Sidney nonprofit granted funds to create access to Messalonskee Lake Share The Friends of Messalonskee has been awarded a $12,500 grant from the Roger N. Heald Fund of the Maine Community Foundation. This grant will enable Friends of Messalonskee to begin an Invasive Plant Paddle program to educate community members, particularly the underserved, who might not otherwise have access to the lake, according to a news release from nonprofit, based out of Sidney. With the grant money, Friends of Messalonskee will purchase kayaks, paddles and life jackets for six participants at a time to get out on the lake. Friends’ volunteers will be trained as Plant Paddle Leaders who will help community members learn to safely maneuver a kayak, identify plant species, wildlife, and become good stewards of the watershed area.