The Independence Trail follows the gentle gradient of an old mining canal. Photo courtesy of the Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture is pleased to announce the next in its series of free, outdoor nature programs geared toward getting the community outside to enjoy guided hiking, nature, art and journaling adventures.

Join naturalist in residence, Anna Newman, who will lead a hike along the Independence Trail on Saturday, Oct. 19. Participants will meet at the Burrows Center for the Arts Gallery, 624 E Street in Marysville at 8 a.m. for an 8:30 a.m. departure. The trail is off Highway 49 near Nevada City.  Participants can drive independently, ride-share with others or follow a caravan from the Marysville meeting place. This will be an easy, wheelchair accessible two mile hike out and back with several stops to sketch, nature journal and observe nature. The art and journaling sessions will be led by artist in residence, Pam Nowak.

The Independence Trail follows the gentle gradient of an old mining canal. It offers views of the South Yuba River canyon and passes seasonal side streams and bogs. Along the trail are picnic tables, benches and wooden bridges that have replaced the historic flumes. At two miles, the trail ends at Excelsior Ditch Camp Road. At that point it connects to more rugged trails that lead to swimming holes along the river.

The Independence Trail was the first identified wheelchair accessible wilderness trail in the country. It utilizes the old Excelsior Ditch, built around 1859 to carry water for hydraulic mining and ran all the way to what is now the dam at Lake Wildwood. This hike gives a truly accessible trail opportunity for the disabled or children in strollers/wagons. The history of this trail and area is something that will be shared in more detail by the trip leaders. There is an extensive native plant list available for this trail which includes Maple and Alder which should show some beautiful fall color.

The event is free to all, but advance registration is mandatory at yubasutterarts.org. There is a fully refundable $10 registration fee which will be returned the day of the hike. Free art supplies will be provided to all participants along with water and snacks. There are outdoor tables for lunch after the hike, so plan to bring a sack lunch. The caravan will return to Marysville after lunch for an estimated 2 p.m. return to the E Street location. 

This event is all made possible thanks to an Outdoor Equity Program Grant Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture received from the California State Parks & Recreation Department.  The funding is part of California State Parks’ statewide initiative that has provided grant funding to 125 communities to help advance its “Outdoor Access for All” initiative. The funding helps establish hubs for local activities and trips to natural areas for underserved communities.

Announcements about further outdoor art adventures will be made later this year. Register for these programs at yubasutterarts.org or call 530-742-ARTS (2787). If you have questions or concerns, contact Anna Newman at 956-525-2031.

About YSA: Yuba Sutter Arts is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide arts programming, education, advocacy, assistance and service to artists, organizations and residents of Yuba and Sutter Counties. The local affiliate for Yuba and Sutter of the California Arts Council, its programs include Arts in Education, Veterans Initiatives in the Arts, Arts in Corrections, Very Special Arts Festival, the Yuba-Sutter Big Band, Center Stage Youth Performing Arts, Convergence Theater Co. and many more.