BRIDGTON – Spring, when the sun crosses directly over the earth’s equator, a season of renewal. Join Loon Echo Land Trust for its annual sunrise hike up Bald Pate Mountain in South Bridgton on Tuesday, March 20.The early morning vernal equinox hike is a great way to welcome the season.

Wear appropriate warm clothing and boots, bring water, snacks, flashlight and snowshoes (a few pairs will be available upon request).Get up early and meet Loon Echo’s Jon Evans at 6 a.m. in the Bald Pate Mountain parking lot.Sunrise is at 6:43 a.m. and this moderate hike will take approximately 2 hours.

Loon Echo Land Trust protects land in the northern Sebago Lake region of Maine.Its mission is to conserve the region’s natural resources and character for current and future generations.Currently, Loon Echo protects over 4,000 acres of land, and Bald Pate Mountain Preserve is one of six preserves that are open to the public. Other Loon Echo preserves include Pleasant Mountain Preserve in Bridgton and Denmark; Mayberry Hill Preserve in Casco; Pondicherry Park in Bridgton; Sylvan Woods in Harrison; and Sebago Headwaters Preserve in Bridgton.

All Loon Echo hikes are free; however, donations are always welcome and will qualify you for a one-year membership.Learn more about Loon Echo by visiting www.loonecholandtrust.org.For more information about these hikes, other Loon Echo events, or to reserve snowshoes, contact Jon Evans at jon@lelt.org or call 647-4352.