Edgar hosts newest IRONBULL trail
EDGAR (Silent Sports Magazine) – Scotch Creek Woodland Preserve is the third and most recent free marked trail system featured by IRONBULL. The trail system is located near Edgar High School and open to the public. Participants may visit the trail anytime and as often as they want to complete the free marked 2.5 and 1.8 mile courses between May 15 and May 25.
Wildflowers line the trails for participants to enjoy.
Hikers and runners may enjoy spring wildflowers along the trails at Edgar’s Scotch Creek Woodland Preserve.
IRONBULL has recently designed pop-up events in which walkers and runners may explore area trails on specially marked routes. The first course was located at Nine Mile County Forest and Recreation Area and had hundreds of participants. The 5k (3.1 mile) course featured two sets of marked courses that crisscrossed so participants could mix-and-match trails – one singletrack and the other ski trail - throughout the route.
“What a creative, fun, safe event! You can make it relaxing or competitive. The flexibility is fantastic!” said one participant from the inaugural Choose Your Own Adventure.
The new course in Edgar will feature this same “Choose Your Own Adventure” concept highlighting both the ski and singletrack trails at Scotch Creek Woodland Preserve, and will offer a 4k and 3k instead of 5k trail.
“Edgar’s Scotch Creek Woodland Preserve is an uncovered gem by many. We hope to showcase this beautiful trail system for all to safely enjoy,” said IRONBULL’s executive director and course designer, Andrea Larson.
IRONBULL was inspired to mark trails for the general public to enjoy to offer individuals and families a free, safe, outdoor activity.
The concept continues to grow due to the positive response by the community. Thirty people responded to IRONBULL’s post-event survey for the inaugural Choose Your Own Adventure course and everyone rated the event a four or five on a five point scale.
The Scotch Creek Woodland Preserve has no trail fees. The Edgar Area Trail Association (EATS) maintains the trails year-round by offering snowshoeing and groomed cross-country ski trails each winter. Trail users are encouraged to consider making a donation to help fund trail maintenance.
“We welcome first-time trail users to Scotch Creek Woodland Preserve. We have spent countless hours maintaining these trails and welcome people of all ages to enjoy the trails,” said EATS member Mark Stankowski.
IRONBULL plans for the marked trails to be open May 15 to 25, but may consider extending the course based on user feedback. All users are asked to abide by Safer at Home Orders including social distancing.
All participants should register to measure community impact for these marked courses. To reward individuals for registering, IRONBULL offers several prizes for participants.
IRONBULL’s Island Hop Adventure, which includes free marked 5k (3.1 mile), 2 mile, and 1 mile walk / run options continues in downtown Wausau through May 17.
IRONBULL has additional plans for more marked trails. IRONBULL is working with the Athens Trail Association (ATA) to open another marked course at Erbach Park from May 29 to June 14.
For more race information on the IRONBULL Choose Your Own Adventure course in Edgar go to the IRONBULL Facebook page or https://www.ironbull.org/cyoa-edgar
For more race information on the IRONBULL Island Hop Adventure go to the IRONBULL Facebook page or https://www.ironbull.org/island-hop-2020
Banner photo: Scotch Creek Woodland Preserve features several bridges and boardwalks.