Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
ALONG THE curvy, rolling byway of Wisconsin's Hwy. G lies a bounty of lupine. The quiet road was among three road loops and one trail enjoyed by bikers in Saturday's 12th Annual Mercer Lupine Junefest.
By P.J. GLISSON
Mercer - Lupines did not disappoint during Saturday's 12th Annual Mercer Lupine Junefest, based in the town's Carow Park. The wildflowers were in full force along Wisconsin's Hwy. G, which was one of three road loops and one trail used by bikers traveling anywhere from 10 to 50 miles.
Each biker left the park with a designated number placed on his or her shirt, and volunteers checked them in when they returned. Volunteer Ginny Kemplin of Mercer said the system helped to ensure biker safety.
A steady stream of bikers returned to the well-manicured park, where they found hot food and cold drinks, a colorful collection of booths, and peppy music by WUPM Radio of Ironwood.
Kids also had the option to play on the park's playground equipment while adults wishing repose could rest on a bench next to Grand Portage Lake.
Among the bikers were Grant Nelson and his wife, Lisa Martinson, of Appleton. "It's a lovely day for a ride!" said Nelson. "It's our first time here in Mercer, and we're really impressed by the natural beauty around here, and everyone's been really nice. We were promised lupines, and we found them!"
"We were planning to be in the area anyway," said Martinson, who researched biking opportunities and discovered the Junefest. She described the wildflowers as "gorgeous."
Kerri Ludolph of Sauk City, Wis., was equally impressed with her own ride with friends. "It was beautiful," she said. "We saw a lot of lupines. We had someone who saw a turtle."
"I loved it," said biker Maureen Baron of Mercer. "It was really fun." Baron said she previously lived in Madison but is originally from Iron County.
Beth Wetzler, executive director of the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce, said the three road rides also included water features.
She said the 7.2-mile trail was a new route for which a ribbon was cut in 2017. "This year we wanted to highlight that," she said. "It's all paved. It's great for families."
Wetzler added of the trail, which is part of the Northern Highlands Regional Nonmotorized Trail, "In the beginning of July, it will connect to Manitowish Waters and the Heart of Vilas County bike system."
Hosting one of the park booths was Ramona Shackleford, coordinator of the Northwoods Cooperative Weed Management Area. The cooperative is based in Washburn, but covers several Wisconsin counties, including Iron County.
Shackleford said her aim was to teach the public about the harm of various invasive species and to discourage home owners from allowing them to grow in their yards.
For example, despite honeysuckle looking pretty in bloom, Shackleford said when birds find and eat its seeds, they spread it to wooded areas, which results in native species being "pushed out."
She said if homeowners report finding invasive species in their yards or along roadsides, Northwoods Cooperative will work to treat the unwanted growth.
Other booth participants included North Lakeland Discovery Center, Woods and Blooms Garden Club, Range Master Gardeners, Iron County Health Department, University of Wisconsin Extension, Run for a Vet, Mercer Lions and Loony Paddlers.
The Junefest was held in conjunction with the Mercer Bird Festival. The Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored both events with the help of local sponsors and volunteers.
