About Parker Pond
Parker Pond is located in Kennebec County and has shoreline in Fayette, Vienna, Chesterville and Mt. Vernon. It is a cold/warm water lake with area of 1,524 acres and a perimeter of 15.8 miles. The average depth is 31 feet with a maximum depth of 76 feet. There is a small undeveloped public boat launch on the north end of the pond. The water quality is above average and there are currently no reported invasive plants or animals present.
Public Boat Launch: Located at the north end of Parker Pond on Tower Rd. (Seavey Corner Rd.) 1.5 miles from Mt. Vernon Village.
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Ice Out Dates
4/6/21
4/10/20
4/24/19
4/27/18
3/29/16
4/24/15
4/6/21
4/10/20
4/24/19
4/27/18
3/29/16
4/24/15
My Epiphany About Stewardship
On June 28, 2015 the Parker Pond Headland Preserve hosted a bird walk led by Glenn Hodgkins. It was more of a bird “listen” than it was sighting birds. Glenn knows many birds by their call. On hearing an Oven Bird or Winter Wren or Black Throated Green Warbler he showed us a photo of it on his iphone then played it’s call on his phone so we knew what to listen for. Each of the 10 or 12 people on the walk would talk about how to develop listening skills like Glenn. We listened to him tell us of the birds habits, nests, markings and the like. For nearly three hours we walked the Headlands and appreciated it’s specialness.
Four days later, my husband Bob and I walked that trail again. This time Bob and I listened more carefully to the sounds of the forest. Now, we are already, bird and nature lovers but we had gained a more educated understanding of the woods, a deeper appreciation. We stopped by the point and had a swim. Our dogs scanned the water looking for the miracle of sunfish. Again, through their eyes our appreciation deepened. It was a lovely time, quiet on a Tuesday morning. Only a canoe off in the distance - not even loons.
After we picked up our things, attached dogs back to leashes, we set out toward home. As we were walking up hill past my favorite boulders with hairdos made of fern and lichen, I was struck by a profound sense of gratefulness - the kind of gratitude that brings tears to my eyes.
I am grateful that the people in this room along with many other people had the vision to set aside this forest on the edge of a lake. This shore land and forest teaches all who walk on it, that protected land is a joy. It is important for the health of the lake and also the health of our spirits. I feel certain that those who experience protected property entrusted to our stewardship leave here more committed than ever to stewardship and care of the land, not just here in our communities, but in their own.
by Maggie Chadwick
On June 28, 2015 the Parker Pond Headland Preserve hosted a bird walk led by Glenn Hodgkins. It was more of a bird “listen” than it was sighting birds. Glenn knows many birds by their call. On hearing an Oven Bird or Winter Wren or Black Throated Green Warbler he showed us a photo of it on his iphone then played it’s call on his phone so we knew what to listen for. Each of the 10 or 12 people on the walk would talk about how to develop listening skills like Glenn. We listened to him tell us of the birds habits, nests, markings and the like. For nearly three hours we walked the Headlands and appreciated it’s specialness.
Four days later, my husband Bob and I walked that trail again. This time Bob and I listened more carefully to the sounds of the forest. Now, we are already, bird and nature lovers but we had gained a more educated understanding of the woods, a deeper appreciation. We stopped by the point and had a swim. Our dogs scanned the water looking for the miracle of sunfish. Again, through their eyes our appreciation deepened. It was a lovely time, quiet on a Tuesday morning. Only a canoe off in the distance - not even loons.
After we picked up our things, attached dogs back to leashes, we set out toward home. As we were walking up hill past my favorite boulders with hairdos made of fern and lichen, I was struck by a profound sense of gratefulness - the kind of gratitude that brings tears to my eyes.
I am grateful that the people in this room along with many other people had the vision to set aside this forest on the edge of a lake. This shore land and forest teaches all who walk on it, that protected land is a joy. It is important for the health of the lake and also the health of our spirits. I feel certain that those who experience protected property entrusted to our stewardship leave here more committed than ever to stewardship and care of the land, not just here in our communities, but in their own.
by Maggie Chadwick
