Advances in lighting now offer endless options for illuminating our properties, but these lights can also spill across the water and diminish the natural darkness that makes the Belgrade Lakes so special. Fortunately, a few thoughtful choices can make a meaningful difference. More…

While our area is blessed with extraordinary lakes, forests, wetlands and wildlife, we don’t have a state or national park offering a Junior Ranger experience. Thus, 7 Lakes Alliance decided to start one. More…

Not only is Memorial Day weekend the start of summer, it is also the start of summer camping season. Many people may remember that Belgrade for decades had a campground just off Route 27 on the shore of Great Pond. More…

We receive many calls each season about a loon in distress. Fortunately, 99% of these sightings are just loons doing what loons do. These peculiar behaviors include the foot waggle and the belly roll. More…

E.B. White painted a New Yorker cover of a seahorse holding a bag of oats in April 1932; J.F.K. awarded White the Presidential Medal of Freedom but was assassinated before the White House ceremony was scheduled. These are just two tidbits you might not have known about the famous and beloved author. More…

Early summer has finally arrived! Docks have been installed, boats have been launched, loons are nesting, hummingbirds are settling in around feeders, eagles are fishing, fish are biting, and the magic of Messalonskee Lake continues. Friends of Messalonskee is already busy at work on lake health projects and education. More…

All of our pond water levels are in great shape, if you like water! Actually, a little bit higher than we would like no thanks to these unrelenting showers! I wish the showers took place at night while I was sleeping, but no-o-o-o-o-o! More…

I love fishing during twilight, when the lake is typically dead calm, and it is easy to spot fish feeding on or near the surface. Often larger fish will be just below the smaller fish at the surface, eating the smaller fish or the nymphs (insect larvae) waiting to emerge. More…

Owning lakefront property or a home within a watershed comes with a profound level of responsibility. The first assignment for any shoreland property owner is to understand local rules. The state sets basic shoreline zoning rules, but municipalities are free to enact stricter ones. More…