Are these late days of February giving you a case of spring fever? The balmy weather has brought flocks of robins to Bennett Street, bouquets of crocus to sunny back yards, and hordes of skiers to Shawnee Peak.

If you are starting to feel the rumblings of cabin fever, I suggest a ramble through Pondicherry Park. The recently completed sanctuary winds along 55 acres of Bridgton’s pristine Stevens Brook and is accessible from trailheads on South High Street, Willett Road and the Magic Lantern on Depot Street, where the grand Bob Dunning bridge awaits. The trails are well-marked, the paths are well-maintained and the park is gorgeous. Thanks to the work of the Lakes Environmental Association and Loon Echo Land Trust, the land is preserved in perpetuity; we can enjoy it forever. This week’s weather looks to be perfect for getting out of the house and into the park!

Snowfest

Along with their preservation efforts, Loon Echo offers year-round environmental awareness activities and community outreach programs. On Saturday, March 3, they are just focusing on fun, throwing the first Family Snowfest.

Bring the crew for a day of fun and adventure from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Five Fields Farms, on Route 107 in South Bridgton. There will be timed cross-country ski races for easy and intermediate levels, a snowman-building contest and a snowshoe scavenger hunt on Bald Pate Mountain. There will also be an exciting game of ultimate Frisbee featuring skiers vs. shoers. Warm up by the open fire while enjoying hot chocolate, smores and delicious treats. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and include trail passes, food and prizes. Equipment rentals will be available for an additional charge. For more information, call Loon Echo at 647-4352 and check out their website at loonecholandtrust.org/.

Ice out

Along with the many other events that have been either canceled or postponed so far, this crazy winter also makes a wild card of “Ice-Out,” the Bridgton Community Center’s annual fundraiser. The mascot, Frosty, stood sentinel on the Moose Pond Causeway for years until retiring this season, ceding the spot to his successor I.C., who may be taking the dunk earlier than ever.

Dates for the annual ice-out have been kept for decades, and so far only the one of 2010 has the distinction of occurring while it is still winter, on March 17. Unless we get a prolonged cold snap, that record may be usurped. Make your best guess and win half of a 50/50, with proceeds going to the BCC. The correct guesser stands to win hundreds of dollars, so grab a ticket and help out the Community Center. They are available at businesses all over town, and at the Chamber of Commerce on Route 302 and the BCC on Depot Street. Call 647-3116 for more information, and hang there, IC!

Dinner bell

One of the Community Center’s many vital programs supported through fundraising is the Community Kettle. Run by volunteers, this weekly event provides a free hot meal and socializing opportunities to everyone, of all ages.

Join your friends and neighbors every Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. including this upcoming one on March 1 for a delicious dinner in the newly renovated dining room at the Bridgton Community Center on Depot Street behind the Magic Lantern. If you are interested in volunteering for this or other programs, please call 647-3116, and thanks for helping out.

Reality check

Is this mild winter just a statistical anomaly, or is it time to get real on Climate Change? Join Paul Kando, a founder of the Midcoast Green Collaborative, for a provocative speech at the Bridgton Public Library on Tuesday, Feb. 28, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. This lecture is free and open to the public.

After taking climate awareness training from Al Gore in 2006, Kando began presenting the findings of climate science to lay audiences. Since that time he has given more than a hundred such presentations and in 2007 became a Maine certified residential energy auditor. He is one of the founders of the Midcoast Green Collaborative, a citizen initiative dedicated to the premise that addressing global warming represents an economic opportunity. Call the library at 647-2472 and check out their calendar at www.bridgton.lib.me.us for info on this and other events.

Diabetes seminar

Bridgton Hospital continues their tradition of wellness events with the AIC Champions Program for diabetes patients, with special guest speaker Ruth Charne.

Ms. Charne will speak first-hand about the challenges of diabetes control and offer help with self-management and positive lifestyle strategies. Join her and other diabetes patients on Wednesday, March 7, at 6 p.m. in the conference room at Bridgton Hospital. Light refreshments will be served, and reservations are recommended. Call Elaine Drew at 647-6064 to reserve your spot.

March moon

Native Americans called it the Crow Moon and the Sap Moon, and early settlers named it the Lenten Moon, heralding the final full moon of winter. March’s full moon is on Thursday the 8th this year, and to celebrate the Lakes Environmental Association is hosting a Full Moon Walk.

Join the fun at 7 p.m. for a headlamp hike across the open fields of the Bridgton Highland Country Club, where LEA staffers will have flashlights and snowshoes on loan if needed. A naturalist will guide you along trails under the moon’s bright glow as you listen for sounds of Maine’s nocturnal creatures and the stirrings of spring. For more info, call LEA at 647-8580 and check out their calendar at www.mainelakes.org for other upcoming events.