BRIDGTON — Loon Echo Land Trust is offering two free special outdoor programs for the public at its preserves during December.
At 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, Loon Echo Land Trust’s stewardship manager, Jon Evans, will meet anyone who wants to explore some of the highlights of the Perley Mills Community Forest.
Owned by the towns of Denmark and Sebago, with conservation easements held by Loon Echo Land Trust, the 1,600-acre community forest is rich in history from Enoch Perley’s mill to the Narrow Gauge Railroad, also known as the Bridgton and Saco River Railway, which traveled through the region until 1941.
The Perley Mills Community Forest is permanently protected for sustainable forestry and traditional recreation, such as trapping, hunting, ATVs and snowmobiling. This popular walk is rich in natural and cultural history.
Participants will meet at the Pickerel Pond parking area off Narrow Gauge Road in Denmark at 9 a.m. Snowshoes or traction devices may be required depending on weather conditions. Participants should plan to be outdoors for approximately two hours.
On Saturday, Dec. 17, Maine master naturalist Leigh Hayes will lead an Animal Tracking Walk at Loon Echo’s Perley Pond-Northwest River Preserve in Sebago.
Hayes will help guests identify the tracks and scat of the many animals that call this unique preserve home. If conditions allow, participants will walk along the Northwest River for a seldom-seen perspective.
Attendees should come prepared with proper boots, clothing, water and plenty of snacks. Snowshoes and/or traction devices may be required. The walk will meet at 8:45 a.m. at the parking area along Folly Road in Sebago (via the Route 114 end of Folly Road) . This program will last about three hours and will require a moderate-to-strenuous level of exercise.
Changes to the programs due to unfavorable weather will be posted at www.lelt.org and on the Facebook page.
FMI: 207-647-4352, www.lelt.org.
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