BRIDGTON —  Loon Echo Land Trust has announced the recipients of its 2014 Environmental Educational Grant Program.

This year, Loon Echo will fund six programs with the Casco, Naples and Raymond public libraries, as well as the Lake Region Middle School and Sebago and Harrison elementary schools. These awards help Lake Region children learn about the environment and the importance of protecting the region’s natural resources and land.

Loon Echo Environmental Education grants are made possible through the Helen Allen and Polly Bartlett Education Endowment, two caring educators who bequeathed funds to Loon Echo in support of such programming.

In late fall of each year, schools and libraries in Denmark, Bridgton, Harrison, Naples, Casco, Raymond and Sebago are invited to submit grant applications to Loon Echo Land Trust for environmental programs.

The schools and libraries are using their grants for programs that include astronomy, ecology and entomology. Polly Bartlett, a former class educator and founding director of Loon Echo, made it a priority for the Sebago Elementary third-grade class to take an annual winter walk with Maine Audubon. Loon Echo is ensuring that the class continues the tradition of a winter Audubon walk in Bartlett’s memory.

Loon Echo Land Trust protects land in the northern Sebago Lake region of Maine to conserve the region’s natural resources and character for current and future generations. Currently, Loon Echo Land Trust protects more than 5,900 acres of land, owns six preserves and maintains 25 miles of multi-use trail for public enjoyment.

Visit www.lelt.org for more information about the grant program, land protection efforts, group hikes and walks, or to become a member.