BRIDGTON — Loon Echo Land Trust has moved another step closer to conserving 252 acres of forestland in South Bridgton.
LELT announced that it was recently awarded $12,500 from the Kendal C. and Anna Ham Charitable Foundation to help buy the property, which will be called Peabody-Fitch Woods.
Peabody-Fitch Woods will protect the land surrounding Bridgton Historical Society’s historic Narramissic Farm. Conserving the land will ensure public access for recreational opportunities including hunting, walking and nature observation. LELT plans to enhance the pedestrian trails on the property and has engaged local clubs to make sure that a snowmobile and ATV corridor on the property remains accessible.
This award adds to grant money already received from several other foundations, including the Fields Pond Foundation, Davis Conservation Foundation, Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust and an anonymous foundation, along with many donations from individuals in the community.
“We have received incredible support from the community for this conservation project,” said Matt Markot, LELT’s executive director. “In partnership with the Bridgton Historical Society, we are eager to protect this land. The site of a once prosperous and well known family farm in South Bridgton, it has incredible cultural, historical and ecological value. Once protected, this land will continue to benefit our community forever.”
LELT seeks to raise the rest of the money needed to buy the property before a June 30 deadline. To date, LELT has received 95 percent of the money, and needs another $17,000. Private donations from individuals will be critical in achieving the goal, the trust said.
For information about the projec visit www.lelt.org/pfw.
Loon Echo Land Trust is a member-supported, nonprofit land trust that works to protect the natural resources of the northern Sebago Lake region. Loon Echo conserves 6,700 acres of land and manages 31 miles of recreational trails in the towns of Bridgton, Casco, Denmark, Harrison, Naples, Raymond and Sebago.