Woods Pond is a lovely and serene refuge serving as a vital resource for the ecosystem. WPA's mission is to ensure that Woods Pond remains a safe haven for wildlife and a delightful place for recreation to be cherished for generations.
WPA Mission
Woods Pond Association (WPA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Woods Pond. Since its inception, WPA has been committed to environmental conservation and community engagement. Our initiatives include water quality monitoring, shoreline cleanups, and educational programs. Join us in our mission to protect this precious ecosystem for future generations.
Water Quality Threat - Erosion and Run-off
The runoff caused by erosion is the most significant pollution threat to all Maine lakes. One of the most serious threats is phosphorus, a natural fertilizer which becomes attached to soil particles and is carried into lakes and other water bodies by storm water runoff. Added phosphorus can result in algae blooms which can cover the lake with a smelly scum and negatively impact water quality. Excess algae blooms ruin all forms of recreation on the lake and can even cause a decline in shoreline property values.
WPA fights erosion through the following programs:
Water Quality Threat - Invasive Aquatic Plants
Invasive aquatic plants (IAP), primarily variable leaf milfoil, have been found in several lakes in close proximity to Woods Pond.
Why are invasives a threat?
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They grow vigorously out-competing native plants.
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They blanket the lake's surface, impeding recreation and changing the ecology of the water.
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Invasions are difficult to eradicate and expensive to manage.
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Invaded lakes have lower property values.
Contact Andy Pond at AndyPond0@gmail.com about volunteer opportunities.
Woods Pond, located in Bridgton, Maine, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. Originally utilized by local settlers for fishing and transportation, the pond became a popular site for recreational activities as the area developed. Over the years, it has served as a beautiful backdrop for homes and cottages attracting visitors to its serene waters and surrounding nature. Today, Woods Pond remains a cherished destination for both residents and tourists, offering opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and enjoying the scenic landscapes of Bridgton.
Event
Annual Meeting
August 9, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
GUEST SPEAKER
Micah Miller, Ph.D.
BRI - Biodiversity Research Institute
Director, Arctic Program, Loon Program
micah.miller@briwildlife.org
Maine Lakes Center
51 Willet Road
Bridgton, ME 0400
BRI COMMON LOON PROGRAM
BRI’s Loon Program is dedicated to assessing current and emerging threats to loons, and to collaborating with the many agencies and organizations that work to conserve loon populations across the Northern Hemisphere. Our research and conservation projects contribute to understanding basic ecology and strive to unravel the impacts of ecological stressors and how they can be lessened.
The program is also actively involved in assisting state and federal conservation and management agencies in monitoring efforts that include the capture, banding, sampling, and tracking of individual loons and their populations. We publish our findings through reports, management plans, and communications pieces to inform decision makers and the general public.
Join the WPA Team
The WPA is primarily funded through individual donations and annual memberships.
All donations are used exclusively for Woods Pond water quality programs. The Woods Pond Association is a registered tax-exempt organization according to the IRS under Section 501(c)(3). This donation is tax deductible subject to current tax laws. Consult your tax professional for advice. Registered EIN 81-3550835.
Volunteering is another way to support the WPA initiatives.
