|
Saturday & Sunday, January 22 & 23
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 by contacting Jon Evans). Approximately 2 hours. Learn more about the Mushers Bowl event.
Saturday, February 12
Pondicherry Valentine’s Day Snowshoe
Looking for a special way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Take your sweetheart on an easy-moderate snowshoe hike in beautiful Pondicherry Park in downtown Bridgton. Meet Loon Echo staff at the Bob Dunning Memorial Bridge kiosk behind The Magic Lantern Theatre at 8:45 am. Hikers should bring the appropriate winter clothing, snacks, water and snowshoes (a few pairs are available upon request by contacting Jon Evans). Approximately 90 minutes.
Sunday, March 20
Sunrise Hike at Bald Pate Mountain
Welcome the first spring sunrise with an early morning hike up 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 spectacular, moderate hike is one of our most popular hikes, and you won’t want to miss it! Approximately 2 hours.
Saturday, April 23 (changed/postponed from April 16)
Trail Maintenance at Pleasant Mountain
Join Loon Echo and Maine Chapter of the AMC for trail maintenance on the popular Ledges Trail at Pleasant Mountain. Workers will meet at the Ledges Trailhead on Mountain Road at 7:45 am. Some tools supplied. Bring work boots, gloves, water and plenty of energy-rich snacks. This is a moderate-difficult hike, so expect a thorough work out as we prepare the trail for the many visitors expected in the 2011 season. Approximately 5 hours.
Friday, April 22
Earth Day Hike at Bald Pate Mountain
Annual Earth Day moderate hike at Bald Pate Mountain. Hikers should bring hiking boots, water, snacks and meet at the Bald Pate parking lot at 3:00 pm. Fun for the whole family including your four-legged friends! Celebrate Earth Day with from the summit with poems and music (Don’t forget to bring yours to share!), and afterwards, enjoy a Bald Pate Celebration Ale at Bray’s Brew Pub on Rt. 302 in Naples. A portion of the proceeds are donated to Loon Echo. Approximately 90 minutes.
Saturday, May 7
Crooked River Watershed Survey Training
Volunteers are needed to identify and document sites where eroding soil is washing into the Crooked River. The training will start at 8:30 a.m. at the Crooked River Adult and Community Education Center in Casco. Teams will be assigned to work in areas of the watershed and information will be collected to keep the river clean and healthy. For more information contact Betty Williams at Cumberland County Soil and Water District at 207-892-4700 or betty-williams@cumberlandswcd.org .
Saturday, May 14
Spring Hike at Pleasant Mountain
One of our favorite hikes will take place at Pleasant Mountain on the South West Ridge Trail. Hikers will go to the Southwest summit, and along the way will see lady slippers, columbine and other wildflowers in bloom. This is a moderate-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. Approximately 4 hours.
Thursday, May 19
Crooked River Riparian Habitat Training
Volunteers are needed to identify and document the condition of the banks and vegetation along the Crooked River. The training will start at 8:30 a.m. at the Crooked River Adult and Community Education Center in Casco. Teams will be assigned to work in areas of the watershed and information will be collected to keep the river clean and healthy. For more information contact Betty Williams at Cumberland County Soil and Water District at 207-892-4700 or betty-williams@cumberlandswcd.org .
Wednesday, June 1
Invasive Plant Species ID and Control Workshop at Pondicherry Park
Sign up to attend this instructional and field exercise aimed at identifying and controlling common upland invasive plants in our woods and fields. The workshop will be held from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church and Pondicherry Park in Bridgton. To register and for more information contact Ken Canfield at (207) 441-3712 or ken.canfield@maine.gov . Anyone interested in invasive plants is encouraged to attend. Continuing education credits are available. Sponsored by the Maine Forest Service, USDA Forest Serive, Loon Echo Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy and CPS Timberland.
Saturday, June 4
National Trails Day
Activity to be announced in late- May!
Tuesday, June 21
Summer Solstice Hike at Bald Pate Mountain
Celebrate the first day of summer with a moderate hike up Bald Pate and also remember Bob Chase, one of the founders of Loon Echo, who loved this mountain. A short walk of 20-30 minutes brings you to the rocky summit with views of the surrounding lakes and hills. All hikers and four-legged friends are welcome and should meet at the Bald Pate parking lot at 5:00 p.m. Approximately 90 minutes.
Friday, July 8
Mayberry Hill Preserve Walk and Talk
Join us for an easy walk at one of our most peaceful preserves. We’ll discuss sustainable forestry practices and learn about plant and wildlife communities that thrive in this 160 acre preserve. Walkers should wear sturdy shoes and bring bug spray, water and snacks. Meet at the trailhead on Mayberry Hill Road at 9 am. Approximately 90 minutes.
Sunday, July 31
Yoga and Nature Hike on Pleasant Mountain
Loon Echo and Nurture Through Nature are joining hands to raise money and awareness for our mission through a guided hike up Pleasant Mountain and a sweet Yoga and guided meditation at the top, and then a picnic to follow. Come take in the beauty that surrounds us and connect to our environment on this mindful six mile round trip hike up the Southwest Ridge Trail to the summit. Bring your own lunch, plenty of water and yoga mat and blanket (optional). Suggested donation: $50-$500. Call Nurture Through Nature at 207-452-2929 to reserve your spot.
Saturday, August 6
Trail Maintenance at Pleasant Mountain
Join Loon Echo and Maine Chapter of the AMC for trail maintenance on the popular Ledges Trail at Pleasant Mountain. Workers will meet at the Ledges Trailhead on Mountain Road at 7:45 am. Some tools supplied. Bring work boots, gloves, water and plenty of energy-rich snacks. This is a moderate-difficult hike, so expect a thorough work out. Approximately 5 hours.
Sunday, August 28
24th Annual Meeting
Loon Echo members and supporters are invited to attend the 24th Annual Meeting at Camp Wyonegonic in Denmark. Dinner and organizational presentation begins at 5 pm. Reserve your seat by contacting us.
Saturday, September 10
Pondicherry Park Community Walk
Get to know this unique park in the center of Bridgton as you and your neighbors enjoy an easy-moderate walk through the tall pines at Pondicherry Park. Meet at the Bob Dunning Memorial Bridge kiosk behind The Magic Lantern Theatre at 9:00 am. Walkers should wear sturdy shoes and bring water and snacks. Approximately 90 minutes.
Saturday, September 17
11th Annual Loon Echo Hike n’ Bike Trek - Support land conservation by hiking or riding in this great Loon Echo event held at Shawnee Peak Ski Area! Choose a six-mile hike up Pleasant Mountain or a 25, 50 or 100 mile bike trek through some of Maine’s most beautiful scenery. Early bird rates, including team/family, through July 31st! To learn more click here.
Saturday, October 8
Fall Stroll at Mayberry Hill Preserve
Enjoy fall foliage as we take an easy walk through Mayberry Hill Preserve in Casco. Walkers should bring sturdy shoes, water and snacks. Meet at the trail head on Mayberry Hill Road at 9:00 am. Parking is along roadside. Approximately 90 minutes.
Friday, November 11
Historical Veteran’s Day Hike through Pondicherry Park
A popular event in 2010, this easy-moderate walk will introduce you to some of the park’s early settlers and the many Revolutionary War veterans that called Bridgton home. Meet at the Bob Dunning Memorial Bridge kiosk behind The Magic Lantern Theatre at 9:00 am. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and snacks. Approximately 90 minutes.
Tuesday, November 15
Environmental Educational Grants
Each year Loon Echo offers schools and libraries in its service area (Bridgton, Casco, Denmark, Harrison, Naples, Raymond and Sebago) grants to provide programs that teach children about the natural world. Applications are available beginning November 15. Deadline for submission is January 15, 2012. Please visit the grant program’s webpage to download the application form. Please contact us if you have questions on this program.
Saturday, December 10
Sunset-Moonrise Hike at Bald Pate Mountain
Join us for a moderate snowshoe hike to watch the sun set and see the moon rise from the summit of Bald Pate Mountain. Hikers should bring appropriate layered clothing, water, snacks, and snowshoes (a few pairs will be available upon request). Flashlights or headlamps are recommended. Meet at the Bald Pate parking lot at 3:00 pm. Approximately 2 hours.
All outdoor hikes and walks are subject to weather conditions. Additional activities will be posted to LELT’s online program calendar at www.lelt.org. Please contact Jon Evans at jon@lelt.org or 207-647-4352 for more information.
|
