Appleton — On Saturday, Feb. 23, the public is invited to join a guided walk to the Whitney Bog and Pettengill Marsh in Appleton from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The walk/snowshoe hike is hosted by two local nonprofits that share an interest in this extensive and valuable marsh, Georges River Land Trust and Medomak Valley Land Trust.

The event is free but requires pre-registration, as parking is limited. Snowshoes are advised, depending upon the conditions. Bring water and snacks.

This hike follows on the heels of a presentation Two Rivers, One Community made by Annette Naegel of GRLT and Joan Ray of MVLT to the Appleton Historical Society. These two relatively pristine Midcoast watersheds, Georges River and Medomak River, converge in Appleton at the Whitney Bog and Pettengill Marsh. The marsh complex is unique for the region and hosts classic examples of unpatterned fen, spruce-larch wooded bog, and Atlantic white cedar bog. These headwaters wetlands are important to both rivers as they ensure high water quality and protection downstream from floodwaters. A perfect site for inland wading bird and waterfowl as well as rare plants and animals, the Whitney Bog and Pettengill Marsh wetland complex is easily accessible to people during the frozen winter months to experience the extensive wetland system.

Please call Phelps Brown of the Appleton Historical Society for directions and to register for this event at 785-2040.

Georges River Land Trust and Medomak Valley Land Trust work to conserve the natural, scenic and recreational character, and traditional land uses of the Georges River and Medomak River watersheds. Visit georgesriver.org and www.midcoast.com/~mvlt/ to learn more about their programs.