The celebration of Earth Day reminds us of our responsibility to respect and protect the earth and its natural resources. Loon Echo Land Trust, a nonprofit conservation organization, is hosting its annual Earth Day hike April 22, from 3-5 p.m. at Bald Pate Mountain Preserve, with an option for an after-hike social gathering at Bray’s Brew Pub and Eatery on Route 302 in Naples.

For the hike, meet at the Bald Pate Mountain Preserve parking lot at 3 p.m., located on Route 107 in South Bridgton, just past the Five Fields Farm apple orchard. A hike to the summit takes 20 minutes, with a gentle elevation gain of 300 feet. Families and pets are welcome to attend, and participants are encouraged to share a poem or story at the mountain summit.

After the hike head over to Bray’s Brew Pub for a fresh pint of “Bald Pate Celebration Ale.” Brewer Rob Prindall, a volunteer steward of the Bald Pate trails, has been making a batch of beer annually since 1997. A percentage of the proceeds go to Loon Echo for the stewardship of the mountain.

If it is raining or the trail conditions are wet, the hike may be cancelled. Please check the online events calendar at www.lelt.org or call Loon Echo at 647-4352 for a notice of cancellation.

The Bald Pate Mountain hike is part of a bigger Earth Day celebration and awareness event hosted by the Bridgton Community Center and participating businesses and organizations. Please visit the community center April 22 for a variety of fun and educational activities.