Our mission is to conserve the lands and waters of the Belgrade Lakes region for all. To meet this challenge, in late December 2017, the Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance and the Maine Lakes Resource Center combined forces to create 7 Lakes Alliance. Together, with our various state, town, and local partners, 7 Lakes is committed to a mission of conserving the Belgrade Lakes watershed.
Our Vision
7 Lakes Alliance supports land and water conservation in the Belgrade Lakes region by engaging with the whole community to ensure water quality, well stewarded lands, and a vibrant community. Our work combines contemporary scientific knowledge, respect for the area’s natural heritage and local traditions, inclusive priority setting and collaborative problem solving, with ongoing dialogue and widespread resource sharing to create a culture of conservation that serves us all.
Visitor Center
In 2007, a group of volunteers from the Belgrade Lakes Association conceived a plan to purchase both the site of the current post office and an empty lot in the center of Belgrade Lakes Village. It was decided that the empty lot would be better suited for a signature building dedicated to supporting the conservation efforts of local and regional conservation groups. The plan also called for restoring the docks behind the post office, reconnecting Great Pond residents once again to the Village.
Construction of the building started in late 2010 and was completed by July 2011, along with the docks, just in time for Fourth of July celebrations. This building, now the home of 7 Lakes Alliance, was built in the style of an old barn, in part to evoke the past. Built entirely by local tradesmen, antique beams were sourced from an old barn located in Quaker Town, Pennsylvania. Pictured – construction of the building in February 2011.
Today, the ground floor of this building serves as a year-round visitor’s center for locals and visitors alike. The public “gallery” space serves as a learning center, with material on latest lake science updates, trail maps, best management practices for reducing erosion into the lakes, and more. During the summer, the building is open to the public Sunday – Friday. On Sundays during the summer, the Belgrade Lakes Market can be found on the lawn of the 7 Lakes Alliance Building from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
The 7 Lakes Alliance building is located at 137 Main Street, Belgrade, 04917. Parking is located at the building, and along Main Street. Boat access is available in the Mill Stream from Great Pond, with public docks at both the 7 Lakes Alliance and behind the post office.
