BRIDGTON — A donation of land by Dr. Jenny Lee Stone of Waxhaw, North Carolina, has established Loon Echo Land Trust’s tenth preserve. The 92-acre parcel of donated land is located at the northwest end of Bridgton’s Highland Lake.

Dr. Stone inherited the property from her late father, Charles T. Stone, who passed away in 2006. Growing up in Bridgton, she shared her father’s love of wildlife and has always wanted this property to remain undeveloped.

“We are extremely pleased to receive this donation from Dr. Stone. It is with the support and generosity such as hers that allows Loon Echo to conserve important lands for the public and future generations,” said Loon Echo Executive Director Thom Perkins.

The Stone Preserve is a northern hardwood forest dominated by red oak with 1,275 feet of waterfront on Highland Lake. Several seasonal streams flow into Little Trull Brook which crosses the property as it flows into Highland Lake. The property is a fine example of a continuous ecosystem as it descends from upland forest to the undisturbed wetland habitat at the lake.

This land, as part of the Sebago Lake watershed, helps Loon Echo in its efforts to protect water quality for the region. It provides valuable habitat for wildlife, including fish stocks, migrant birds and deer, moose and black bear.

Currently there are no plans for establishing trails at the Stone Preserve. However, Loon Echo will continue with its policy to provide traditional recreation uses of the property including hiking, snowshoeing, hunting, trapping (with permission) and nature observations.

The ongoing stewardship and expenses, including paying annual property taxes for this project, are funded by both a generous donation by Dr. Stone, Sebago Clean Waters partnership and Loon Echo’s many supporters. Additional donations to support the stewardship of this project and Loon Echo’s other nine preserves can be sent to: Loon Echo Land Trust, 8 Depot St., Suite No. 4, Bridgton, ME 04009.

FMI: 207-647-4352, lelt.org 

Stone Preserve wetlands, Highland Lake, Bridgton

Jenny Stone