Join us on June 1st at the Hutchinson Pond Conservation Area in Manchester to explore this property and help to expand KLT's knowledge of the insect fauna of this property, which was acquired in 2011. With 29 acres of wetlands and vernal pools, mixed woods, 2765 feet of stream frontage and 1600 feet of undeveloped shoreline on Hutchinson Pond, there's a lot to explore!

Bring your bug repellent, collecting gear, lunch, drinks, and anything else you may need for the day. The main trail from the parking lot to Hutchinson Pond is 1⁄2 mile long and is an easy walk. There are five vernal pools, three of which are considered of particular importance as they host breeding populations of wood frogs and spotted salamanders.

We'll gather at 10:00 a.m. at the parking lot on Benson Road. To get here, take the U.S. Route 202 exit from I-95 and go westwards, towards Manchester. You'll pass all the various Augusta auto sales lots (Charlie's, etc.) and rise up a hill, then drop down into Manchester. At the 2nd light, turn left onto the Pond Road. Go 3.5 miles on this, and then turn left onto Collins Road. Take the first right onto Benson Road, and go ~0.9 miles. The parking lot will be on the left.

Please contact KLT with any questions, 207-377-2848, or KBrewer@tklt.org

For more information about the Maine Entomological Society and their calendar events, visit their site.

Photo: Norm Rodrigue