Celebration for Haystack Mountain June 24 in Liberty

Friends of Haystack Mountain (FOHM) is throwing a party June 24 to celebrate recent progress made to acquire and conserve Haystack Mountain in Montville. FOHM recently closed on the
54-acre Haystack property with the help of a loan from Bangor Savings Bank and an anonymous lender. More than $200,000 has already been raised from broad community support, businesses and foundations; fundraising is ongoing to raise the more than $250,000 still needed.

The June 24 celebration at Lake St. George Brewing Company starts at 4 pm in Liberty and will feature four local bands - the Pinwheel Brothers, Bookhead Sweettooth, Muskeg, and Electric Bonfire, dancing, food for purchase, stories about Haystack Mountain, educational information, a raffle and small auction, and children’s and family activities. Attendees will be able to raise a glass of the newly released Haystack Mountain Light Lager; all profits from the sale of the beer are being donated by Lake St. George Brewing Company to the Haystack Mountain project.

Haystack Mountain is a popular destination for hikers and snowmobilers and was at risk of being sold for development with the likely loss of public access. One end of the hiking trail is a stone’s throw from Walker Elementary School making Haystack an important touchstone for generations of students as well. Haystack is the only mountaintop for miles around that has panoramic views and a footpath to the top that is open to the public.

When the last of the project money has been raised and loans repaid, the property will be donated to Midcoast Conservancy to be protected and stewarded in perpetuity. Midcoast Conservancy has served as fiscal sponsor for the project so that donations can be tax deductible. To learn more about the project and upcoming educational events on the mountain or to donate to the project visit FOHM’s website, https://www.haystackmountainmaine.org/
or email FOHM at friendsofhaystackmountain@gmail.com