Loon Echo receives grants for Peabody-Fitch Woods project

BRIDGTON — The Peabody-Fitch Woods project in South Bridgton moves another step closer to reality as Loon Echo Land Trust announces two additional grants.

The Trust received $20,000 from the Davis Conservation Foundation and $10,000 from the Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust to help fund the project. The proposed Peabody-Fitch Woods would protect the historic Narramissic Farm from development encroachment.

These two grants add to $40,000 from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation and $75,000 from an anonymous foundation.

Loon Echo has also received a $50,000 grant from an anonymous foundation to match any new donation received for the project. Gifts of any amount to the project will be matched dollar-for-dollar to the end of the match.

“Thanks to our generous members and supporters, we have already taken advantage of $32,000 of the matching grant. We are so close to protecting this important historical, cultural, and ecological land,” said Thom Perkins, Loon Echo’s executive director. “In partnership with the Bridgton Historical Society, we consider this a ‘Gem’ project with extraordinary potential for making a positive impact on the region for future generations.”

The Trust is seeking to raise the rest of the funds from private individuals, public resources and other foundations to finalize the project. To date, the Trurst has received 87 percent of the funds for the Peabody-Fitch Woods project and needs another $44,000 to complete the purchase.

Complete information about the property, including maps and the option to donate online, can be found at www.lelt.org/pfw. Checks to support Peabody-Fitch Woods can also be sent to Loon Echo Land Trust, 8 Depot St., Suite 4, Bridgton, ME 04009.

For more information about upcoming events or ways to support Loon Echo Land Trust, visit lelt.org, call 207-647-4352 or visit the office at 8 Depot St., Suite 4, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.