The lake’s protection was set in motion when landowners along the pond donated 85 acres to the Town. This gift helped motivate the Town to protect all 167 acres of land bordering the lake, purchasing additional parcels with funds from a municipal land bond, the Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) program, and the Casco Bay Estuary Project Habitat Protection Fund. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation then added 20 acres to the purchased land, recognizing the value of the site for birds, amphibians and moose.
Access path to Florida Lake in Freeport
Since receiving the original grants, Freeport’s Conservation Commission has received $50,000 under the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s North American Wetland Conservation Act to purchase additional land, and a Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program grant through the Natural Resources Conservation Service to restore an existing impoundment. The LMF program provided a second “access” grant to help in creating a loop trail around the pond.
Closest Town
Freeport
Activities
Bird & other wildlife watching, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hunting, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking
Region
Southern Maine – York, Cumberland
Acres
148
Directions from nearest town
DeLorme Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Map 6, C-1. From Exit 20 in Freeport, head north on Route 125 (Wardtown Road) approximately 3 miles. After passing Laughing Stock Farm on the left, look for a Florida Lake sign on the right (immediately before the chicken barns). A short gravel access road leads to a designated parking area.
