This silent auction item will be presented for final bidding at our annual picnic on Thursday, August 4th.

Bass Lake is a small, peaceful lake in the northern part of the County, including 3,100 feet of protected inland lakeshore and the headwaters of Belanger Creek. This property was permanently protected with a private conservation easement in 2015. The landowners, Joe and Cate Varley, will take your group of 6-8 people on a peaceful evening tour of the lake. Paddling along the lush shoreline vegetation while watching bluegills and bass swim amongst the lily pads is a special opportunity since there is no public access to this charming little lake.

"Late summer through autumn is a great time to paddle the shore of Bass Lake, near Omena." Says Cate.

Loons, herons, bald eagles, osprey, and sandhill cranes frequent this quiet spot. Buffle heads, ring-necked ducks, wood ducks, and other water fowl visit the lake on their migrations south. Turtles can be seen sunning themselves, and other reptiles, amphibians, and fish call Bass Lake home. Toward sunset you might even hear a barred owl or the call of a loon, and will see red-shouldered hawks and northern harriers hunting the Conservancy's protected easement.

Following your wildlife-filled paddle on the lake, you and your group can enjoy tapas and wine on the dock provided by your hosts.