By now any sore muscles have been iced and the race signs have been put away until next year, but we're still thinking about what a great time we had with the runners and walkers who attended Nature Up North's 6th Annual Earth Day 7k last Sunday! Although the morning started off a bit dreary with some sprinkles, by the time the starting countdown hit "go" at 10:30am, the sun was shining and spirits were high. The course followed the St. Lawrence University Kip and Saddlemire trails, starting and finishing at the Wachtmeister Field Station and covering 7 kilometers (4.4 mi) of mixed forests, fields, and wetland. Trail conditions were a bit muddy in places, but all racers persevered and we enjoyed seeing the muddy legs of those who ran through the few puddles they encountered!

Brogan LaRose brought it home first this year with a time just under 30 minutes - 29:01, while Jill Zick came in as the fastest runner for women just a minute later, with a time of 30:03. Although we roughly timed all runners, the real excitement came not from winning but from the raffle that all participants were a part of afterwards. Prizes were donated from local sponsors including Little Grasse Foodworks, Potsdam Food Co-op, Raquette River Brewery, Nature's Storehouse, Birch Boys Inc., and Newmanzone Maple!

Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the trails and the spring weather, celebrate Earth Day, and support outdoor engagement and stewardship with Nature Up North! And a big thanks to our sponsors Coakleys Home and Hardware and Grasse River Outfitters for their generous support in providing all racers with t-shirts!

The Kip and Saddlemire trails are open to the public all year round - we look forward to seeing you on them again soon!