From the moment we arrived to the time we left we felt at home. We were met by a lovely and friendly couple. Though the mills no longer play a part in the town’s economy, the river is still a focal point, especially for those looking for a variety of outdoor recreation options. Mid-spring to early summer is the best time for planting, once the water has warmed a little and plants are starting into growth.

Sporting an 18-hole course and a popular restaurant overlooking the grounds, the Turner Highlands Golf Course is a place that could easily occupy a half day. Liner – butyl liners are the easiest way to create a natural-shaped pond. Pre-formed plastic or fibreglass ponds don’t usually have a shallow slope (see above), so you would need to add a ramp. For larger, natural ponds consider liners of puddled clay or sodium bentonite.The museum is a unique hodge-podge of history, culture, science, and the arts. Most of the exhibits promote activity, which tends to engage children much more than boring ‘look but don’t touch’ ones. Make a drinking spot for big and small– alayer of gravel, mud or large flat stones positioned on the shallow sloping side of the pond will create a perfect habitat for amphibians and insects. It also allows birds, hedgehogs and smaller insects such as honeybees and hornets to drink without risk of falling in the water. The outlet to Bear Pond is the Bear River which flows into Long Lake in Harrison. The Department of Environmental Protection has rated the water quality of Bear Pond as “slightly above average”. Sloping sides– at least one side of the pond should have a long, shallow slope. This allows easy access for wildlife and, when water levels fluctuate, creates a damp habitat for smaller creatures. If you’re making a container pond that isn’t sunk into the ground, add a ramp on the outside and the inside.

Maine is home to more than its fair share of organic farms, and Nezinscot Farm Cafe and Gourmet Food Shop is one of Turner’s most popular. Open from Memorial through Labor Day from sunrise to sunset, you won’t want to lay out or swim in the winter, but it’s a favorite spot for ice fishing. Their menu includes homemade soups, sandwiches, and wraps, and their popular breakfasts are served all day long.Size and depth– the larger the pond, the more wildlife it will attract. Butsize isn’t everything – even a mini pond in a pot will provide a habitat and water source for plenty of small creatures.Ideally, aim for a depth of 20–60cm (8in–2ft), which varies across the pond, as this willsuit the majority of pond flora and fauna.

Turner Highlands Golf Course Source: Turner Highlands Golf Course / facebook Turner Highlands Golf Course For those who need to brush up on their game before hitting the links, there’s a practice range, putting green, and sand trip, so if you’re a bit rusty, considering arriving an hour early. The park’s trails are open year round. In the winter, they are popular for cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

Clarity: Bear Pond's average Secchi disk reading for 2022 was within the moderately clear range. Bear Pond's long term clarity trend is stable indicating that clarity readings are not getting deeper nor shallower over time. The Nezinscot River played an important role in Turner’s development, mainly because its water powered many of the town’s mills that turned raw materials into finished products like lumber and flour.

Plants– adding plants in and around the pond willprovide cover and habitats for wildlife. See below for more details. The town was incorporated in 1786 and named after a local reverend. For much of its existence, it relied on agriculture and water-powered mills to turn timber into lumber and corn and grain into meal and flour.After long months of forced solitude and inactivity, many of New England’s towns come to life in the early spring, and some have outdoor concert venues that really draw the crowds. From the west shore boaters and property owners can take in magnificent views of Bear Mountain. On the north end of the pond find Bear Mountain Inn, open year round for guests and gatherings. Nearby on the northwest shore is Camp Wigwam, a summer camp for boys founded in 1910. Fish – these are top predators in a garden pond, reducing biodiversity,and they also rasie nutrient levels, which encourages algae and blanketweed. So if you’ve inherited a pond with lots of fish, perhapsre-home them to another fishpond or make a new wildlifepond elsewhere in your garden.