18th Annual Horsetail Scramble at Marsin Nature Area July 4 to feature guided paddle, hike, traditional feast

The Marsin Nature Area and Retreat Center, located on the Portage Waterway near Oskar, will again be the site of the Keweenaw Land Trust's Annual Horsetail Scramble, as it was in 2014, but with guided paddle and hike. The Center adjoins the 40-acre Marsin Preserve established in 1999. The late Mary Sinish, who grew up in the Keweenaw, bequeathed these properties to the Keweenaw Land Trust. (Keweenaw Now file photo courtesy Keweenaw Land Trust)

HANCOCK -- The Keweenaw Land Trust will hold its 18th Annual Horsetail Scramble TOMORROW, Saturday, July 4, 2015, at their Marsin Nature Area and Retreat. This year's event will keep everyone's favorite tradition alive: the Keweenaw Famous Horsetail Potluck Feast! The delicious potluck is a staple of the Horsetail Scramble and will be the feature event this year.

In lieu of a competitive run, the event will include a guided paddle on the Portage Waterway and a guided 5k hike around the Marsin Nature Area's trails. This year's hike will be considerably more interesting now that KLT has completed the boardwalk connector across the cedar swamp. You'll have to stop by to enjoy the wonderful addition to this special place.

The full schedule is as follows:

10:30 a.m. -- Event start at the Marsin Nature Retreat
11 a.m. -- Guided paddle begins at the Marsin waterfront
11:30 a.m. -- Guided 5k walk begins
1 p.m. Horsetail Potluck Feast
3 p.m. -- Wrap-up and goodbyes

If you plan to take part in the potluck, please bring a dish to share and you own tableware. KLT will provide corn on the cob and strawberry shortcake for you to enjoy inside or out. Bring a friend or two to share in this fun event! Live music and lawn games will also be played throughout the day. The event is free and open to the public, though donations are appreciated. The Horsetail Scramble will take place rain or shine.

Visit the KLT website to download and print directions to the Marsin Nature Area and Retreat.

Editor's Note:
The Heart and Hands Award will not take place during the Horsetail Scramble Event this year. According to Terry Kinzel, nominations can be made in August and the award will be given in September. Watch for an announcement later this summer.