NORWAY — Loon Echo Land Trust has announced two new conservation projects: Peabody-Fitch Woods in Bridgton and Edwards Forest in Harrison.
With a deadline for acquisition of Dec. 31, the land trust is seeking to raise money from private individuals, public resources, and other foundations to acquire both parcels.
The Peabody-Fitch Woods projects involves 252 acres surrounding the historic Peabody-Fitch Farm, also known as Narramissic, in South Bridgton. The project is in partnership with the Bridgton Historical Society.
A grant of $50,000 will match any gift made toward the property. To date, 60 percent of the money for the Peabody-Fitch Woods land has been raised, with $138,000 needed to complete the purchase.
The Narramissic farmhouse was donated to the historical society in 1986 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. The property to be acquired by Loon Echo surrounds and preserves the original farmhouse.
The 38-acre Edwards Forest abuts Loon Echo’s Intervale Preserve, creating a contiguous 337 acres of conserved land along the Crooked River. This additional acreage protects important forestland and animal habitat, adds significant protections to valuable water resources, provides climate resilience and enhances recreational opportunities.
Donations for either project can be sent to Loon Echo Land Trust, 8 Depot St., Bridgton, ME 04009 or made online at www.lelt.org.
For more information, visit lelt.org, call 207-647-4352 or visit the office Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A view from the Peabody-Fitch Woods in South Bridgton.
A stream flows through Edwards Forest into the Crooked River in Harrison.
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