Loon Echo Land Trust hosts hike for mental health at Bald Pate Mountain Preserve

Our lives are so busy and complex nowadays, and it can be hard to see the forest through the trees. Loon Echo Land Trust (LELT) and Bring Change 2 Mind invite you on a rejuvenating morning hike up Bald Pate Mountain Preserve in Bridgton on Saturday, March 9^th at 9:00 AM. Join fellow community members to connect with the forest, its critters, and enjoy views from the summit of Bald Pate Mountain Preserve.

For over 30 years, LELT has been guiding folks in our community to better physical and mental health through access to the outdoors. Bring Change 2 Mind, a Lake Region community campaign focused on encouraging conversation and ending the stigma surrounding mental illnesses and substance use disorders, partnered with LELT in 2018 on a hike aimed at encouraging participants to experience the connection between a walk in nature and positive mental health and well-being.

For this second collaboration, Maine Master Naturalist Leigh Hayes of Bridgton will bring her expertise on animal tracking and winter tree ID to point out all the subtle signs of spring that can be missed in the gray days of March.

This hike is free and open to the public, however registration is required. To register, contact Loon Echo Stewardship Manager, Jon Evans, at stewardship@lelt.org or 207-647-4352, or Jana Richards at Jana.Richards@opportunityalliance.org. Snowshoes or traction devices may be required and layered clothing, water and snacks are always encouraged. Find more information about the hike on Loon Echo’s website, www.lelt.org and the LELT and Bring Change 2 Mind Facebook pages! 

Loon Echo currently protects 6,700 acres of land and manages 31 miles of multi-use trails in the northern Sebago Lake region. Its mission is to work with the local residents to conserve the region’s natural resources and character for current and future generations. Loon Echo serves the towns of Bridgton, Casco, Denmark, Harrison, Naples, Raymond and Sebago. For more information about upcoming events or ways you can support Loon Echo Land Trust, visit their website www.lelt.org or call 207-647-4352.