FAYETTE — Kennebec Land Trust will celebrate 30 years of land conservation and honor donors at its annual meeting Sunday, Aug. 19, at Camp Winnebago on Echo Lake.
Founded in 1988, the Trust has conserved 6,200 acres and has constructed 44 miles of trails on KLT lands.
The meeting will start s with KLT’s popular Tri-Sport Challenge, which consists of a swim, paddle and run. The annual gathering will feature paddling and botany workshops, a potluck lunch and cookout, a presentation from one of KLT’s summer interns; music by the Oshima Brothers and recognition of 2018 land donors.
The donors are Stewart C. Myers, George and Linda Smith and the City of Hallowell.
Myers donated Egypt Pond Conservation Area in Vienna and Chesterville. This 238 acre conservation easement protects 1.5 miles of undeveloped shoreline, natural scenery, water quality, working woodlands and farmland, and important wildlife habitat on remote Egypt Pond. The existing State of Maine public boat launch provides public access to the waters of Egypt Pond, a popular paddling and fishing destination.
The Smiths donated the 125-acre Ezra Smith Wildlife Conservation Area in Mount Vernon. The area encompasses a 50-acre wetland, a hardwood-conifer forest, and a deer wintering area. The property’s new interpretive wildlife habitat education trail will provide many opportunities for outdoor recreation and conservation education. The Smiths’ donation also leveraged the purchase of 38 acres with 5,500 feet of frontage on Hopkins Stream. These wetlands protect water quality and valuable wildlife habitat for waterfowl and wading birds.
The City of Hallowell donated the 8-acre Effie L. Berry Conservation Area, which protects wildlife habitat and wetlands, enhances access for public recreation, and provides trail connectivity to the adjacent 164-acre Augusta Howard Hill Historical Conservation Area.
All are welcome to attend the annual meeting. Contact KLT for details or visit www.tklt.org or 207-377-2848. Call or visit the website to RSVP as soon as possible. The cost to attend $15 per person.
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