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BRIDGTON — Peabody-Fitch Woods in South Bridgton has moved another step closer to reality as Loon Echo Land Trust announced that it has received been awarded grants to help fund the project.
The trust was granted $20,000 from the Davis Conservation Foundation and $10,000 from the Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust to help fund the Peabody-Fitch Woods, which will protect the historic Narramissic Farm from development encroachment.
Grants from the Davis Conservation Foundation and the Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust add to grant money already received from several other foundations, including $40,000 from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, and $75,000 from an foundation that wishes to remain anonymous.
Loon Echo has also received an additional $50,000 grant from the anonymous foundation that will match any new donation received for the project. Gifts of any amount to the project will be matched dollar-for-dollar to the end of the match. A $100 donation becomes $200 towards the purchase. A $500 gift becomes $1,000. A $5,000 gift turns into $10,000.
“Thanks to our generous members and supporters, we have already taken advantage of $32,000 of the matching grant,” said Thom Perkins, Loon Echo’s executive director. “We are so close to protecting this important historical, cultural, and ecological land. In partnership with the Bridgton Historical Society, we consider this a ‘gem’ project with extraordinary potential for making a positive impact on the region for future generations.”
The trust must raise the rest of the money needed from individuals, public resources and other foundations. To date, the trust has received 87 percent of the funds for the Peabody-Fitch Woods project and needs another $44,000 to complete the purchase. Information about the property and fundraising can be found at www.lelt.org/pfw. Checks to support Peabody-Fitch Woods can also be sent to Loon Echo Land Trust, 8 Depot Street Suite #4, Bridgton, ME 04009.
Loon Echo protects nearly 6,700 acres of land and manages 31 miles of multi-use trails in the northern Sebago Lake region. Its mission is to work with area residents to conserve the region’s natural resources and character for current and future generations. Loon Echo serves Bridgton, Casco, Denmark, Harrison, Naples, Raymond and Sebago, with an area of 320 square miles located directly north of Sebago Lake, and helps safeguard water quality, preserve scenic locations such as Bald Pate Mountain, Hacker’s Hill and Pleasant Mountain, and provide outreach and fun educational programs.
The trust also assists landowners to take steps to ensure future generations will benefit from the preservation of their land.
