The Moose Pond Association (MPA), in conjunction with Lakes Environmental Association (LEA) and Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District (CCSWCD), recently held a training session to conduct a watershed survey on Moose Pond, located in Bridgton, Sweden, and Denmark, Maine. Search for lakefront properties on Moose Pond in Bridgton, Denmark and Sweden Healthy watersheds are the main goal for a healthy environment and economy. Phosphorus is an important nutrient that occurs in different forms throughout the environment. Excess phosphorus in aquatic systems, however, can lead to over-fertilization in a lake or stream. This over-fertilization can result in an overabundance of aquatic plants (algal bloom) which in turn can deplete oxygen from the water through the decay process.... 05/25/2010

At Mr. Lakefront Keller Williams Real Estate we believe an educated and informed lakefront property owner or buyer is the first and best way to keep our wonderful Maine lakes and ponds clean and healthy. To support this position we make available, to anyone interested, a variety of free materials that inform, educate and entertain the lakefront owner/buyer, all at the click of a mouse.Go to our website at www.mrlakefront.net  and find on our home page many different tools to help you be a responsible lakefront property owner. On the right hand column you can request a copy of the Maine Shoreland Zoning Handbook and the new Buffer Handbook. The Zoning Handbook will give you a comprehensive and understandable overview of the Maine Shoreland Zoning rules and regulations as well as many dia... 05/25/2010

March 5, 10 a.m. Winter Ecology Snowshoe Walk, explore along the shores of a beaver pond at Bridgton Highlands Country Club, meet at Lakes Environmental Association, 230 Main Street, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.8580, www.mainelakes.org. March 5, 3-5 p.m. STUPA Duplication, Opening Reception, SIMPARCH, an artist collective that creates experiential installations, will explore ancient iconography and sacred architecture through contemporary methods and materials, Art Gallery, University of Southern Maine, 37 College Avenue, Gorham. FMI: 207.780.5008, www.usm.maine.edu. March 6-7, 7 a.m. -5 p.m.  Maine Chevy Derby, Maine's largest ice fishing derby, sponsored by the Sebago Lake Rotary Club, HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO GENERAL LACK OF ICE ACROSS THE STATE, $20,000 in prizes including a brand new Ch... 04/16/2010

February 11, 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. "Strings at Sea," Kinderkonzert with members of the Portland Symphony Orchestra, for ages 3-7, $4/person, Windham High School, 406 Gray Road, Windham. FMI: 207.773.6128, www.portlandsymphony.com. February 11, 6:30-8 p.m. Zumba Your Heart Out, $15, benefits the American Heart Association and the Windham Raymond RSU #14 Wellness Team, Windham High School, 406 Gray Road, Windham. FMI: 207.892.1810, www.windham.k12.me.us.February 12, 10 a.m. Citizen Science Animal Tracking at Holt Pond, learn basic track identification and field research skills, collect meaningful data, free/member, $5/non-members, call to find meeting point, Lakes Environmental Association, 230 Main Street, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.8580, www.mainelakes.org. February 12, 5-6:30... 03/31/2010

January 28, 5-7 p.m. Chamber After Hours, door prizes, refreshments, networking, conversation and music by Malia Marcellas of Naples, Bridgton Community Center, 15 Depot Street, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.3116 or 207.647.3472, www.mainelakeschamber.com.  January 29, 6:30-10 p.m. Open Mic Night, hosted by Heather Pierson, music, comedy, storytelling, poetry and dance opportunities, refreshments available, $3/person, First Universalist Church, 479 Maine Street, Norway. FMI: 207.935.4505, www.heatherpierson.com.  January 29, 7 p.m. The Wall-Stiles in Concert, contemporary folk rock sound, original, energetic and entertaining band from Vermont, $8/adults, $5/students, Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, Fryeburg Academy, Bradley Street, Fryeburg.FMI: 207.935.9232, www.fryeburgacademy.org... 02/04/2010

Tucked away in the hills of the Sebago Lakes Region of western Maine is the 45-acre Adams Pond. Located in South Bridgton, Maine the pond was almost renamed Adams Lake about 30 or more years ago. According to local resident Barry Johnson, there was a push to get a professional water skiing group to come to South Bridgton. This group would only ski on lakes, not ponds, so some residents wanted to make the change. The name change didn't occur, nor did the water skiing group come to Adams Pond. Instead, the pond remains quiet. A summer day on Adams Pond cries out for folks to enjoy it in a small boat. Paddle along the shore and spot loon, deer, moose, an array of birds and other wildlife. There is a public access, but only if you carry your boat in, so it's perfect for kayaks and canoes. M... 01/21/2010

December 17, 7 p.m. "Let It Snow," Art Moves Dance holiday performance, $7/door, $5/advance, Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School Auditorium, 256 Main Street, South Paris. FMI: 207.743.5569, www.artmovesdance.com. December 17, 7 p.m. John Pizzarelli in concert, jazz guitarist, vocalist and bandleader, $22.50/adults, $17.50/students, Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, Fryeburg Academy, 754 Main Street, Fryeburg. FMI: 207.935.9232, www.fryeburgacademy.org. December 18, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Opening Day of Skiing at Shawnee Peak, $15 tickets with 3 non-perishable food items to benefit Bridgton Food Pantry, Night Skiing begins on December 21, Shawnee Peak Ski Area, 119 Mountain Road, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.8444, www.shawneepeak.com. December 18-20, Sunday River's 50th Birthday Celebration... 01/21/2010

Woods Pond in Bridgton, Maine maintains good water quality while having sufficient size and depth for locals and visitors alike to enjoy multiple recreational activities. The combined efforts of local lakefront property owners and the Lakes Environmental Association have managed to keep the water quality and clarity good while keeping the dreaded invasive aquatic plant, milfoil, OUT! Eurasian Milfoil was never meant to be found outside of freshwater fish tanks. It is not a culinary treat for our lake creatures. Once established, it propagates quickly, forms a dense mat below the surface and crowds out native aquatic plants. Thus fish, small marine animals, mammals and birds have a reduced food supply. The matted plants also reduce the amount of wind reaching the water, which lowers the ... 12/09/2009

Within a five minute walk from Highland Lake in the western Maine Lakes and Mountains region we are fortunate to have an independent book store, Bridgton Books. Located at 140 Main Street, Bridgton Books is a year-round, full-service shop. You'll find the Magic Lantern Movie Theater and Renys Department Store across the street. Maybe it's because I love to read, but I thoroughly enjoy entering Bridgton Books. It's the ideal neighborhood shop where owners Pam and Justin Ward are often there to greet me. Sometimes their dog, Maddie, can be found lounging on the floor. The other day Justin said, "We feel blessed to have so many nice people who support us and shop at our store." The walls of Bridgton Books are lined with thousands of hand-selected titles in sections that include Maine title... 10/15/2009

Highland Lake, in the heart of western Maine's Sebago Lakes and Mountains Region,  provides a unique backdrop for the quaint village of Bridgton, Maine. Located 45 minutes from Portland and just 25 from North Conway, New Hampshire, Highland Lake is one of the prettiest lakes in the region. It's approximately five miles long and stretches from downtown Bridgton to the edge of Sweden. The lake covers 1,334 acres and has a maximum depth of 50 feet with a mean depth of 20 feet. Residents and visitors alike set out on the lake for fun in the sun. This picturesque setting is perfect for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, fishing, water skiing and more. In the early morning you'll undoubtedly see several rowers. Members of the Maine Rowing Assoication keep their shells at Highland Lake. Ea... 09/10/2009

Overlooking the  Holt Pond Preserve, Five Fields Farm is located in the hills of South Bridgton, Maine. First planted by John Gyger in the 1920s, Tom and June Gyger have been running the orchard since the late 80s. In 1995 they opened the retail farm stand, where they offer a selection of ready picked apples and pick your own. The early apples are Paula Reds and Ginger Golds. Paula Reds are crisp like a McIntosh, with a tartness that will surely awaken your taste buds. By about September 12th, McIntosh will be available. Cortlands will be ready for picking in mid-September and McCouns at the end of the month. "By Columbus Day weekend," June said, "the Red Delicious and Golden Delicious will be ready. We'll have cider by mid-September." As of Labor Day weekend, you can pick your own or b... 09/10/2009

Drive-In theaters and Maine summer vacations go hand-in-hand, especially in the Western Maine Lakes and Mountains Region. We are lucky enough to have not one, but two drive-in movie theaters. As a kid, I remember going to the drive-in in our family station wagon. We always dressed in our pajamas and brought our pillows. It was as much a summer tradition as s'mores and campfires. We'd pay by the carload, find the right viewing spot, roll down the window and hook on the gray speaker box. Popcorn and soda from the snack bar were treats on those special nights. Though there were between 4,000 and 5,000 drive-ins operating around the world during their peak in the 1950s and 60s. Today, 496 remain and five drive-ins still operate in Maine. Closest to the Sebago Lakes Region are the Prides Cor... 08/06/2009

Do you like to decorate your lakefront cottage with antiques and accessories? Then Main Street in Bridgton is just the place for you. From Hidden Brook Antiques at 184 North High Street (Route 302) all the way down Main Hill and through town to Flowerbed Antiques at 428 Main Street, you will find an array of antique shops, all within walking distance of Highland Lake. Family heirlooms passed from one generation to the next are my favorites. In fact, I've decorated our home with what I call "Early American hand-me-downs." But, I still like to scour the antique shops in the Lakes Region. There are so many opportunities to see antiques in their traditional settings along our highways and by-ways. What I especially love is the nostalgic memories that antiques evoke, like the hand painted co... 07/24/2009

Residents of Highland Lake in Bridgton know a good thing when they see it - and when it comes to golf they only need to look the short distance up to "the Highlands". Need to slow down and enjoy some great golfing in northern New England? Bridgton Highlands Country Club in western Maine is tops. Bridgton Highlands is well-groomed, interesting and challenging. And the view from the first hole is spectacular: Shawnee Peak Ski Area at Pleasant Mountain, Mt. Kearsarge North, Mount Washington and the much of the Presidential Range. Designed by A. W. Tillinghast in 1925, Bridgton Highlands was a nine-hole par 37 course. Today, due to an expansion in the 1990s, it boasts an 18-hole par 74 layout with 4 sets of tees, making it playable for golfers of all abilities. Ponds on some of the holes br... 07/13/2009

Before you begin your day on Sebago Lake, Panther Pond, Highland Lake or any one of the numerous lakes and ponds in the western Maine Mountains and Lakes Region you might want to visit one of the farmers' markets sprinkled throughout the area. Farmers' markets in our neck of the woods are vibrant with color, lively chatter and friendly faces. They promote healthy living and give us a place to purchase locally produced foods and goods. I'm always amazed at the variety of seasonal offerings including but not limited to the following: seedlings, organic produce, plants, herbs, fruit, flowers, eggs, honey, wool and fleece, handcrafted soaps, soy candles, breads and jellies, cider, goat cheese, lamb, pork, and goat meat. When we buy locally, our dollars have a greater impact in our communiti... 07/12/2009

Maine lakefront real estate buyers are finding out what area hikers have known for a long time - you can see a lot of great lakefront real estate (and other nice vistas) from the higher reaches of Pleasant Mountain. At 2006 feet, Pleasant Mountain, the tallest mountain in western Maine, overlooks Moose Pond, Beaver Pond, Long Pond and more. Trails include Bald Peak in Bridgton, The Ledges and Southwest Ridge Trail in Denmark and the Fire Wardens Trail in Fryeburg. Thanks to the work of Loon Echo Land Trust, the trails are well-marked. Trail maps are available at kiosks. What many people don't realize when they get to the top of Pleasant Mountain and enjoy the views, is that in 1845 Caleb Warren constructed a crude shelter on Green Pinnacle, the peak where the defunct fire tower stands. ... 07/07/2009

A road racing friend of mine writes: The "4 on the 4th" Road Race in Bridgton is a traditional way for our family to celebrate Independence Day. First thing in the morning we come together to run or cheer on the runners at the annual race. I don't normally like to run in crowds, but it's fun to see so many people involved - from runners to volunteers, who work the registration tables, sing the Star Spangled Banner, provide water stops, keep traffic at a standstill, collect chips at the finish line and offer massages. And 90% of the proceeds benefit the Bridgton Public Library, while the other ten percent benefit other local charitable projects. After the race, we all gather to put the finishing touches on our float, which often wins a prize. The crowds that line the streets of our small... 07/02/2009

To celebrate the longest day of the year and the first day of summer, and to remember its founder, Bob Chase, the members of the Loon Echo Land Trust will be leading a hike up Bald Pate Mountain in South Bridgton, Maine on June 21st. The hike will start at 5 pm and participants are asked to meet at the Bald Pate parking lot. The hike takes about 30 minutes and the views from the summit provide a bird's eye view of the surrounding lakes and hills including Foster Pond, Peabody Pond, and Hancock Pond. The Loon Echo Land Trust was founded in 1987 by a group of concerned citizens who wanted to see some of the natural areas of the northern Sebago Lake Region preserved in their natural state, immune from development and exploitation. Since its founding, the Loon Echo Land Trust has put into p... 06/09/2009

One of the nice things about the lakes region of Maine is that it has a history of welcoming guests from away for over 100 years. A local favorite here in the Sebago Lake region is the Tarry-A-While resort located on the shores of Highland Lake, just off the Ridge Road, in Bridgton. Built in the 1890s to house the parents of owners who lived up nearer the Ridge, the house soon began to feel too big for the parents and they started taking in boarders during the summer. It has fulfilled that purpose ever since. For its first 50 or more years, rooms at the Inn were let out during the summer, year after year, often to the same families. Housekeeping cottages were added, as well as a bath house for swimming and boating. Meals were provided and guests ate together in the dining room of the In... 05/28/2009

Whether you own a camp or cottage, or are renting a condo or four season contemporary at water's edge, Moose Pond offers up four seasons of fun and recreation and is truly a lake that the whole family can enjoy. Stretching from Bridgton and Sweden in the north to Denmark in the south, this 8 mile ribbon of water lies in the shadows of Pleasant Mountain and has been a destination for vacationers and campers for years. The northern and southern ends are wilder and shallower, providing settings for wildlife and bird sightings, as well as great canoeing and kayaking. Powerboats are welcome too, usually carrying fishermen looking for action from bass and pickerel. The deeper water fishery is out in the Main Basin, the widest part of Moose Pond, south of the 302 causeway. Here the deepest par... 04/30/2009