MONTVILLE — Friends of Haystack Mountain invites the public to two upcoming community events on Haystack Mountain. Both events will leave from the Haystack Mountain trail entrance located on Haystack Mountain Road, Montville.

Tuesday, August 29, at 4:30 p.m., Biologist Hannah Mullay, of United States Fish and Wildlife Service, will introduce participants to incredible bees, choosy butterflies, and helpful hoverflies.

Wednesday, September 6 (rain date September 7), at 7 p.m., astronomer John Meader, of DarkSky Maine, will lead participants up the trail and point out interesting night sightings and talk about the importance of retaining Maine’s dark sky.

Friends of Haystack Mountain (FOHM), a local grassroots organization, has raised over $400,000 to acquire and conserve Haystack Mountain; only $125,000 more is needed to complete this project and keep this iconic mountain open to the public, according to FOHM, in a news release.

In April 2023, FOHM purchased Haystack Mountain from Allen’s Blueberry Freezer, Inc. that until recently, grew and harvested blueberries on the land. FOHM will continue fundraising for the project until loans and expenses totaling $125,000 are paid off; the property will then be donated to Midcoast Conservancy to ensure long-term protection and public access.

With donor support from the community, local businesses, foundation grants, and a commercial loan from Bangor Savings Bank, FOHM has raised over $400,000 since June of 2022 for the purchase and preservation of Haystack Mountain. A recent donation of $25,000 from the Borman Family Foundation has brought FOHM’s fundraising goal to $125,000.

“This 57-acre property on the Montville/Liberty town line has been a popular scenic destination for hiking and snowmobiling for generations,” said FOHM.

Additionally, the Walker Elementary School teachers and students have frequently used Haystack for excursions and an outdoor classroom. Recently, FOHM has negotiated with a local blueberry business to harvest the blueberries on the mountain, as well as provide a “pick your own” opportunity for hikers.

More information on making tax deductible donations to FOHM and event details is available at https://www.haystackmountainmaine.org/