the Highland String Trio at Bray’s Brew Pub on Rt. 302 in Naples. A portion of the proceeds are donated to Loon Echo.
Saturday, April 24
Mayberry Hill Clean-up
Come along for a spring clean-up walk at Mayberry Hill Preserve in Casco at 10:00 a.m. This will be a chance to see the preserve come to life after the long winter. Light trail maintenance will be done that day and appropriate clothing is recommended. Bring your camera and some snacks. Hikers will meet at the preserve trailhead on Mayberry Hill Road.
Saturday, May15
Spring Hike at Pleasant Mtn.
One of our favorite hikes will take place at Pleasant Mountain on the improved South West Ridge Trail. Hikers will go to the Southwest summit, and along the way we will see lady slippers, columbine and other wildflowers in bloom. This is a moderate to difficult hike and the proper boots, clothing, energy rich snacks and bug spray are required. The group will meet at the trail head on Denmark Road at 8:45 a.m.
Saturday, May 22
Jugtown Plains Habitat Walk and Talk
This event is part of the Crooked River Initiative Series. Pixie Williams, Plant Biologist, will guide participants through the flora and fauna of the Jugtown Plains, a Hancock Lumber property. Meet at the Casco Firehouse parking lot at 1:00 p.m. to carpool to the site.
Monday, June 21
Summer Solstice Hike at Bald Pate Mountain
Celebrate the first day of summer with a traditional hike up Bald Pate. A short walk of 20-30 minutes brings you to the rocky summit with views of the surrounding lakes and hills. Bring a pack dinner to enjoy at the summit. Meet at the Bald Pate parking lot on Rt. 107 at 5:00 PM.
Tuesday, June 22
Lake Region Greenprint Public Information and Listening Session (1)
The public and Loon Echo members are invited to attend one of the two informational and “listening” sessions to express thoughts and concerns regarding priorities for future land and open space conservation in the Lake Region area that Loon Echo serves. Please help shape our community by attending this important meeting to take place at the Crooked River Adult and Community Education Center (formerly the Crooked River Elementary School) on Rt. 11 in Casco from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Read more about this project and download the informational flyer here.
Wednesday, June 23
Lake Region Greenprint Public Information and Listening Session (2)
The public and Loon Echo members are invited to attend one of the two informational and “listening” sessions to express thoughts and concerns regarding priorities for future land and open space conservation in the Lake Region area that Loon Echo serves. Please help shape our community by attending this important meeting to take place at the Stevens Brook Elementary School on Rt. 302 in Bridgton from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Read more about this project and download the informational flyer here.
Friday, July 9
Pondicherry Park Walk
An easy, two hour, kid friendly walk through Bridgton’s magical 66 acre park to discuss park history, progress and future. Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray and a camera. Meet at the Willett Road entrance near the town garage behind Hannaford at 9:00 AM.
Saturday, July 31
Trail Maintenance at Pleasant Mountain
Join Loon Echo and Appalachian Mountain Club’s Maine Chapter for trail maintenance on the popular Ledges Trail. Bring work boots, gloves, plenty of water and snacks. Tools will be provided. Volunteers will meet at 7:45 a.m. at the Ledges Trail head on Mountain Road, 3 miles from Rt. 302. FMI contact Jon Evans.
Saturday, August 14
Natural Community Hike at Pleasant Mountain
A moderate to difficult hike to the unique Red Pine Woodland near the North Peak of Pleasant Mountain. This community is home to low bush blueberries, ferns and reindeer lichens. Beautiful views of the White Mountains and the Saco River valley await you. Bring hiking boots, appropriate clothing, water and snacks. Don’t forget your camera! Hikers should meet at the Bald Peak trail head on Mountain Road at 8:45 a.m. To RSVP or FMI contact Jon Evans.
Saturday, August 14
Full Heart Community Kirtan
Indigo Lotus Yoga is hosting a kirtan at the Yoga House on Beavercreek Farm Road in Bridgton (off Rt. 302 close to Naples town line) at 6:00 p.m. for the community to come together to be inspired by and participate in sacred chant (ancient Sanskrit devotional chants). The proceeds of the donation based kirtan will be donated to Loon Echo. FMI view the flyer or contact Suzanne Silvermoon at (207) 831-0868.
Saturday, August 21
Full Heart Community Kirtan
Indigo Lotus Yoga is hosting a kirtan at the North Fryeburg Universalist Church (corner of Rt. 113 and Fish St.) at 7:00 p.m. for the community to come together to be inspired by and participate in sacred chant (ancient Sanskrit devotional chants). The proceeds of the donation based kirtan will be donated to Loon Echo. FMI contact Suzanne Silvermoon at (207) 831-0868.
Sunday, August 29
23rd Annual Meeting
The 23rd Loon Echo Annual Meeting will be held at Camp Winona on Moose Pond in Bridgton at 5 PM. The camp will cook up a great summer dinner while members celebrate Connie Cross’s 13 years as President vote directors into office, and learn about the Pleasant Mountain Phase II Project. RSVP by Monday, August 23rd. $15/pp. FMI contact Carrie Walia.
September 1, 2010
Straight Talk About the Crooked River
Speakers from the Portland Water District, Casco Bay Estuary Parnership and Friends of the Presumpscot River will present what’s happening in the Crooked River watershed (projects, grants, etc.) and share a successful watershed coalition model. There will be group discussion focusing on possible steps to create a larger, citizen-based Crooked River watershed coalition. The event will take place at the Wilkins House-Community Center at 21 Plummer Hill Road (off Rt. 35) in Waterford. FMI download and share this flyer. To RSVP contact Carrie Walia
Sunday, September 5
Mushroom walk at Mayberry Hill Preserve
Join Loon Echo and the Maine Mycological Society for a mushroom walk at the Mayberry Hill Preserve in Casco. Sturdy shoes, water, snacks, mushroom book and a camera are recommended. Walkers should meet at the parking area on Mayberry Hill Road at 9:00 a.m. FMI contact Jon Evans.
Saturday, September 18
10th Annual Loon Echo Hike n’ Bike Trek - Hike n’ Bike Trek fundraiser at Shawnee Peak Ski Area to benefit Loon Echo’s land conservation projects and programs. Sign up to hike 6 miles on Pleasant Mountain or bicycle 25, 50 or 100-miles through western Maine. Win a European biking or walking vacation! To learn more click here.
Saturday, October 9
1st Annual Pate to the Pond Hike
Hike to the summit of Bald Pate Mountain to take in the foliage and view the pitch pine grove, and then take the Town Farm Brook Trail to the Holt Pond Preserve to pass by the swamp maple and hemlock groves. Hiking boots, water and snacks are recommended. Hikers should meet at the Bald Pate parking lot at 8:45 a.m. FMI contact Jon Evans.
Thursday, November 11
Historical Veteran’s Day hike through Pondicherry Park
An easy to moderate walk through the tall pines of Pondicherry Park. Get to know the park’s early settlers, the mills of Willett and Stevens Brook and the many Revolutionary War Veterens that made Bridgton home. Hikers should dress warmly for the two hour history tour. Meet at the Chamber of Commerce building on Rt., 302 at 8:30 a.m. FMI contact Jon Evans.
Saturday, December 11
Forestry Snowshoe hike at Mayberry Hill Preserve
Hikers will get a unique perspective on sustainable forestry practices with Forester Jay Braunscheidel of Integrated Forest Management. Bring snowshoes, appropriate clothing (no cotton), boots, water and snacks. Some snowshoes available upon request. Meet at the trail head on Mayberry Hill Road in Casco at 8:45 a.m. FMI contact Jon Evans.
November 2010 to January 2011
Environmental Educational Grants
Every year Loon Echo Land Trust offers schools and libraries in its service area (Bridgton, Casco, Denmark, Harrison, Naples, Sebago and Raymond) environmental educational grants. School and libraries can apply for a small grant starting November 15 until the January 15 deadline. Please visit the grant webpage to download the grant application form and return it to Loon Echo by the listed deadline. Please contact us if you have questions on this program.
All outdoor hikes and walks are subject to weather conditions.
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