The Maine Lake Science Center – Now a Reality by Peter Lowell LEA Board Votes to Buy the Science Center Property

Testing Buoy on Highland Lake The 2014 Milfoil Bill LEA Education Programs The buoy is large and yellow with solar More than a decade after the original are designed to create opportunities for panels mounted on it. There are two “Milfoil Bill” passed the Maine Legislature, life-long learning through place-based round mooring buoys near it that are a new bill will significantly modify a curricula offered in partnership with attached to anchors. long-standing funding inequity. local public schools and community Page 4 By Peter Lowell, Page 8 members. Page 10

Summer 2014 Free LEA Lake News The Maine Lake Science Center – Now a Reality by Peter Lowell LEA Board Votes to Buy the Science Center Property

As kids growing up on Highland Lake, we never saw algae clouds that look like green cotton candy. The sand and gravel of the lake bottom was always clean and the rocks were clear of sediment. Unfortunately, these simple indicators of water quality decline are now widespread. Our work over 43 years has led us to conclude that Maine lakes are degrading because of continued watershed development and decline is being accelerated by climate change. All of our lakes have changed over the past few decades, and their future is certainly in doubt.

For six years, LEA has studied the status of lake science and visiting lake centers around the country to learn their methods and establish relationships. LEA conducts more lake testing than anyone in Maine, and we feel that no one adequately understands the “tipping points” that lead to a decline in water quality. Continued on Page 9 LEA Lake Research:Temperature, Gloeotrichia and Deep

by Amanda Pratt and Colin Holme Sediment Cores Our research projects for this summer include Gloeotrichia Sampling – continuous temperature monitoring, Gloeotrichia Last year we sampled fifteen lakes twice per echinulata sampling, and deep sediment coring. week in the summer months for the blue-green The first two projects were begun last summer and algae known as Gloeotrichia echinulata (or will be continued this year, with some simply “Gloeo”). Six of these lakes had modifications. The latter study will be the first time elevated levels (defined as over one colony per LEA has had the opportunity to get truly historical liter in at least one sample): Moose Pond, Long lake water quality information by analyzing Lake, Keoka Lake, McWain Pond, Peabody sediment accumulation over hundreds of years. Pond, and Crystal Lake. We found that Gloeo These projects enhance our normal water testing populations peaked in late July and early routine and provide us with valuable data to support the mission of our Maine Lake Science August. With that in mind, we have altered our Center – to identify threatening trends and water sampling procedure to focus on those lakes with Inside quality conditions and support corrective measures significant Gloeo populations. before lakes reach a water quality “tipping point”. Continued on Page 3 Attention Boaters! by Mary Jewett This summer, in order to ensure our CBI program is running smoothly, we are enlisting the help of Woods Pond Erosion Control Page 5 our members. We are looking for boaters who would be willing to anonymously evaluate boat LEA’s CBI Program Page 6 inspectors. If you happen to be launching your boat with an inspector on duty, we would appreciate your feedback about the experience. Learn and Play at LEA Page 8 If you are interested in helping with this simple process please email [email protected]. Boat Inspections are Crucial LEA Lake Research Page 10

LEA 230 Main Street Milfoil Control Team Page 12 Bridgton, Maine 04009 (Change Service Requested)

Research on “tipping points,” best management family. A log home and garage on the property will opportunity to combine field training and classrooms practices and remediation needs to be addressed in a be repurposed to create three researcher housing in the same location because of its diversity of natural timely manner to avert significant damage to our units, a fifty-seat conference room and a new features. fresh water resources and the economic base of education center for expanded school and adult • LEA pioneered consultations to educate landowners Maine towns. There is a sense of urgency expressed programs. At the pinnacle of the educational best by a quote from the Maine Lakes Society: process is research. The basic needs for researchers about conservation practices Demonstration sites “Lake scientists estimate that we have less than two are housing, meeting space, work space and lab showing these practices will be a key feature of the decades to make the changes required to preserve facilities. There are currently university classes and new property. our lakes – or we will lose them forever.” researchers anxious to use the new space and we • LEA and the Maine Lakes Society formed an alliance have hired a staff researcher, Amanda Pratt, for her Concern about lake health led to LEA’s Maine Lake of lake associations known as the Maine Lake Leaders second year. Science Center initiative which seeks to expand our to educate, inform and share. LEA will expand understanding of water quality and what we need to While research is the culmination of the training and networking opportunities for statewide do to keep our lakes clean. Through new partnerships educational process, education at all levels is groups by offering in-depth and multi-day courses. with academic institutions and strengthened essential. LEA has a rich history of natural Maine Lakes and their watersheds comprise much of partnerships with municipalities, public schools, resource education, beginning 25 years ago. With the land area of a majority of Maine towns, yet businesses, land use professionals and lake groups, two full-time educators and a staff experienced in relatively few resources have been devoted to their LEA intends to inform, initiate and support stronger water quality, land use laws and watershed issues, study and protection. State programs have historically conservation standards and practices. The natural our target audiences are diverse: resources of the Lakes Region underpin the economy been the first victims of budget cuts and research needs • K-12 education is the cornerstone. We reach more and quality of life for residents and visitors. to be encouraged, expanded and supported. Most of the than 1,100 students each year through regular Degradation of these fragile resources could be study, education and advocacy are being accomplished classroom visits and field trips to Pondicherry Park by a handful of regional lake associations with limited catastrophic. Our expanding research is defining the and our Holt Pond Preserve. LEA has two vulnerability and providing the scientific basis for resources. The crisis with invasive aquatic plants has after-school programs and a summer day camp. The placed a further burden on their capacity. The LEA action. This is a community challenge which calls for Center will allow us to expand service and conduct broad understanding of the issues and public support Board of Directors, the Lake Science Advisory Board programs right at the park. LEA is welcomed in and the LEA staff view the Maine Lake Science Center for changes in the way we exercise stewardship. dozens of classrooms because field trips and as the next logical step in LEA’s strategic development An Advisory Board has been formed with researchers hands-on learning are in decline. We use the Next from Maine to California who represent a full range of Generation Science Standards to design all and a rare opportunity to accomplish our mission disciplines to guide this process. The Maine Lake curriculums. These materials are readily shared before irreversible damage is done. Science Center will be a powerful voice for change with other groups and schools throughout Maine. LEA has refined a budget of $408,000 for the purchase of the property and construction work. This throughout Maine and beyond. • Decision makers, municipal boards and land use figure assumes significant in-kind labor to do This summer, LEA will purchase 17 acres of professionals will be engaged through training demolition of interior walls, basic carpentry and woodlands abutting Pondicherry Park from the Flint workshops. The Flint property will offer the painting. $175,000 was slated for property purchase. Site work for a parking area, access road upgrade and new septic system will cost an estimated $75,500. The remaining $157,500 will cover building reconstruction and furnishings. Cost estimates have been generated after consultations with local contractors. Sustainability of the Center will be accomplished primarily through collaborative grants with colleges and universities targeting natural resource research and education. We already have strong relationships with several institutions and the University of Southern Maine is working with us to explore the establishment of a regional collaborative for place-based learning and research. A $400,000 endowment will be established to cover basic operating costs, facility maintenance and to endow a staff researcher. We will begin regional fundraising this summer and hope to have the Center operational by 2015. LEA has researched the operations and management of similar organizations in other states, thoughtfully and thoroughly planned the development of the Center, and has assembled the critical personnel resources necessary to carry out its development. The Center is an exciting but crucial step in LEA’s long tradition of lake protection. Our loyal supporters have brought us to the point where we can develop this remarkable dream and accomplish it for the sake of our lakes and future generations. Our lead gift for the Center has already come from the anonymous foundation that has provided support for LEA’s Milfoil Team, our lake researcher, Pondicherry Park, a remote sensing buoy and LEA educators. The Kendal and Anna Ham Charitable Foundation has provided a substantial grant as well. Additional funding has come from the Morton- Kelly Foundation and the Davis Conservation Foundation, and other requests are pending. Contributions from Gerry and Jane Haviland and the Estate of Elise Goldman have initiated the public fundraising campaign which will continue for the next year. Gerry oversaw the construction of LEA’s headquarters building in 1995 and Elise was an LEA founder, along with her husband, Morty. As always, our loyal and longstanding friends have set the stage for this watershed moment in LEA’s history of stewardship in the Lake Region. As kids growing up on Highland Lake, we never saw algae clouds that look like green cotton candy. The sand and gravel of the lake bottom was always clean and the rocks were clear of sediment. Unfortunately, these simple indicators of water quality decline are now widespread. Our work over 43 years has led us to conclude that Maine lakes are degrading because of continued watershed development and decline is being accelerated by climate change. All of our lakes have changed over the past few decades, and their future is certainly in doubt.

Artist Erica Chute’s Rendition of the Lake Science Center The Maine Lake Science Center – The Nuts and Bolts by Peter Lowell

The Building – With input from former LEA President and energy efficiency engineer, Bill Turner, architect, Craig Whittaker, and contractor Terry Hubka, we have developed a concept plan for the existing LEA Contacts building at the Flint property adjacent to Pondicherry Park. The main floor of the log home will be opened up to provide a 40-50 seat conference room and meeting space. A screened-in porch on the side facing the 230 Main Street, Bridgton, ME 04009 647-8580 park will be re-designed to provide an access ramp and break-out space for conferences. The conference room will be served by a bathroom and butler’s kitchen in the breezeway between it and the garage. Peter Lowell The 24-foot by 28-foot garage will be gutted and converted into an education center with a computer lab Executive Director [email protected] and wet lab in the connector space between it and the main building. This connector will allow access to two bathrooms located in the ground floor below the conference room where there will be three researcher Colin Holme living units. The design provides ideal space for each activity, with both connectivity and privacy within a Assistant Director [email protected] super energy-efficient building. Jenny O’Connor The Grounds – The driveway and parking areas will be designed to provide for maximum treatment of Membership Coordinator [email protected] stormwaters. Creating several small parking sites will disperse impact and allow for more treatment than Adam Perron would be possible with one large impervious area. Two parking “pods” along the existing access road will Education Director [email protected] double as road pull-offs so the current road width can be maintained while allowing for two-way traffic. The project will serve as a demonstration site for the latest stormwater best management practices. Native Mary Jewett plantings will enhance the property’s vegetation to highlight the diversity of options for buffer areas and Teacher-Naturalist [email protected] beautification. Board of Directors The Land – The 17 acres will remain in a wooded state and new trails on the property will integrate with the adjacent park trails. There is a broad diversity of ecosystems and natural features that will be excellent Sean Dundon – President elements for study. Glacial boulders, wetlands, vernal pools, streams, forest communities, floodplains and Leigh Hayes – Vice President a diversity of native plants enhance the land, along with interesting topography and soils. Connie Cross – Secretary The proximity to Pondicherry Park is a major benefit. The Flint family has allowed the park to use their Julie McQueen – Treasurer property for an access trail and parking at Willett Road near Hannaford’s. Now, that amenity will be Steve Collins, David Ehrman preserved under LEA ownership and we are planning to create a trail that will link our new education Matt Frank, Nancy Kluck center with the Stevens Brook Elementary School via the Ham Foundation Bridge. LEA staff developed Bridie McGreavy, John O’Brien an extensive curriculum for the park, which will be adapted for the new resources. The new facility can Jean Preis, Anne Snodgrass also serve as a park information center. Tom Stockwell, Kathleen Tragert Fundraising – Foundation support has launched the Maine Lake Science Center. With the generosity of Roy Lambert, Brian Cushing an anonymous foundation providing significant initial impetus, the Ham Charitable Foundation, The Orrin Shane Morton- Kelly Foundation, the John Sage Foundation and the Davis Conservation Foundation combined to make the purchase of the property possible this summer. The anonymous foundation has also provided Honorary Directors a challenge grant, which will be used to encourage support from the public and LEA members. That phase Sonny Berman, Ray Caplan, Tom Rosen of fundraising will begin in July. Hubert Caplan, Stan Cohen The total goal for the project is $800,000. Approximately $175,000 is slated for property purchase and about $225,000 is for site work, building redesign, furnishing and equipment. The remaining $400,000 will endow the center and a director position.A Assh ofor June,eli aboutne buffone-thirder of is the th goale waslake’s achieved. line of defense. Page 2 A shoreline buffer is the lake’s last line of defense.

Research on “tipping points,” best management family. A log home and garage on the property will opportunity to combine field training and classrooms practices and remediation needs to be addressed in a be repurposed to create three researcher housing in the same location because of its diversity of natural timely manner to avert significant damage to our units, a fifty-seat conference room and a new features. fresh water resources and the economic base of education center for expanded school and adult • LEA pioneered consultations to educate landowners Maine towns. There is a sense of urgency expressed programs. At the pinnacle of the educational about conservation practices Demonstration sites best by a quote from the Maine Lakes Society: process is research. The basic needs for researchers “Lake scientists estimate that we have less than two are housing, meeting space, work space and lab showing these practices will be a key feature of the decades to make the changes required to preserve facilities. There are currently university classes and new property. our lakes – or we will lose them forever.” researchers anxious to use the new space and we • LEA and the Maine Lakes Society formed an alliance have hired a staff researcher, Amanda Pratt, for her Concern about lake health led to LEA’s Maine Lake of lake associations known as the Maine Lake Leaders second year. Science Center initiative which seeks to expand our to educate, inform and share. LEA will expand understanding of water quality and what we need to While research is the culmination of the training and networking opportunities for statewide do to keep our lakes clean. Through new partnerships educational process, education at all levels is groups by offering in-depth and multi-day courses. with academic institutions and strengthened essential. LEA has a rich history of natural Maine Lakes and their watersheds comprise much of partnerships with municipalities, public schools, resource education, beginning 25 years ago. With the land area of a majority of Maine towns, yet businesses, land use professionals and lake groups, two full-time educators and a staff experienced in relatively few resources have been devoted to their LEA intends to inform, initiate and support stronger water quality, land use laws and watershed issues, study and protection. State programs have historically conservation standards and practices. The natural our target audiences are diverse: resources of the Lakes Region underpin the economy been the first victims of budget cuts and research needs • K-12 education is the cornerstone. We reach more and quality of life for residents and visitors. to be encouraged, expanded and supported. Most of the than 1,100 students each year through regular Degradation of these fragile resources could be study, education and advocacy are being accomplished classroom visits and field trips to Pondicherry Park by a handful of regional lake associations with limited catastrophic. Our expanding research is defining the and our Holt Pond Preserve. LEA has two vulnerability and providing the scientific basis for resources. The crisis with invasive aquatic plants has after-school programs and a summer day camp. The placed a further burden on their capacity. The LEA action. This is a community challenge which calls for Center will allow us to expand service and conduct broad understanding of the issues and public support Board of Directors, the Lake Science Advisory Board programs right at the park. LEA is welcomed in and the LEA staff view the Maine Lake Science Center for changes in the way we exercise stewardship. dozens of classrooms because field trips and as the next logical step in LEA’s strategic development An Advisory Board has been formed with researchers hands-on learning are in decline. We use the Next from Maine to California who represent a full range of Generation Science Standards to design all and a rare opportunity to accomplish our mission disciplines to guide this process. The Maine Lake curriculums. These materials are readily shared before irreversible damage is done. Science Center will be a powerful voice for change with other groups and schools throughout Maine. LEA has refined a budget of $408,000 for the purchase of the property and construction work. This throughout Maine and beyond. • Decision makers, municipal boards and land use figure assumes significant in-kind labor to do This summer, LEA will purchase 17 acres of professionals will be engaged through training demolition of interior walls, basic carpentry and woodlands abutting Pondicherry Park from the Flint workshops. The Flint property will offer the painting. $175,000 was slated for property purchase. Site work for a parking area, access road upgrade and new septic system will cost an estimated $75,500. The remaining $157,500 will cover building reconstruction and furnishings. Cost estimates have been generated after consultations with local contractors. Sustainability of the Center will be accomplished primarily through collaborative grants with colleges and universities targeting natural resource research and education. We already have strong relationships with several institutions and the University of Southern Maine is working with us to explore the establishment of a regional collaborative for place-based learning and research. A $400,000 endowment will be established to cover basic operating costs, facility maintenance and to endow a staff researcher. We will begin regional fundraising this summer and hope to have the Center operational by 2015. LEA has researched the operations and management of similar organizations in other states, thoughtfully and thoroughly planned the development of the Center, and has assembled the critical personnel resources necessary to carry out its development. The Center is an exciting but crucial step in LEA’s long tradition of lake protection. Our loyal supporters have brought us to the point where we can develop this remarkable dream and accomplish it for the sake of our lakes and future generations. Our lead gift for the Center has already come from the anonymous foundation that has provided support for LEA’s Milfoil Team, our lake researcher, Pondicherry Park, a remote sensing buoy and LEA educators. The Kendal and Anna Ham Charitable Foundation has provided a substantial grant as well. Additional funding has come from the Morton- Kelly Foundation and the Davis Conservation Foundation, and other requests are pending. Contributions from Gerry and Jane Haviland and the Estate of Elise Goldman have initiated the public fundraising campaign which will continue for the next year. Gerry oversaw the construction of LEA’s headquarters building in 1995 and Elise was an LEA founder, along with her husband, Morty. As always, our loyal and longstanding friends have set the stage for this watershed moment in LEA’s history of stewardship in the Lake Region. As kids growing up on Highland Lake, we never saw algae clouds that look like green cotton candy. The sand and gravel of the lake bottom was always clean and the rocks were clear of sediment. Unfortunately, these simple indicators of water quality decline are now widespread. Our work over 43 years has led us to conclude that Maine lakes are degrading because of continued watershed development and decline is being accelerated by climate change. All of our lakes have changed over the past few decades, and their future is certainly in doubt.

Lakes with temperature sensors:

Waterbody Description

string of sensors, Hancock Pond – top to bottom string of sensors,

Island Pond – top to bottom string of sensors, Keoka Lake – top to bottom 2 strings of sensors, Long Lake – top to bottom string of sensors, McWain Pond – top to bottom

3 strings of sensors, Moose Pond – top to bottom individual, near shore Peabody Pond – sensors

string of sensors, Sand Pond – top to bottom individual, near shore Stearns Pond – sensor string of sensors, Trickey Pond – top to bottom

string of sensors, Buoy Marking Temperature Sensors on Island Pond Woods Pond – top to bottom LEA Lake Research: Temperature, Gloeotrichia,

Continued from page 1 sediment record, like how the watershed has and Deep Sediment Cores changed over time and even what the water We will continue to test the fifteen lakes from spaced out every other meter of depth on a quality was like. last summer along with several others, but rope attached to a buoy at the deepest part of those with low levels last year will only be the lake. The detail afforded by these small, Sediment cores build up much like tree rings, sampled during late July or early August, digital data loggers can tell us a lot more about with a layer for each winter/summer cycle. when the levels will be at their highest. The what is going on in our lakes thermally. Sediment is deposited in the warmer months, six lakes with higher levels will be sampled Because temperature has a huge influence on forming the layers. This summer we will twice a week throughout the summer, and many other lake processes, this data is very conduct deep core tests on Highland Lake and once a week in late July and early August. In valuable. In addition, it can be used to help us Long Lake. addition, we will be adding sample sites on measure the impacts of climate change using Moose Pond, which had the highest levels last historical temperature records. Once a core is collected, it is cut into thin disks. year, to include the north and south basins. Lead (Pb) dating techniques will be used to Gloeo sampling is important because this Thanks to the help from individual lake determine the age of these disks. Sediment algae is of special concern in the State of associations, this year we have invested in naturally preserves organic material such as Maine. Not traditionally seen in algae spar buoys, the long, narrow upright buoys pollen. In our case, we will use diatoms to infer samples in the Northeast, its presence is used to mark hazards and boat channels, as information about historical water quality. increasing at an alarming rate. Gloeo is a well as a number of additional digital HOBO Diatoms are a type of algae with a silicate shell harbinger of water quality issues and can be temperature sensors. This means we will be that is well preserved in the sediment. Certain toxic at high levels. It is essential that we able to have more chains of sensors at the species grow well in certain conditions, so the learn more about how this species spreads and deep hole of various lakes and mark them species of diatoms present will be able to tell thrives if we hope to be able to stop its properly to avoid tampering. If you see a us, for example, about how the pH and nutrient growth. white and orange LEA buoy on your lake, it is content of the lakes has changed over time. for this project! We will also continue to have Temperature Sensors – single shallow-water temperature sensors on a To undertake this project, we will work with Temperature monitoring is something we do few lakes to compare with last year’s Jasmine Saros from the University of Maine’s during our routine water testing every shallow-water data. Climate Change Institute. Jasmine is a summer. Temperature sensors, however, that paleolimnologist (a person who studies ancient can be left in the lake all season allow us to Deep Sediment Coring – lake conditions) and phytoplankton ecologist. get much more refined data by taking almost Deep sediment coring involves drilling down Her specialty is reconstructing environmental 100 measurements every day, rather than through the layers of a lake’s sediment as is and land use conditions using diatom fossil readings every two weeks. done in Arctic ice coring. We can learn a lot records. We look forward to this new These sensors are placed in the water column, about the history of a lake through its partnership and the results this study will bring.

Page 3 Visit the Holt Pond Preserve for a magical experience.

LEA High-Tech Monitoring Buoy on Highland Lake by Amanda Pratt and Colin Holme visiting the Lake Sunapee Association in New and will be adding data from our buoy to Hampshire as part of our Lake Science Center this network. LEA has done routine temperature, planning process. We then worked with Maine’s clarity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, and lake professionals and Colby College on a The advantages of the buoy are that it phosphorus sampling as part of its water pending National Science Foundation grant, automates the sampling process and enhances quality monitoring program for decades. This which would provide buoys to LEA and other it by taking multiple readings each day. Unlike sampling is carried out by interns, volunteers groups around Maine. conventional water testing which provides and LEA staff who visit lake “deep holes” data from one point in time once every two and use various equipment to collect the data. The buoy is large and yellow with solar panels weeks, we can now obtain fifty readings for This summer on Highland Lake, we will have mounted on it. There are two round mooring each parameter measured every single day a new water tester: a data monitoring buoy. buoys near it that are attached to anchors. throughout the summer. The data will be The buoy will automate some of our normal A flashing light warns nighttime boaters. uploaded wirelessly from the buoy, allowing testing parameters including chlorophyll, Similar buoys are already in use in New us to see what is happening in real time. The temperature, and dissolved oxygen to England, including on Great Pond in the additional data gathered gives us a much more augment our regular water testing protocol. Belgrade Lakes (near Waterville), at Lake detailed picture of real-time lake conditions. We will continue our bi-weekly testing on the Auburn and on Lake Sunapee. Data from lake but the buoy will substantially enhance these buoys is used by the Global Lake While this buoy is costly, we feel it is a our knowledge of the inner workings of Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON), necessary advancement of our water testing the lake and allow us to better extrapolate a worldwide network of lake researchers capabilities and our ability to network and our regular water quality testing data and groups whose mission is “to understand, communicate with other lake organizations. to the other water bodies we test. predict, and communicate the impact of It will give us experience with scientific natural and anthropogenic influences on lake advances, supporting the work of our new Our staff learned of this new technology while ecosystems.” LEA has recently joined GLEON Maine Lake Science Center. We plan to make the data available in real-time on an easy-to-understand Web site, which has been developed for Colby College’s monitoring buoy in the Belgrades. The data has a threefold purpose: to raise awareness locally, to better inform us about the condition of our lakes, and to contribute to worldwide research and knowledge about lakes. The majority of the funding for this extraordinary piece of equipment came from a generous grant from an anonymous foundation. Our original cost estimate for the buoy was based on the system that Colby College installed on Great Pond. As we began pricing components, however, we realized that, based on the oxygen depletion in Highland Lake, it would be very beneficial to our overall goals to add more oxygen sensors to the unit. Oxygen sensors are one of the more expensive components, so adding additional ones would have put the overall price of the buoy beyond our budget. To help cover this additional cost, we turned to landowners around Highland Lake and thanks to their generosity, we were A Buoy similar to the Highland Lake Buoy able to add several more oxygen sensors, making this a community endeavor.

useful data that will help us better protect In addition to that, we will conduct some deep Researcher News our lakes. sediment cores on Highland Lake. These by Amanda Pratt Last summer my projects included the will allow us to look back into the natural Summer is here once again and for the following: temperature monitoring using “historical records” of this lake and learn second year I will be working as LEA’s in-lake temperature sensors, Gloeotrichia more about how the lake’s water quality has in-house researcher, as part of our Maine sampling, and shallow sediment coring. My changed since its creation. Lake Science Center initiative. Plans for the reports for the first two projects are available Lake Science Center continue to move on the LEA Web site. The sediment project Also on Highland Lake we have a new forward and it has been exciting to be part of analysis is taking longer than expected due high-tech monitoring buoy that will enhance its evolution over the past year. My task as to laboratory issues, but we will report some of our routine lake monitoring, with the the Lake Science Center researcher is to do the results as soon as we have them. data being contributed to a global network. some extra testing in addition to the routine You can read more about these projects in water quality monitoring that is done every This year we have some exciting projects this issue of the LEA Newsletter. summer. These projects are designed in the works. We learned a lot from our through collaborations with other temperature and Gloeotrichia testing, and If you would like to contact me, my researchers to provide new, important and we’ll continue these projects this summer. email address is [email protected]

Page 4 LEA membership is an insurance policy for your property value.

Woods Pond Erosion Control Project by Colin Holme Membership News by Jenny O’Connor Big Buzz at LEA – The atmosphere at LEA has never been more electric. The staff has been working hard as the details of the Lake Science Center unfold and we look forward to sharing the excitement with our membership. LEA’s dedicated members are the most important element of this project as we move forward with the tangible steps to create what will be the first fresh water research center in Maine.

Our consistent member loyalty gives us the stability to begin this venture. We thank you for your continued support. If you are not a member or have let your membership lapse, please consider joining LEA again in the fight for clean, clear and healthy lakes. You will be helping to bring the benefit of scientific Before research to the lakes of Maine.

Woods Pond Beach Repairs Dock-to-Dock – LEA will once again make dock-to-dock visits This spring, LEA was awarded $60,000 to fix that occur as a result of local weather. To get a this summer. Look for our teams on Brandy erosion problems in the Woods Pond Watershed. better idea of what was really happening, LEA Pond, Highland Lake, Hancock Pond and This grant amount will be coupled with local grouped together ten-year intervals of data and Keoka Lake. We will take LEA’s boat around match from LEA, project partners and residents compared them to previous ten-year groupings. these lakes to answer questions about water throughout the watershed to bring the total amount Using this methodology, LEA analyzed data quality, invasive plants, erosion control and of money spent towards improving the water from many of our surrounding lakes. While no your specific concerns about your lake. If you quality of Woods Pond to over $100,000. discernible changes were seen on most of the are a property owner on one of this summer’s lakes evaluated, a few, including Woods Pond, Who is participating in the project? dock-to-dock lakes, look for a post card in showed deteriorating conditions. The results the mail that includes more information, The majority of the funding will come from the of looking at these ten year periods showed that including date (with rain date) and time. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), clarity had decreased on the pond and the nutrient Have your questions ready! specifically, section 319 of the Clean Water Act. surohpsohp , hw i hc f sdee a l eag , dah i cn r desae . On any project this size, however, the key to These findings helped spur this current initiative Annual Meeting – success is working with everyone who has an to fix erosion problems that are contributing Please join us at this year’s annual meeting on interest in keeping the pond clean. The Woods towards water quality degradation in Woods Pond. Wednesday, August 20th at Camp Fernwood Pond Water Quality Committee and the Woods Cove in Harrison. The camp’s owners have Lake Association played a key role in pushing What you can do? generously offered to host this year’s meeting. to apply for the grant and supplying general Thanks to the recent Woods Pond watershed Fernwood Cove girls’ summer camp, is located match. Camps Wildwood and Kingswood have survey, large-scale priority sites that are eligible on 220 wooded acres including sixty open acres committed to fixing erosion problems on their for funding have already been identified and property. The Town of Bridgton has promised plans are currently being developed to help and meadows fronting on sparkling Island match in the form of equipment and materials and correct these issues. The real work, however, Pond. The Camp has been working with LEA’s Portland Water District, which eventually receives lies in the numerous small and medium sized Colin Holme to find ways to improve their all the water that drains from Woods Pond, has sites that are scattered throughout the watershed, site in order to promote good water quality on provided cash match. We will also be working with often on private property. To address these areas, Island Pond. Join us at the 2014 meeting to get two private road associations within the watershed which have a substantial cumulative impact, together with friends, enjoy a delicious Good and the Cumberland County Soil and Water we will need to work with everyone and anyone in Life Market box supper and find out about Conservation District will contribute technical the watershed who is interested in fixing the erosion what’s happening at LEA. assistance and engineering guidance. LEA has that impacts the pond. Some of the most common Just email [email protected] or call LEA hired private contractor, Jeff Stern, of Fiddlehead problems we expect to encounter include eroding at 647-8580 to register. Walk-ins are also Environmental Consulting, to help implement the paths and driveways that wash dirty stormwater welcome. To reserve your box supper(s) send project. The Maine Department of Environmental to the pond or a tributary stream. Often these sites $12 for each to LEA, 230 Main Street in Protection will provide oversight and guidance can be fixed with a relatively small investment and Bridgton, 04009. If you prefer to reserve to ensure compatibility with the EPA’s overall the results can reduce overall property maintenance your dinner using your credit card visit funding goals. costs and improve aesthetics. To help encourage www.mainelakes.org or simply call the office landowners to take the first step, we are offering free with your credit card number. Why Woods Pond? technical assistance to anyone in the watershed A few years ago, LEA began looking deeper into who thinks he might have an erosion problem our existing water quality data on lakes that had plus up to $400 in funding to help defray costs. Deadline for box supper reservations is more than 20 years worth of consistently collected All work done will be based on voluntary Friday, August 15. There is no deadline for testing data. Because there are so many variables participation of landowners without regulatory meeting registration if you are not having that affect water quality, large groupings of data or enforcement ramifications. a dinner. are needed to make any inferences to overall conditions. Simply comparing nutrient levels or If you notice dirty water flowing off your lawn, water clarity from one year to another does not driveway, path or private road, please call LEA at take into account the often dramatic fluctuations 647-8580 or email [email protected] to set up

Page 5 Learn to identify Milfoil at LEA’s Lake Center Aquarium Garden.

LEA’s CBI Program Learn and Play at LEA by Mary Jewett by Mary Jewett Each summer, LEA hires a group of Courtesy . remmus siht AEL htiw nrael dna yalp emoC yalp dna nrael htiw AEL siht remmus . down the Songo River, outlining what has been Boat Inspectors (CBIs) to protect our lakes from invasive aquatic plants. The primary goal of Throughout the year, the Caplan Family done by LEA to control invasive plants and what this program is to prevent the spread of plants Environmental Education Series provides the program will focus on this summer and in from lake to lake. The secondary goal is to fun outdoor and indoor programs for all ages. the future. Participants will have an opportunity educate boaters about the importance of checking Below are some highlights. to see plant removal equipment in action and meet the dedicated group of divers making this for plants before they launch and when they The first event of the summer is a tree take their boats out of the water. program so successful. identification program for families in Bridgton’s beautiful Pondicherry Park. Come For many summers, plant pathologist, Jesse learn about the different trees in the park through Dubin, has led mushroom walks for LEA, but it fun, hands-on activities. The following week will never gets old! Jesse always finds different and also give families an opportunity to come out exciting mushrooms at the Holt Pond Preserve. for a treasure hunt in the park. Follow the clues The type and number of mushrooms found and solve the puzzle to win prizes! depends on the weather throughout an entire season. There is always something new to learn Back by popular demand this summer is Danielle and it is fascinating to see how many different D’Auria, a wildlife biologist with the Maine mushrooms can be found in one small place. This Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. year, Jesse will also offer an indoor power point Last summer, Danielle’s Great Blue Heron presentation introducing mushroom taxonomy CBI Inspections in Maine presentation attracted a capacity crowd. and common types in Maine. The demand Great blue herons are one of the most beautiful for this program is high, so sign up early to The CBI program was first implemented in Maine birds to inhabit our lakes during the summer. save a spot. in 2001 but was developed and piloted by LEA Although they look a little like a pterodactyl in in 2000. The first inspections were done during flight, watching them walking gracefully along These are just a few of the amazing walks and the summer of 2000 on Long Lake and the the shoreline is a stunning sight. The great talks being offered this summer. Check out success of that experience led to the adoption blue heron is often touted as one of the the full summer schedule in this newsletter of the program statewide. During that first year, 2,848 boats were inspected. By 2013, that number most widespread and adaptable birds in for specific dates and times for each program. had risen to an impressive 80,003 boats! Over the North America. Here in Maine they are Due to the popularity of the programs we past twelve years, hundreds of plant fragments have certainly widespread, but recent data has will iuqer er tsiger-erp tar noi rof la l stneve . been found and removed from boats. The cost of suggested a decline in their breeding population. LEA members will be given preference. the CBI program is funded jointly by individual Concerns over a population decline prompted If you have any questions or would like to towns and lake associations, donations from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and register for any of the events please contact Mary concerned citizens and grants from the Maine Wildlife to conduct a comprehensive survey at 647-8580 or email [email protected]. DEP. The state grants are funded by proceeds of breeding colonies in 2009, and to begin a from the Maine Lake and River Protection statewide adopt-a-colony program called the The Caplan Family Environmental Education sticker which each boater is required to purchase. Heron Observation Network. This is your chance Series at LEA is made possible through the Grants from sticker revenues also help pay to learn more about Maine’s largest colonial generous support of Hu and Ray Caplan and for plant control programs like LEA’s Brandy wading bird and its close relatives. their family. Dr. and Mrs. Caplan have been Pond - Songo River Project. Also last summer, a group of hardy LEA members and directors of LEA since the Since its inception, LEA has worked to improve members trekked out to Holt Pond with us mid 1970s. The Caplans recognize the vital . ae r a ec i v r e s r uo n i mar go r p IBC eh t dnapxe dna dnapxe t eh IBC p r go mar i n uo r s e r v i ec a r ae . to go “dragon hunting.” Dragonflies are importance of education in all aspects of We currently inspect at thirteen launch sites on beautiful and varied creatures. The enthusiasm to LEA’s work in protecting the Lake Region’s ten different lakes, including Sebago, which has find and catch these elusive creatures was endless most important resource and asset: its bodies areas of dense milfoil patches. The Towns of of water and watersheds. Bridgton, Harrison, Naples and Waterford all and the event lasted close provide funding support as do lake associations to four hours in some of on Hancock Pond, Keoka Lake, Moose Pond, the hottest weather of Peabody Pond and Trickey Pond. the summer. This July, we will try to top the six Here is where you will find LEA boat species of dragonflies we inspectors this summer: Crystal Lake – Harrison, caught and released last Hancock Pond – Denmark, Highland Lake – year. Come out and help Bridgton, Keoka Lake – Waterford, Long Lake us with our goal! Nets – Bridgton, Naples and Harrison, Moose Pond – Bridgton and Denmark, Peabody Pond – Sebago, will be provided but there Sebago Lake State Park – Naples, Songo River – are only enough nets Naples and Trickey Pond – Naples. for twelve participants so sign up early! Education Director, Adam Perron, will be leading a new program this summer designed to educate the community about one of our most important projects: Milfoil removal. Adam will take a group Grass Pink Orchid of canoeists and kayakers

Page 6 An algae bloom can be caused by 15 parts per billion of phosphorus.

Research on “tipping points,” best management family. A log home and garage on the property will opportunity to combine field training and classrooms practices and remediation needs to be addressed in a be repurposed to create three researcher housing in the same location because of its diversity of natural timely manner to avert significant damage to our units, a fifty-seat conference room and a new features. fresh water resources and the economic base of education center for expanded school and adult • LEA pioneered consultations to educate landowners Maine towns. There is a sense of urgency expressed programs. At the pinnacle of the educational about conservation practices Demonstration sites best by a quote from the Maine Lakes Society: process is research. The basic needs for researchers “Lake scientists estimate that we have less than two are housing, meeting space, work space and lab showing these practices will be a key feature of the decades to make the changes required to preserve facilities. There are currently university classes and new property. our lakes – or we will lose them forever.” researchers anxious to use the new space and we • LEA and the Maine Lakes Society formed an alliance have hired a staff researcher, Amanda Pratt, for her Concern about lake health led to LEA’s Maine Lake of lake associations known as the Maine Lake Leaders second year. Science Center initiative which seeks to expand our to educate, inform and share. LEA will expand understanding of water quality and what we need to While research is the culmination of the training and networking opportunities for statewide do to keep our lakes clean. Through new partnerships educational process, education at all levels is groups by offering in-depth and multi-day courses. with academic institutions and strengthened essential. LEA has a rich history of natural Maine Lakes and their watersheds comprise much of partnerships with municipalities, public schools, resource education, beginning 25 years ago. With the land area of a majority of Maine towns, yet businesses, land use professionals and lake groups, two full-time educators and a staff experienced in relatively few resources have been devoted to their LEA intends to inform, initiate and support stronger water quality, land use laws and watershed issues, study and protection. State programs have historically conservation standards and practices. The natural our target audiences are diverse: resources of the Lakes Region underpin the economy been the first victims of budget cuts and research needs • K-12 education is the cornerstone. We reach more and quality of life for residents and visitors. to be encouraged, expanded and supported. Most of the than 1,100 students each year through regular Degradation of these fragile resources could be study, education and advocacy are being accomplished classroom visits and field trips to Pondicherry Park by a handful of regional lake associations with limited catastrophic. Our expanding research is defining the and our Holt Pond Preserve. LEA has two vulnerability and providing the scientific basis for resources. The crisis with invasive aquatic plants has after-school programs and a summer day camp. The placed a further burden on their capacity. The LEA action. This is a community challenge which calls for Center will allow us to expand service and conduct broad understanding of the issues and public support Board of Directors, the Lake Science Advisory Board programs right at the park. LEA is welcomed in and the LEA staff view the Maine Lake Science Center for changes in the way we exercise stewardship. dozens of classrooms because field trips and as the next logical step in LEA’s strategic development An Advisory Board has been formed with researchers hands-on learning are in decline. We use the Next from Maine to California who represent a full range of Generation Science Standards to design all and a rare opportunity to accomplish our mission disciplines to guide this process. The Maine Lake curriculums. These materials are readily shared before irreversible damage is done. Science Center will be a powerful voice for change with other groups and schools throughout Maine. LEA has refined a budget of $408,000 for the purchase of the property and construction work. This throughout Maine and beyond. • Decision makers, municipal boards and land use figure assumes significant in-kind labor to do This summer, LEA will purchase 17 acres of professionals will be engaged through training demolition of interior walls, basic carpentry and woodlands abutting Pondicherry Park from the Flint workshops. The Flint property will offer the painting. $175,000 was slated for property purchase. Site work for a parking area, access road upgrade and new septic system will cost an estimated $75,500. The remaining $157,500 will cover building reconstruction and furnishings. Cost estimates have been generated after consultations with local contractors. Sustainability of the Center will be accomplished primarily through collaborative grants with colleges and universities targeting natural resource research and education. We already have strong relationships with several institutions and the University of Southern Maine is working with us to explore the establishment of a regional collaborative for place-based learning and research. A $400,000 endowment will be established to cover basic operating costs, facility maintenance and to endow a staff researcher. We will begin regional fundraising this summer and hope to have the Center operational by 2015. LEA has researched the operations and management of similar organizations in other states, thoughtfully and thoroughly planned the development of the Center, and has assembled the critical personnel resources necessary to carry out its development. The Center is an exciting but crucial step in LEA’s long tradition of lake protection. Our loyal supporters have brought us to the point where we can develop this remarkable dream and accomplish it for the sake of our lakes and future generations. Our lead gift for the Center has already come from the anonymous foundation that has provided support for LEA’s Milfoil Team, our lake researcher, Pondicherry Park, a remote sensing buoy and LEA educators. The Kendal and Anna Ham Charitable Foundation has provided a substantial grant as well. Additional funding has come from the Morton- Kelly Foundation and the Davis Conservation Foundation, and other requests are pending. Contributions from Gerry and Jane Haviland and the Estate of Elise Goldman have initiated the public fundraising campaign which will continue for the next year. Gerry oversaw the construction of LEA’s headquarters building in 1995 and Elise was an LEA founder, along with her husband, Morty. As always, our loyal and longstanding friends have set the stage for this watershed moment in LEA’s history of stewardship in the Lake Region. As kids growing up on Highland Lake, we never saw algae clouds that look like green cotton candy. The sand and gravel of the lake bottom was always clean and the rocks were clear of sediment. Unfortunately, these simple indicators of water quality decline are now widespread. Our work over 43 years has led us to conclude that Maine lakes are degrading because of continued watershed development and decline is being accelerated by climate change. All of our lakes have changed over the past few decades, and their future is certainly in doubt.

Lake Science Center and Education Opportunities by Adam Perron and Mary Jewett the places that the students know and connect without relying on a third party venue as we

to the best. When students see knowledge in have in the past. The creation of the Lake Science Center will action they are inspired to put their knowledge The new location is conveniently nestled bring active scientific research to the Lakes into action to address local issues. The Lake in the interior of Pondicherry Park and is Region on a scale the community has not Science Center’s resources will serve to create seen before. As an institution, the Lakes an avenue by which students and teachers within walking distance of Stevens Brook Science Center is designed to draw can explore opportunities for community Elementary School. Students and park researchers to pursue answers to questions and service-based learning projects to satisfy visitors will easily be able to visit the about the quality and lasting health of our their own questions and concerns for their Lake Science Center’s education area . lakes. The influx of inquiry will create many community, all of which can be done while The education area will play host to opportunities to further LEA’s community interacting with professional scientists. LEA’s after-school programs and smalle r and school-based education programs. community events that do not require use As a facility, the Center will allow LEA new of the full conference space. On average, LEA reaches around 1,100 opportunities to create public education students between 4th and 9th grade per year. programs and offer them to more people. The Lakes Science Center will be a nexus The school-based programs are designed In the summer, our Caplan Series often of community and school-based education to foster a lasting interest in science and draws participants beyond the capacity of and active science where people will have stewardship within the community, while LEA’s Maine Street headquarters. The main the opportunity to participate by answering providing standards-based augmentation room of the Lake Science Center will offer important questions about our lakes and to the schools’ preexisting curricula. The greater capacity, allowing our programs to their watersheds. It will serve to harness the ongoing research at the Lake Science Center reach a wider audience. creative energies of LEA’s educators and will give LEA’s educators an opportunity to their collaborators, who will continu e link their classroom curricula and students Along with a greater capacity will come to expand upon lasting and productive to active and ongoing research happening in the ability to book renowned speakers partnerships. Milfoil Control on the Songo River Waterway by Adam Perron 2014 will also see a continuation of our 7,200 square feet of burlap barrier at two People often ask if we become discouraged experiment to develop a decomposing bottom locations. working on the milfoil in the Songo River, barrier. Bottom barriers are designed to sit on the bottom of a water body and starve invasive Our ongoing observations of the material’s and they are usually surprised to hear that the efficacy and durability will become the basis of plants of sunlight, thereby killing them. In the opposite is true, and now more than ever. whether or not the DEP will recommend and past, LEA has constructed barriers out of lawn This year, the Milfoil Control Team will see permit this method for other organizations. So major work at the outlet of the Songo River. tarps, landscape fabric, and marine shrink far, the burlap seems to be effective, however In the past, we found our victories by wrap. All of those materials are buoyant and much more time is needed to determine the adjusting our scope to a small scale and must be weighed down. They also must be re-colonization rates of the treated area and the looking at single patches in an oxbow or a retrieved. Recovery of the traditional plastic longevity of the material. If successful, this certain stretch of river knowing there was bottom barriers is a significant labor sink. experiment could change the way LEA and more work just around the bend. This year, other organizations conduct their plant control the next bend is around the sandbar and opens Last summer, with permission from the in the future. This will be a busy summer for into Sebago Lake. Department of Environmental Protection, LEA the Milfoil Control Team. With the return of six began experimenting with burlap barriers of the crew’s eight members, we are poised for another successful season and have more Removing a patch of milfoil represents a designed to decompose on the river bottom capacity than ever to pursue our goals. multi-year commitment and there are still active after killing the milfoil. Last July, LEA laid worksites all along the river south of the lock. In order to address the thick patches we see at the end of the river and complete the work that is required in previously-worked areas, we have split the crew into two four-person crews. The first crew will continue to operate our large diver-assisted suction harvester, or DASH, the S.S. Libra, and focus on the thick unmitigated patches in the Thompson Point area. The second crew will man our new DASH boat, the S.S. Jim Allen, and make its primary focus surveying and removing re-growth in areas that have already been managed in previous seasons. We project that by the end of this season all of the major patches in the Songo River will be removed, leaving us with the task of removing re-growth and new infestations in the coming seasons.

With the bulk of the work in the Songo River behind us, and two staffed DASH boats at our disposal, the Milfoil Control Team will soon begin work in the Songo Bayou. A successful summer will allow us to work in the Bayou by An LEA Diver Pulling Milfoil August.

Page 7 Hike Pondicherry Park and the Stevens Brook Trail.

Research on “tipping points,” best management family. A log home and garage on the property will opportunity to combine field training and classrooms practices and remediation needs to be addressed in a be repurposed to create three researcher housing in the same location because of its diversity of natural timely manner to avert significant damage to our units, a fifty-seat conference room and a new features. fresh water resources and the economic base of education center for expanded school and adult • LEA pioneered consultations to educate landowners Maine towns. There is a sense of urgency expressed programs. At the pinnacle of the educational about conservation practices Demonstration sites best by a quote from the Maine Lakes Society: process is research. The basic needs for researchers “Lake scientists estimate that we have less than two are housing, meeting space, work space and lab showing these practices will be a key feature of the decades to make the changes required to preserve facilities. There are currently university classes and new property. our lakes – or we will lose them forever.” researchers anxious to use the new space and we • LEA and the Maine Lakes Society formed an alliance have hired a staff researcher, Amanda Pratt, for her Concern about lake health led to LEA’s Maine Lake of lake associations known as the Maine Lake Leaders second year. Science Center initiative which seeks to expand our to educate, inform and share. LEA will expand understanding of water quality and what we need to While research is the culmination of the training and networking opportunities for statewide do to keep our lakes clean. Through new partnerships educational process, education at all levels is groups by offering in-depth and multi-day courses. with academic institutions and strengthened essential. LEA has a rich history of natural Maine Lakes and their watersheds comprise much of partnerships with municipalities, public schools, resource education, beginning 25 years ago. With the land area of a majority of Maine towns, yet businesses, land use professionals and lake groups, two full-time educators and a staff experienced in relatively few resources have been devoted to their LEA intends to inform, initiate and support stronger water quality, land use laws and watershed issues, study and protection. State programs have historically conservation standards and practices. The natural our target audiences are diverse: resources of the Lakes Region underpin the economy been the first victims of budget cuts and research needs • K-12 education is the cornerstone. We reach more and quality of life for residents and visitors. to be encouraged, expanded and supported. Most of the than 1,100 students each year through regular Degradation of these fragile resources could be study, education and advocacy are being accomplished classroom visits and field trips to Pondicherry Park by a handful of regional lake associations with limited catastrophic. Our expanding research is defining the and our Holt Pond Preserve. LEA has two vulnerability and providing the scientific basis for resources. The crisis with invasive aquatic plants has after-school programs and a summer day camp. The placed a further burden on their capacity. The LEA action. This is a community challenge which calls for Center will allow us to expand service and conduct broad understanding of the issues and public support Board of Directors, the Lake Science Advisory Board programs right at the park. LEA is welcomed in and the LEA staff view the Maine Lake Science Center for changes in the way we exercise stewardship. dozens of classrooms because field trips and as the next logical step in LEA’s strategic development An Advisory Board has been formed with researchers hands-on learning are in decline. We use the Next from Maine to California who represent a full range of Generation Science Standards to design all and a rare opportunity to accomplish our mission disciplines to guide this process. The Maine Lake curriculums. These materials are readily shared before irreversible damage is done. Science Center will be a powerful voice for change with other groups and schools throughout Maine. LEA has refined a budget of $408,000 for the purchase of the property and construction work. This throughout Maine and beyond. • Decision makers, municipal boards and land use figure assumes significant in-kind labor to do This summer, LEA will purchase 17 acres of professionals will be engaged through training demolition of interior walls, basic carpentry and woodlands abutting Pondicherry Park from the Flint workshops. The Flint property will offer the painting. $175,000 was slated for property purchase. Site work for a parking area, access road upgrade and new septic system will cost an estimated $75,500. The remaining $157,500 will cover building reconstruction and furnishings. Cost estimates have been generated after consultations with local contractors. Sustainability of the Center will be accomplished primarily through collaborative grants with colleges and universities targeting natural resource research and education. We already have strong relationships with several institutions and the University of Southern Maine is working with us to explore the establishment of a regional collaborative for place-based learning and research. A $400,000 endowment will be established to cover basic operating costs, facility maintenance and to endow a staff researcher. We will begin regional fundraising this summer and hope to have the Center operational by 2015. LEA has researched the operations and management of similar organizations in other states, thoughtfully and thoroughly planned the development of the Center, and has assembled the critical personnel resources necessary to carry out its development. The Center is an exciting but crucial step in LEA’s long tradition of lake protection. Our loyal supporters have brought us to the point where we can develop this remarkable dream and accomplish it for the sake of our lakes and future generations. Our lead gift for the Center has already come from the anonymous foundation that has provided support for LEA’s Milfoil Team, our lake researcher, Pondicherry Park, a remote sensing buoy and LEA educators. The Kendal and Anna Ham Charitable Foundation has provided a substantial grant as well. Additional funding has come from the Morton- Kelly Foundation and the Davis Conservation Foundation, and other requests are pending. Contributions from Gerry and Jane Haviland and the Estate of Elise Goldman have initiated the public fundraising campaign which will continue for the next year. Gerry oversaw the construction of LEA’s headquarters building in 1995 and Elise was an LEA founder, along with her husband, Morty. As always, our loyal and longstanding friends have set the stage for this watershed moment in LEA’s history of stewardship in the Lake Region. As kids growing up on Highland Lake, we never saw algae clouds that look like green cotton candy. The sand and gravel of the lake bottom was always clean and the rocks were clear of sediment. Unfortunately, these simple indicators of water quality decline are now widespread. Our work over 43 years has led us to conclude that Maine lakes are degrading because of continued watershed development and decline is being accelerated by climate change. All of our lakes have changed over the past few decades, and their future is certainly in doubt.

Tar Sands – Remember the Lessons of Mayﬂower Here There Be Dragons! by Mary Jewett Research on “tipping points,” best management family. A log home and garage on the property will opportunity to combine field training and classrooms by Peter Lowell practices and remediation needs to be addressed in a be repurposed to create three researcher housing Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata in the same location because of its diversity of natural This spring, LEA staff made a return visit to Mayflower, Arkansas, to check on the aftermath of timely manner to avert significant damage to our units, a fifty-seat conference room and a new features. family) are an important part of any healthy fresh water resources and the economic base of education center for expanded school and adult the oil spill that occurred there last March. Gone was much of the evidence of a catastrophe that • LEA pioneered consultations to educate landowners freshwater ecosystem. Dragonflies are Maine towns. There is a sense of urgency expressed programs. At the pinnacle of the educational we saw in October of 2013. The forested wetland that had been stripped and turned into a mud flat about conservation practices Demonstration sites in the scramble to excavate contaminated soil had been re-vegetated with grass. But, the sensitive to pollution so if you find the best by a quote from the Maine Lakes Society: process is research. The basic needs for researchers “Lake scientists estimate that we have less than two are housing, meeting space, work space and lab showing these practices will be a key feature of the neighborhood where the oil burst from the ground was missing three homes whose foundations larvae or adults, you probably have a new property. decades to make the changes required to preserve facilities. There are currently university classes and were so oil-soaked that they could not be salvaged. Despite what had happened there, the town had healthy water supply nearby. Members of • our lakes – or we will lose them forever.” researchers anxious to use the new space and we LEA and the Maine Lakes Society formed an alliance the appearance of normalcy. the Odonata family are carnivores, which have hired a staff researcher, Amanda Pratt, for her of lake associations known as the Maine Lake Leaders Concern about lake health led to LEA’s Maine Lake Mayflower’s recovery was heartening, but the core issues with tar sands oil remain and have means they eat other flying insects. In most second year. to educate, inform and share. LEA will expand Science Center initiative which seeks to expand our become even more significant for the Lakes Region. Since last year, the Canadian government has cases, this means the nasty mosquitoes and understanding of water quality and what we need to While research is the culmination of the training and networking opportunities for statewide cleared the way for the oil to be piped across the country to Montreal. This leaves only one leg of black flies we love so much here in Maine. do to keep our lakes clean. Through new partnerships educational process, education at all levels is groups by offering in-depth and multi-day courses. transportation between the oil and the Sebago Lake watershed – the Portland Pipeline. with academic institutions and strengthened essential. LEA has a rich history of natural Dragons are excellent predators, flying up Maine Lakes and their watersheds comprise much of Last year, LEA asked the pipeline company to provide information on the manufacturing process partnerships with municipalities, public schools, resource education, beginning 25 years ago. With to 30 miles per hour to catch their prey. In the land area of a majority of Maine towns, yet used to make their pipe. The spokesman we talked with would not release that information, which businesses, land use professionals and lake groups, two full-time educators and a staff experienced in many of the LEA school programs, children relatively few resources have been devoted to their is the key to determining our level of concern. The Portland line is the same vintage as the LEA intends to inform, initiate and support stronger water quality, land use laws and watershed issues, learn about how important aquatic insects, study and protection. State programs have historically Mayflower system, which failed because of manufacturing defects inherent in pipe that was made conservation standards and practices. The natural our target audiences are diverse: resources of the Lakes Region underpin the economy been the first victims of budget cuts and research needs including those in the Odonata family, are • K-12 education is the cornerstone. We reach more using old welding techniques. Without that information, it is impossible to assess risk. and quality of life for residents and visitors. to be encouraged, expanded and supported. Most of the to the wetland ecosystems within our than 1,100 students each year through regular The other issue with tar sands that sets them apart from other petroleum products is the fact that Degradation of these fragile resources could be study, education and advocacy are being accomplished watersheds. When a wetland becomes classroom visits and field trips to Pondicherry Park by a handful of regional lake associations with limited they sink in water. They are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to remove from bottom catastrophic. Our expanding research is defining the and our Holt Pond Preserve. LEA has two polluted, the dragonflies will leave. They vulnerability and providing the scientific basis for resources. The crisis with invasive aquatic plants has sediments once they spill. The Central Arkansas Water Company and the Arkansas Attorney after-school programs and a summer day camp. The placed a further burden on their capacity. The LEA General’s Office both emphasized this when we met with them last fall. Even if you consider provide a low-tech way for scientists and action. This is a community challenge which calls for Center will allow us to expand service and conduct broad understanding of the issues and public support Board of Directors, the Lake Science Advisory Board modern pipelines to be safe, you citizen scientists to study the health of our programs right at the park. LEA is welcomed in and the LEA staff view the Maine Lake Science Center for changes in the way we exercise stewardship. dozens of classrooms because field trips and still have to recognize the risks of watersheds. as the next logical step in LEA’s strategic development An Advisory Board has been formed with researchers hands-on learning are in decline. We use the Next old pipes and a very serious from Maine to California who represent a full range of Generation Science Standards to design all and a rare opportunity to accomplish our mission before irreversible damage is done. contaminant. Lake Region disciplines to guide this process. The Maine Lake curriculums. These materials are readily shared residents and those in South Science Center will be a powerful voice for change with other groups and schools throughout Maine. LEA has refined a budget of $408,000 for the purchase of the property and construction work. This Portland where the pipeline throughout Maine and beyond. • Decision makers, municipal boards and land use terminates must be on alert for the figure assumes significant in-kind labor to do This summer, LEA will purchase 17 acres of professionals will be engaged through training demolition of interior walls, basic carpentry and increased possibility of tar sands workshops. The Flint property will offer the woodlands abutting Pondicherry Park from the Flint painting. $175,000 was slated for property purchase. flowing here. Site work for a parking area, access road upgrade and Sad Note: new septic system will cost an estimated $75,500. One week after our visit to May- The remaining $157,500 will cover building flower, the town was the epicenter of reconstruction and furnishings. a powerful tornado, which destroyed Cost estimates have been generated after consultations Oil Pipeline and Water Main Above Inlet to Sebago Lake Dragonfly Likes LEA homes, businesses and woodland. with local contractors. Sustainability of the Center will be accomplished primarily through collaborative grants with colleges and universities targeting natural resource research and education. We already have strong impartiality, cooperation and innovation. relationships with several institutions and the University Special thanks should go to Diane Potvin of of Southern Maine is working with us to explore the Raymond who asked Representative establishment of a regional collaborative for place-based The 2014 Milfoil Bill learning and research. A $400,000 endowment will be by Peter Lowell McClellan to introduce the bill and to Mike established to cover basic operating costs, facility Relentless voter encouragement and McClellan who navigated the legislative mine maintenance and to endow a staff researcher. We will More than a decade after the original “Milfoil continuous updates by the Maine Lakes field through hard work and resolve. Governor begin regional fundraising this summer and hope to have Bill” passed the Maine Legislature, a new bill Society, Maine Audubon and LEA resulted in a LePage and IF&W Committee members the Center operational by 2015. will significantly modify a long-standing tidal wave of pleas to legislators and the deserve great credit for an innovative solution, funding inequity. The Lakes Environmental LEA has researched the operations and management Governor to pass the bill. Then the magic along with many individual legislators who of similar organizations in other states, thoughtfully Association played a pivotal role in the occurred. A strong case had been made and responded to their constituents concerns and and thoroughly planned the development of the passage of both bills, but they succeeded under everyone seemed to want to do something studied the issues and options. Center, and has assembled the critical personnel very different circumstances. The original significant. Following extensive negotiations, resources necessary to carry out its development. The legislation was hard fought and passed the Center is an exciting but crucial step in LEA’s long it was decided to re-allocate half of the funding The Maine lakes community has earned Maine House by only one vote. LEA joined tradition of lake protection. Our loyal supporters have originally designated to the Department of superlative support and recognition from the the Maine Lakes Conservancy and the Greater State. Dozens of groups worked in concert to brought us to the point where we can develop this Inland Fisheries and Wildlife from sticker remarkable dream and accomplish it for the sake of Lovell Land Trust to form a political action revenues. In committee work sessions, it had make this happen. Water quality was our lakes and future generations. committee to press for a strong Invasive been revealed that the department carried a recognized as an economic engine for Maine Aquatic Plant Program. That effort was as political leaders and citizens stood together Our lead gift for the Center has already come from the significant “surplus” of sticker monies. Thus, anonymous foundation that has provided support for to protect these exceptional natural resources. crucial to passing the original “Milfoil Bill”. approximately $240,000 will be added to the LEA’s Milfoil Team, our lake researcher, The 2014 Milfoil Bill was directed at $80,000 DEP traditionally provided to plant The year 2014 will be remembered as a great Pondicherry Park, a remote sensing buoy and LEA obtaining meaningful funding for those control programs each year. year for Maine lakes. educators. The Kendal and Anna Ham Charitable Foundation has provided a substantial grant as well. groups conducting actual plant control work. This remarkable law change passed the Additional funding has come from the Morton- Kelly LEA made the case that funding for their work Foundation and the Davis Conservation Foundation, was inadequate given the enormous costs Legislature unanimously because of and other requests are pending. Contributions from involved and the extensive volunteer and overwhelming bipartisan support. Those spending Gerry and Jane Haviland and the Estate of Elise financial match they provided. While the hundreds of thousands of dollars to clean Goldman have initiated the public fundraising original funding source tagged in Maine’s lakes now have a new source of campaign which will continue for the next year. Gerry oversaw the construction of LEA’s Representative Mike McClellan’s bill was an funding that will allow their efforts to continue and expand and will certainly foster headquarters building in 1995 and Elise was an LEA increase in the Milfoil sticker fee, that idea founder, along with her husband, Morty. As always, was stiffly opposed by Governor LePage and new programs where they are most needed. our loyal and longstanding friends have set the stage Republican members of the Inland Fisheries It is rare to see government and politicians for this watershed moment in LEA’s history of and Wildlife Committee. respond so well to voter wishes with stewardship in the Lake Region.

Page 8 Always test your soil before applying fertilizer. As kids growing up on Highland Lake, we never saw algae clouds that look like green cotton candy. The sand and gravel of the lake bottom was always clean and the rocks were clear of sediment. Unfortunately, these simple indicators of water quality decline are now widespread. Our work over 43 years has led us to conclude that Maine lakes are degrading because of continued watershed development and decline is being accelerated by climate change. All of our lakes have changed over the past few decades, and their future is certainly in doubt.

The Maine Lake Science Center – Now a Reality Continued from page 1 Research on “tipping points,” best management family. A log home and garage on the property will opportunity to combine field training and classrooms practices and remediation needs to be addressed in a be repurposed to create three researcher housing in the same location because of its diversity of natural timely manner to avert significant damage to our units, a fifty-seat conference room and a new features. fresh water resources and the economic base of education center for expanded school and adult • LEA pioneered consultations to educate landowners Maine towns. There is a sense of urgency expressed programs. At the pinnacle of the educational best by a quote from the Maine Lakes Society: process is research. The basic needs for researchers about conservation practices Demonstration sites “Lake scientists estimate that we have less than two are housing, meeting space, work space and lab showing these practices will be a key feature of the decades to make the changes required to preserve facilities. There are currently university classes and new property. our lakes – or we will lose them forever.” researchers anxious to use the new space and we • LEA and the Maine Lakes Society formed an alliance have hired a staff researcher, Amanda Pratt, for her Concern about lake health led to LEA’s Maine Lake of lake associations known as the Maine Lake Leaders second year. Science Center initiative which seeks to expand our to educate, inform and share. LEA will expand understanding of water quality and what we need to While research is the culmination of the training and networking opportunities for statewide do to keep our lakes clean. Through new partnerships educational process, education at all levels is groups by offering in-depth and multi-day courses. with academic institutions and strengthened essential. LEA has a rich history of natural Maine Lakes and their watersheds comprise much of partnerships with municipalities, public schools, resource education, beginning 25 years ago. With the land area of a majority of Maine towns, yet businesses, land use professionals and lake groups, two full-time educators and a staff experienced in relatively few resources have been devoted to their LEA intends to inform, initiate and support stronger water quality, land use laws and watershed issues, study and protection. State programs have historically conservation standards and practices. The natural our target audiences are diverse: resources of the Lakes Region underpin the economy been the first victims of budget cuts and research needs • K-12 education is the cornerstone. We reach more and quality of life for residents and visitors. to be encouraged, expanded and supported. Most of the than 1,100 students each year through regular Degradation of these fragile resources could be study, education and advocacy are being accomplished classroom visits and field trips to Pondicherry Park by a handful of regional lake associations with limited catastrophic. Our expanding research is defining the and our Holt Pond Preserve. LEA has two vulnerability and providing the scientific basis for resources. The crisis with invasive aquatic plants has after-school programs and a summer day camp. The placed a further burden on their capacity. The LEA action. This is a community challenge which calls for Center will allow us to expand service and conduct broad understanding of the issues and public support Board of Directors, the Lake Science Advisory Board programs right at the park. LEA is welcomed in and the LEA staff view the Maine Lake Science Center for changes in the way we exercise stewardship. dozens of classrooms because field trips and as the next logical step in LEA’s strategic development An Advisory Board has been formed with researchers hands-on learning are in decline. We use the Next from Maine to California who represent a full range of Generation Science Standards to design all and a rare opportunity to accomplish our mission disciplines to guide this process. The Maine Lake curriculums. These materials are readily shared before irreversible damage is done. Science Center will be a powerful voice for change with other groups and schools throughout Maine. LEA has refined a budget of $408,000 for the purchase of the property and construction work. This throughout Maine and beyond. • Decision makers, municipal boards and land use figure assumes significant in-kind labor to do This summer, LEA will purchase 17 acres of professionals will be engaged through training demolition of interior walls, basic carpentry and woodlands abutting Pondicherry Park from the Flint workshops. The Flint property will offer the painting. $175,000 was slated for property purchase. Site work for a parking area, access road upgrade and new septic system will cost an estimated $75,500. The remaining $157,500 will cover building reconstruction and furnishings. Cost estimates have been generated after consultations with local contractors. Sustainability of the Center will be accomplished primarily through collaborative grants with colleges and universities targeting natural resource research and education. We already have strong relationships with several institutions and the University of Southern Maine is working with us to explore the establishment of a regional collaborative for place-based learning and research. A $400,000 endowment will be established to cover basic operating costs, facility maintenance and to endow a staff researcher. We will begin regional fundraising this summer and hope to have the Center operational by 2015. LEA has researched the operations and management of similar organizations in other states, thoughtfully and thoroughly planned the development of the Center, and has assembled the critical personnel resources necessary to carry out its development. The Center is an exciting but crucial step in LEA’s long tradition of lake protection. Our loyal supporters have brought us to the point where we can develop this remarkable dream and accomplish it for the sake of our lakes and future generations. Our lead gift for the Center has already come from the anonymous foundation that has provided support for LEA’s Milfoil Team, our lake researcher, Pondicherry Park, a remote sensing buoy and LEA educators. The Kendal and Anna Ham Charitable Foundation has provided a substantial grant as well. Additional funding has come from the Morton- Kelly Foundation and the Davis Conservation Foundation, and other requests are pending. Contributions from Gerry and Jane Haviland and the Estate of Elise Goldman have initiated the public fundraising campaign which will continue for the next year. Gerry oversaw the construction of LEA’s headquarters building in 1995 and Elise was an LEA founder, along with her husband, Morty. As always, our loyal and longstanding friends have set the stage for this watershed moment in LEA’s history of stewardship in the Lake Region.

Page 9 Encourage your neighbors and friends to join LEA. LEA Education Programs for 2013-2014 by Adam Perron and Mary Jewett The Lakes Environmental Association’s education Sixth Grade: Living Connections Program – Lake Region High School – programs are designed to strengthen watershed and The Living Connections Program is a year-long Ninth grade students at Lake Region High School environmental literacy in the Lake Region. They are watershed education program. LEA’s watershed work with LEA in the year-long program Watershed designed to create opportunities for life-long learning educator visits classrooms twice each month to Connections. The focus of the program’s ten through place-based curricula offered in partnership teach students about Earth systems, focusing on lessons is the interaction between human use of with local public schools and as community members. the hydrosphere. Students begin the year with the land and how we influence the quality of our LEA’s educators work to offer programs that foster an exploration of water properties. Lessons on natural resources, particularly water. Lessons a love for nature and create a citizenry which watersheds, the water cycle, groundwater, aquatic use a local and global perspective to cover topics thinks critically about environmental issues with insects, trout ecology, and wetlands create a ranging from drinking water quality and supply the necessary skills to participate in its stewardship. foundation for understanding interactions between and global climate change to municipal and state Please see the summary of programs below. the hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere. The shoreland zoning laws. Students visit nearby vernal second part of the year focuses on threats to water pools and streams comparing pollution tolerance Fourth Grade: Place Program – quality, including invasive species and erosion. This of invertebrate communities to land-use practices The Place Program in 4th grade is a year-long series portion of the curriculum introduces the concept with the watershed. Students in the Natural Science of lessons designed to introduce students to the that human actions can affect the quality of Earth’s Academy at LRHS work with LEA in preparation natural world through quantitative and qualitative data systems. The culmination of this program is the for the Envirothon, an academic competition collection techniques. Each month, students at Stevens Hey You! Cruise (see below). The Adopt-a-Trout focused on forestry, aquatics, wildlife, soils and Brook, Songo Lock, and Harrison Elementary Schools program is an additional component, as students raise a special topic. This year’s special topic was explore the woods behind their schools to collect brook trout from eggs to fry and release them into sustainable agriculture. LEA’s involvement with weather data and to write in a nature journal. Through local rivers. the group centered on soils and aquatics and included these two data collection techniques, students learn a water testing field trip on Long Lake. On a more about their local environment and cycles of change on “Hey You! Cruise” – individualized basis, LEA provides internships monthly and seasonal time scales. In June, echoes of “Hey You!” ring out over Long and courtesy boat inspector and milfoil control Lake as students participate in the annual “Hey You! Fifth Grade: Soil Science – job experiences to many high school students. Cruises” on the Songo River Queen in Naples. The These experiences enhance students’ college The Soil Science program in fifth grade at Stevens “Hey You! Cruises” serve as the culminating activity Brook, Songo Lock and Harrison Elementary school applications and provide real exposure to for students in the Living Connections Program and as environmental career options. is a three-day unit on soil ecology. This program is a special program for students at Madison Elementary inquiry-based, as students generate independent in Oxford and Sebago Elementary. Volunteer actors Nature Explorers Camp – research questions that help guide their explorations at stations along the east and west shores pretend At a time when computers and television tend of soils. In the introductory lesson, students collect and to do things that are harmful for water quality, such to dominate kids’ lives, Nature Explorers Camp analyze a soil sample from behind their schools. In the as bringing in sand to a beach, cutting down the encourages kids to get outside and develop an second lesson, they extend their learning about soil vegetative buffer, or taking a bath in the lake. Students appreciation for and understanding of the natural to examine soil samples from different ecosystems. on the cruise have learned over the course of the year world. Based at Holt Pond, the goal of Nature They also use hands-on demonstrations to explore that these actions degrade water quality. So, to stop the Explorers Camp is to encourage kids ages 7-10 soil formation processes. The culminating activity t r gsna r e s os r s , t yeh ey l l uo t a r e dnuos i gn , yeH“ uoY ! ” to explore, discover and form an attachment to is a field trip to Bald Pate Mountain, where students The cruises are a great way for students to make the nature through games, guided activities, songs, follow an interpretive trail focused on soil ecology connection between their in-class learning and real and nature-based crafts. and formation. This program is supported by the Lake life, allowing them to put their knowledge into action. Region Garden Club. Discovery Kids at the Community Center – Seventh Grade: Field Studies at LEA and the Bridgton Community Center offer Lake Region Middle School – a weekly after-school program called Discovery The Field Studies Program is Kids. The goal of this program is to encourage kids currently offered to all seventh grade to spend time outdoors and to foster an appreciation classes at Lake Region Middle for nature. In the fall, students hike the trails in School. This program is designed Pondicherry Park, collect and press leaves, write to encourage students to understand in nature journals and play nature-based games. ecosystem processes through direct During the winter, they explore Bridgton on contact with the natural world. snowshoes and enjoy sledding on a nearby hill. Students engage in inquiry-based In the spring, they learn about vernal pools and signs field science activities to collect of the changing seasons. Many of the students who and analyze forest ecosystem participate in this program are also involved in one data. They also develop science of LEA’s school-based programs. communication skills through oral and written reports. Students visit Watershed Naturalists – a forested area behind the school As a follow up to Discovery Kids, LEA to explore the ecosystem twice a offers Watershed Naturalists to 6th, 7th and month throughout the year. Sensory 8th graders at Lake Region Middle School. development lessons at the beginning The program is based around the question, “What of the year help students understand does it mean to be a naturalist?” Students meet that use of the five senses is essential weekly at LEA and explore Bridgton’s natural areas in scientific processes. Students to answer questions on topics ranging from amphibian establish fixed-radius research migrations to bedrock geology and botany. plots and through a combination of The Caplan Family Environmental field and lab-based activities, they Education Series – collect qualitative and quantitative The Caplan Series at LEA offers a wide range of data about ecosystem components. tacude lanoi smargorp rof ser stnedi dna iv s i srot . At the end of the year, students visit Every year, LEA schedules programs intended the Holt Pond Preserve to extend their ot nepeed na ednu r s t dna i gn fo l aco l sysoce smet . learning by comparing forested and The Caplan Series appeals to a broad audience with wetland ecosystems. As a capstone, its diverse offerings, including Holt Pond and Stevens students create a field guide or Brook walks, Big Night road watches, natural history other product to demonstrate their tours, tracking workshops, birding expeditions, understanding of ecosystems and the wildflower and herb walks, discussion groups and relationships within the environment more. The full Caplan Series schedule is available in that change and cycle over time. this newsletter.

Page 10 Landowners and lake research are our best hope for lake protection. The Caplan Family Environmental Education Series* and LEA Events Calendar All events start at the LEA office, 230 Main Street, Bridgton, unless another location is specified. A $5 fee is requested from non-members. If space is limited, LEA members will have preference. Registration in advance is required, so please sign up early by contacting Mary Jewett at [email protected]

Program Date Time Guide

Family Tree ID in Pondicherry Park* – Bring the kids and learn about the different trees that call Pondicherry Park home. Participants will learn how to identify different tree species using both bark and leaves. There will Friday June 27 9:00 am Mary Jewett be fun tree activities and prizes for tree knowledge. This event will last approximately one hour. Participants will meet at the Bob Dunning Bridge.

Treasure Hunt in Pondicherry Park for Families* – Enjoy a morning outside with your entire family in the beautiful woods of Pondicherry Park. Look over hills and under logs as you and your children look for clues left behind by woodland creatures. These clues will lead your family to the hidden treasure of Pondicherry Park. Thursday July 3 10:00 am Mary Jewett The treasure hunt will last approximately an hour, and will stay within the boundaries of Pondicherry Park. Meet at the gazebo near the Bob Dunning Bridge for instructions and your first clue.

Invasive Plants – Come learn more about the invasive aquatic plants we have in Maine. Also part of the presentation will be a discussion on which plants are right on our doorstep, how to identify them and their native look alikes. Thursday July 17 6:30 pm Mary Jewett This program focuses less on plant taxonomy than on individual species which threaten our fresh water resources here in the Lakes Region. The presentation lasts about an hour and is followed by observations of live specimens.

Monitoring Maine’s Great Blue Herons* – The great blue heron is often touted as one of the most widespread and adaptable birds in North America. Concerns over a population decline prompted the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to conduct a comprehensive survey of breeding colonies in 2009, and to begin a statewide adopt-a-colony Friday July 18 10:00 am Mary Jewett program called the Heron Observation Network. Join Danielle D’Auria, a wildlife biologist with MDIFW’s Bird Group, to learn more about Maine’s largest colonial wading bird as well its close relatives. The presentation will last approximately 1 hour and will take place at the LEA building in Bridgton.

Camp Encore Coda Benefit Concert – Come out and enjoy the sounds of classical music in the beautiful Deertrees Theater in Harrison. Every year the talented campers and counselors from Camp Encore Coda donate their time to Monday July 21 7:30 pm Mary Jewett play wonderful music for a great cause. Tickets are $22 for adults and $18 for kids 14 and under.

Dragonflies* – There are dozens of different species of dragonflies whizzing through the air at any given time during the summer in Maine. Dragonflies are senstive to pollution so seeing them means that the waterbodies close by are healthy. Join LEA naturalist Mary Jewett for a fun afternoon of catching and identifying dragonflies. Participants will Friday July 25 1:00 pm Mary Jewett meet at the Holt Pond preserve. Contact Mary Jewett to register and for directions to the site. Terrain is easy but there may be some chasing involved so bring appropriate footwear and water. This program can have a maximum of 12 participants due to limited net supplies so register early.

Songo Canoe Paddle – Join LEA Education Director and Songo River Project Coordinator Adam Perron for a paddle on the Songo River and a tour of LEA’s milfoil control efforts. Learn about bottom barriers, suction harvesters Thursday July 31 9:00 am Adam Perron and new strategies developed by LEA to prevent and control milfoil. The trip will also include an opportunity to meet the divers for a Q&A and see their work in action.

Full Moon Walk at Holt Pond* – On August 8 the moon will be 98% full and will rise at 6 PM. The boardwalk at Holt Pond provides a spectacular view of the entire night sky, including to the east for moonrise. By the time participants get to the end of the boardwalk at Holt Pond they will witness the moon rising and the sun setting at the same time. Friday August 8 7:00 pm Mary Jewett Also occurring around this time is the annual Persied Meteor shower. As the sky darkens, despite the full moon, we may be able to see some of the brightest meteors falling. Participants should wear long sleeves, bug spray and bring headlamps or flashlights. Terrain is easy to moderate and the walk will last about 1.5 hours.

Annual Meeting – Get together with friends, enjoy a delicious box supper and find out what’s happening at LEA at beautiful Camp Fernwood Cove on Island Pond in Harrison. To register contact Jenny O’Connor at Wednesday August 20 5:00 pm Peter Lowell [email protected].

Orchid Walk* – Step out onto the board walk spanning the quaking bog at Holt Pond and explore for yourself the pink orchids among the sphagnum moss. This walk will cover easy to moderate terrain over forested trails and Wednesday August 20 9:00 am Ursula Duve boardwalks and will last approximately 2 hours. Comfortable walking shoes, water, a snack, and binoculars are recommended. Participants meet at the Holt Pond parking lot.

Stevens Brook History* – Join local historian Sue Black for an interesting look into Bridgton’s past. Stevens Brook was once used to produce power for many mills along the water’s edge. Sue has done a lot of research on these sites Thursday August 21 7:00 pm Sue Black and has assembled a slideshow including photos and stories from the past. The presentation will last about 1.5 hours.

Stevens Brook History* – Maine historian Sue Black has done a lot of research about the mills which once dotted the banks of the Stevens Brook. Join her on a walk through Bridgton’s past down the beautiful Stevens Brook Trail. Friday August 23 10:00 am Sue Black This walk will cover easy to moderate terrain and will last approximately 2 hours. Participants should bring comfortable hiking shoes, water, a snack and bug spray. Danae Winkler recording data on Long Lake Mushrooms Presentation* – Join plant pathologist and mycologist Jesse Dubin for a “Mycology Basics” powerpoint presentation to learn about the life cycle and how to identify different mushrooms. There will also be information about different edible fungi and the rules regulating the collection of specimens. We will also take a look at the Thursday August 28 7:00 pm Jesse Dubin common mushrooms found in our area this time of year. The presentation will last approximately one hour and will take place at the LEA office building in Bridgton. To register please contact Mary Jewett at 647-8580 or email [email protected]. Space is limited so you must register ahead of time.

Mushroom Walk at Holt Pond* – The type and amount of mushrooms found depends upon the amount of moisture in the ground. This changes every year and there are always different mushrooms out because of the changes in the weather. Please join plant pathologist and mycologist Jesse Dubin as we explore what fungi are fruiting right now. Friday August 29 9:00 am Jesse Dubin The walk will last approximately 2 hours so bring water, a snack, comfortable hiking shoes and bug spray. Terrain is easy to moderate. Paricipants will meet at the Holt Pond parking lot. Space is limited and registration is required so sign up by contacting Mary Jewett at 647-8580 or email [email protected].

The Caplan Family Environmental Education Series at LEA is made possible through the generous support of Hu and Ray Caplan and their family. Dr. and Mrs. Caplan have been members and directors of LEA since the mid 1970s. Dr. Caplan was the vice president of LEA’s Board of Directors from 1978-1980 and president from 1982-1990. Mrs. Caplan was the secretary from 1992-2006. The Caplans recognize the vital importance of education in all aspects of LEA’s work in protecting the Lake Region’s most important resource and asset: its bodies of water and watersheds.

Page 11 The Crooked River begins at Songo Pond and ends at the Songo River. The 2014 LEA Milfoil Control Team by Adam Perron LEA Thank You It takes a special set of skills to be a Nancy Grigg – successful member of LEA’s Milfoil Control for Watershed Naturalists help Team. One must be comfortable working in adverse conditions. As the divers pull Kyle Grigg – plants they create a sediment cloud limiting grounds maintenance visibility and must identify plants by feel. Below the confluence with the Crooked The Traggert Family – River, the Songo is quite cold along the equipment storage for the Milfoil Team river bottom, even in August, requiring the crew to wear thick wetsuits and work in shifts. Scott Dobson and Drew Betts – There is heavy lifting and carrying over long equipment storage for the Milfoil Team distances. Crew members are tormented by Jane Forde – biting insects, both aerial and aquatic. It would countless hours of office help be impossible to keep track of the volume of sun block used over the past eight years. Hannaford’s – Harshly roaring motors and protective ear plugs after school program snacks necessitate communication by hand signals. Diver Emerging from the Plants Crew members must follow direction and Jim Allen, Naples Marina – be creative in working toward a common river by returning members Christian and Tyler boat storage, docking, repairs goal, they need the organizational skills Oren and Tommy Chagrasulis of Casco, Derek to collaborate on a plan and carry it out. Douglas of Bridgton, and R.J. Legere of Naples. Jim Davenport, Long Above all, each member is responsible New to the crew this year are two Lake Marina – for his safety and the safety of the other former volunteers from the Laker Youth pontoon boats for school programs crew members. Community Action 4–H Group, Lucien Sulloway of Bridgton and Sully Tidd of Phil Neil – In spite of the challenges, crew turnover Casco. This year is poised to be one of water testing help is low. In eight years, only four members our greatest challenges as the crew moves have moved on. The key to milfoil control to finish the job we started back in 2007. Lucia Terry, Perennial Point is consistency in returning to the same locations To this group, cleaning the Songo River of View – to attack the infestation and in development of is more than just a job. Members work LEA gardens skills, methods and responsibility. to protect and restore one of the most The 2014 Milfoil Control Team is a mix culturally significant waterways in the Ron Shaw, RPM – of six veterans with two new members. Project Lake Region and the busiest inland boat service coordinator, Adam Perron, will be joined on the waterway in Maine. LEA would like to issue special thanks to the many volunteers who helped us with our education programs this year. Eric Azriel helped Mary run the Discovery TD Bank Program Helps LEA Kids afterschool program for the entire Recognizing that the growth and success of local nonprofits enriches school year. The Sports Haus in Bridgton their communities, TD Bank is providing a way for LEA to increase donated several very cool gifts for students participating in LEA’s Nature Explorers its financial support from members without any cost to those who Camp. participate. This sounds too good to be true, but it isn’t. Here’s how it works. If you have a checking account at the bank or open a new Many community members came out to one, TD will donate $50 for every new account and $10 for every help make the 6th grade field trip the Hey existing one to LEA. For new or existing savings accounts, TD Bank You! Cruises fun and memorable for local will donate a percentage of the annual average balance. The more LEA members who students: Sean Dundon, Marguerite Wiser, bank with them, the more money the organization can earn each year. Members can Carina Brown, Jesse Cottingham, Leigh participate from any bank branch simply by giving the bank the LEA Code for the Hayes, Julie McQueen, Jason Duff, Mike Hanson, Nancy Kluck, Jamie Gallagher, Affinity Program. There is no charge to the member and there is no disclosure of account Connie Cross, Lou Dapas, Anne Snodgrass, or personal information. Sarah Mills and Elizabeth Marx and her Please consider helping LEA at your TD Bank by giving them our code: AF307 middle school helpers.

LEA Members Keep Us Going Are you an LEA member? Please join in the struggle to protect our lakes

Name: ______Email: ______You can join LEA with a contribution of any Winter Address: ______amount. Just mail this form and a donation to Summer Address: ______LEA, 230 Main Street, Bridgton, ME 04009 Gift Levels: I’d like to make an additional Check enclosed Charge my credit card $______$1000 Benefactor donation to the: $500 Patron $250 Sponsor Intern Fund $______You can also join or Visa Master Card Exp. Date ______$100 Lake Steward Milfoil Fund $______renew at: $75 Family $50 Individual www.mainlakes.org Account #: ______Environmental Any other amount Education Fund $______$______