Loon Echo Land Trust is a non-profit organization that protects land in the Lake Region of Maine to conserve its natural resources and character for current and future generations. To date, LELT conserves 8,500 acres of land and maintains and protects public access to many iconic outdoor spaces such as Pleasant Mountain, Hacker's Hill, and ald Pate Mountain. In addition to protecting land, LELT maintains over 30 miles of recreational trails and hosts a variety of guided hikes and educational programs throughout the year. 

Loon Echo Land Trust is part of the Southern Maine Conservation Collaborative's Climate Change Observatory Network,  a photo monitoring program designed to work with environmental organizations and communities to assist with the observation, measurement and documentation of long-term climate change trends, and climate adaptation projects.  

Southern Maine Conservation Collaborative's Climate Change Observatory Network

Loon Echo Land Trust

Hacker's Hill Preserve. Photos taken at this observation post location will help LELT monitor recovery of an area from invasive Japanese Knotweed back to native species. This site also captures the evolution of grasses and wildflowers in the fields at Hacker's Hill, we hope to see a return of many beneficial native species to the fields over time. Finally, this site captures the hills and forests of Casco and Naples, allowing us to see changes in area land use over time. 

Hacker’s Hill Preserve, located on Quaker Ridge Road in Casco, is 27-acres of fields and woods that provides 360-degree views of the White Mountains, Pleasant Mountain, and the Lake Region.   

From May to the end of October the gate is open to vehicle traffic (M, W, F, Sat, Sun) and easily accessed via a paved roadway leading 753 ft above sea level to the top of the hill. The hill has a restroom, picnic tables, and open fields perfect for walking, kite flying, nature observation, picnicking, sunset watching, photography and more.  

Keep up to date on all the news and events with LELT here. 

Hacker's Hill Preserve

Photos taken at this observation post in Pondicherry Park  will help Loon Echo Land Trust  monitor changes in the river and river bank, and keep track of invasive plants on the far bank.

Pondicherry Park is 66 acres of woodlands, fields, streams, and wetlands with many trails of varying difficulty. The Town of Bridgton owns the land, Loon Echo Land Trust holds a conservation easement on Pondicherry Park to ensure its natural resources are protected in perpetuity.  

The trail has a packed gravel surface, gradual slopes, rest areas to pull off into, a few benches (more will be added), and is six feet wide at its narrowest point. There are two main entrances - one from the Depot Street/Bob Dunning Bridge side and one from Willett Road; one-way length is 0.7 miles and you will wind your way through a number of forest types along portions of Stevens & Willett Brooks. The trail is also accessible by public transportation - the Lake Region Explorer (part of the Regional Transportation Program) travels between Portland and Bridgton (with many stops along the way) and will drop you off at the Bridgton Community Center, just across the parking lot from the trailhead.  

Keep up to date on all LELT news and events here. 

Loon Echo Land Trust

Maine

2 chronologs managed by Loon Echo Land Trust

Hacker's Hill Preserve

Pondicherry Park

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