Through its conservation and stewardship of nearly 10,000 acres and over 35 miles of trails in the Sebago Lake region, Loon Echo Land Trust (LELT) is deepening relationships between people and the environment while preserving natural areas and resources in the process.
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| During Loon Echo Land Trust's 'Trek for the Trails' this fall participants can run, bike or walk on area trails like this one in Sebago Cove Forest and log their miles online, The land trust will receive a $1 match for every mile logged. COURTESY PHOTO |
The impressive work of LELT has inspired consistent support from Norway Savings Bank. NSB has contributed over $50,000 to LELT in the last decade, including a recent donation of $5,000 to serve as the title sponsor of the Loon Echo “Trek for the Trails.”
Participation in the Trek is free, and individuals can run, bike, or walk on area trails between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31 then log their miles online. Thanks to the support of local businesses, LELT gets $1 from a match pool for every mile logged. In addition, every Trekker is entered into a raffle for great prizes from local businesses.
“The success of this annual event would not be possible without the support of Norway Savings Bank,” said Matt Markot, Executive Director of LELT. “They’ve served as the title sponsor of the Trek for nine years, and through their generosity, we’ve been able to use this fundraiser to increase outdoor recreation opportunities.”
The “Trek for the Trails” is LELT’s largest annual fundraising event and 100 percent of the registration fee going to help maintain the trails you know and love, the ones you have yet to discover, and helps build new trails.
To participate in the Trek, all you have to do is register, and then visit any LELT trail or preserve throughout the month of September to hike, walk, bike (on trails where biking is permitted) or take in the view. Trail runners can compete for the best time via Strava segment on three trail running routes – one on Pleasant Mountain, Bald Pate, and at Raymond Community Forest to compete for pie (and bragging rights). Trekkers can also choose to raise money from friends and family to support their Trek and LELT trails.
Markot said that over the past four decades, Loon Echo Land Trust has been a shining example of an organization that works with local residents, local businesses, and fellow area nonprofits to protect land through conservation easements, land purchases, and land donations.
“LELT is guided by a mission to make these beautiful venues accessible to more people,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “NSB is proud to support LELT and its wide contributions, the impact of which will be felt for generations to come.”
Current LELT projects include restoring a wetland habitat and designing a multi-use trail plan in Casco with the Outdoor Sport Institute, the construction of a pedestrian trail and an off-street parking area for a 360-acre property on Sebago Cove in Naples, and the upgrade of a field loop at Mayberry Hill in Casco to become suitable for use by wheeled mobility devices.
“NSB’s continuing commitment to the positive difference we are trying to make is inspiring and is helping to strengthen our communities,” said Markot. “We’re very thankful.”
Loon Echo Land Trust was founded in 1987 and is a nonprofit organization that protects land, ensures public access to the outdoors, and builds and maintains recreational trails in Raymond, Casco, Naples, Harrison, Sebago, Bridgton, and Denmark. The organization currently conserves over 9,000 acres of land and manages a 35-mile trail network across the Lake Region. LELT protects many important local landmarks like Pleasant Mountain, Bald Pate Mountain, Raymond Community Forest, and Hacker’s Hill.
There are many ways to extend a helping hand to LELT.
To make a donation, visit www.lelt.org/ways-to-give. To learn about volunteering your time to maintain a trail or even offer office support, visit www.lelt.org/volunteering.
To discover more about the Loon Echo Trek for the Trails, visit www.lelt.org/trek. <
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