Defenders of Crooked LakeThis past April, Defenders of Crooked Lake members and friends did their best to help keep Crooked Lake (and its surrounding watershed) Outstanding. Thanks to Mark Armstrong, Bunny Wetzel, Ryan Kordek, Chanda Bennett, Sandra Mercer, Patty McKeeman, Rowan McKeeman, Sally Morrison, Win Stevens, Kent Lilly, Jim Abbitt, John Laderer, and all the rest!
The Defenders of Crooked Lake recently issued a request to the Crooked Lake community to share their remembrances of years past. The following letter was shared by Jeanette Belisle about her time in Blackwell Villas in Babson Park. 60 years ago, my brother-in-law rented a duplex in Blackwell Villa. The next year we started renting […]
By Analisa Jahna and Keith Novosel These are just a few examples of native plants that would do well in and around Crooked Lake. Using native plants reduces the need for irrigation and fertilizer, and aquatic plants provide much needed food and shelter for wildlife. It is important to have a natural shoreline to prevent […]
By Win Stevens For those of you who were unable to attend our March dinner meeting and those interested in a review, here is a brief summary of what we learned about light pollution and its impacts on our lives. Our speaker was Marty Proctor. He is a conservation activist, DarkSky advocate and electrical engineer […]
On December 19, 2023, the Defenders of Crooked Lake received a presentation by Chris Daly, owner of Landdaly, LLC, regarding his proposed development on property near the intersection of Cody Villa Road and Wes Mann Road. As presented, the development would consist of a Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park with 141 spots on 47 acres. On […]
If Crooked Lake could talk- oh the stories it could tell! The Defenders of Crooked Lake is launching a creative project to preserve stories from the shores. We want to hear all about your memories, funny stories, events, and family history that unfolded in, on, and around Crooked Lake. Gather up your pictures and recall […]
By Mary Morrison Tom Schotman is remembered for his determination and enthusiasm for protecting Crooked Lake and the surrounding area. His leadership in Defenders and Babson Park Visioning Group made a positive difference for our community. We also remember his tireless work with animals including rehabilitation of gopher tortoises, eagles and countless other species. Many […]
By Judy Stevens A humorous description of Babson Park’s first Post Office was included in Louise Quinn’s 1990 book entitled Crooked Lake – Babson Park Rediscovered. Quinn states that in 1913, the first Postmaster of Crooked Lake, as Babson Park was called then, was William A. Buzzard. But residents reported that his wife Elsie was […]
A poem by Judy Stevens If you live on a lake, it becomes a friend, and eventually family. You learn its language, know its rhythms and moods, share its daily anticipation as sunrise illuminates another dawn’s unforeseen comings and goings. Like you, on occasion it can be cruel. Mostly, though, it’s generous – a wet […]
By Kristiana Heath Calling all birdwatchers! The cooler temperatures of fall and winter spur the fall migration of many species of birds heading south to warmer climates. The fall migration of birds usually begins in September and November. Some birds fly incredible journeys all the way to the southern hemisphere, while making stops in Florida […]