January 2024 Newsletter from the 30 Mile River Watershed Association | |
$24K for 2024 matching challenge a success! | |
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We did it - we met our goal! Thank you to the generous supporters of the $24K for 2024 matching challenge. 130 donors stepped up in the final days of the year to help us exceed our goal! Your generosity ensures that our work for clean and healthy waters will not only continue, but expand to meet the growing challenges our watershed faces.
Thank you to the eight donors who made this opportunity possible by matching these gifts with an additional $24K. And thank you to ALL of the generous lake lovers who supported 30 Mile this year! Your gifts of all sizes demonstrate your commitment to the lakes, ponds, and streams in our watershed. We are grateful for you and the many ways you show up as a community to help care for these precious resources.
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We’re in the home stretch! | |
We have had a flurry of activity on our building the past few months, and will be ready to move into our new permanent location at 6 Seavey Corner Rd, Mt. Vernon this coming week! Thanks to all of the volunteers who have helped with painting, trim work and flooring. | |
Enjoying the watershed in winter | |
Though snowfall amounts have been minimal so far this winter, we’ve had some great cold, ice-making weather, providing fun recreational opportunities like skating, ice fishing, and skate-skiing! These photos are from staff, volunteers, and friends of 30 Mile who have been enjoying the outdoors. We’d love for you to share yours with us. | |
Brynne Robbins enjoying clear ice on Parker Pond. | |
Brookes and Hazel Smith spending time outside on the ice of Pocasset Lake. | |
Connor Stockwell and Rosie (dog) await the excitement of a flag while ice fishing on Minnehonk Lake. | |
Evening on the ice by Ron Milliken, Pocasset Lake. | |
30 Mile staff attend Lake Researcher Retreat | |
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On January 10th, 30 Mile staff traveled to Bridgton, Maine to attend the 7th Lake Researchers Retreat, hosted by Lakes Environmental Association. Presentation topics included eDNA, climate change, water quality, invasive plants, watershed surveys, and more. Click here, to learn more about the retreat and the presentations.
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Workshops & training reminder | |
With the new year underway, many workshops, training, webinars, and other lake-focused educational opportunities are being scheduled. Be sure to visit our Workshops & Training page and keep checking back as we’ll continue to update it with more opportunities! | |
Save the Date: 16th Annual Paddle Trek | |
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Mark your calendars!
This year’s 16th Annual Paddle Trek will be held on Saturday, July 26th. Join us for all or just a part of this 15-mile paddle from Mt. Vernon Village to Wayne Village, traveling along many of the lakes and streams that form the “30 Mile River.”
Not up for paddling 15 miles? No problem! Many people join for one, two or three legs of the trip. Visit our website for details about how the event works, which lakes, ponds and streams you will paddle, and more. Registration will begin in June. We have kayaks available to rent.
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Contribute to research: UMaine Ice Fishing Survey | |
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Do you ice fish in Maine? Researchers at University of Maine’s Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Conservation Biology are studying the “Effect of Climate Heating and Economic Shocks on Anglers' Willingness and Capacity to Ice Fish in Central Maine,” and your input is needed! To learn more and take the survey (10-15 minutes), click here.
Photo: Lake Stewards of Maine
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Support 30 Mile! Your gift today will make a difference in protecting our lakes from phosphorus pollution, invasive species, and other threats. Find the giving level that works for you. | |
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