June 23 – 29, 2023Vol. 25, No. 2


Friends of Messalonskee held a buffer workshop at Lakeview Cemetery in Oakland on June 20. Many partners, including the Town of Oakland, the 7 Lakes Alliance Youth Conservation Corps, and community members joined in this fun and educational event. Participants learned about native plants that reduce erosion and create buffers that help protect our lakes from harmful algal blooms and provide wildlife habitat. Attendees then put their education into action, planting lowbush blueberries, blue flag iris, wild bee balm, sweet fern, and juniper bushes to prevent further erosion.


On the Cover

From the Side of the Road

Four cars, two horses, an empty guitar case, two unmatched nightstands, a kid’s car with a broken motor, a step ladder, diverse picture frames, even more diverse mirrors, a bale of hay, seedlings, fresh-picked corn, berries, many dozens of delicious eggs and much more. It’s shopping time and stopping time on backroads and byways. More

Call of the Loon

Are Adult Loons Identical?

When you see two adult loons together, have you ever wondered, “Which one is the male, and which one the female?” Mistakenly, I’ve always considered the adult with that big forehead brow was the male. More

Dams Report

We’re in Great Shape, If You Like Water

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! Precipitation for the past ten days was a whopping 2.48″. More

Barkley On Books

A Long Journey

How good to finally have A Long Journey in my hands. Mavis Longfellow, of Longfellow’s Greenhouse in Manchester, published this collection of her writings when she was in her 90s. Now that is quite an accomplishment! More

Take It Outside

Crepuscular Fishing

Like last year, transition to summer has been cool, wet, and windy, with some occasional very hot days. The fishing has continued to be productive, especially early in the morning and late in the evening. 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. More




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