Celebrate the start of fall with a hike and cookout featuring seasonal foods and spectacular views.

Saturday, Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in celebration of the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend, Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT) will host The Great Hike at Ovens Mouth Preserve. See the first peaks of color along the salt marsh and tidal waters of Ovens Mouth while searching for clues for fabulous prizes in a fun-for-all-ages scavenger hunt.

Once the exploration of the 146-acre preserve is complete, hikers will make their way back to the Erhard Farm, which abuts Ovens Mouth East Preserve. Our good neighbors, Kerrin and Lincoln Erhard, have generously opened their farm for the after-hike barbecue, music and games.

Music will be provided by The Spaceheaters, who offer a funky, melodious sound all can enjoy. Games will include: a letterbox challenge in which participants collect stamps in a passport book related to the features of the preserve, good old-fashioned apple bobbing, relay races and an osprey toss!

The casual hike, fun games with prizes, and excellent food will suit people of all ages and fitness levels. Tickets are now available through www.brownpapertickets.com and the BRLT office for $15/individual, $25/couple and $30/family. All money raised directly supports the BRLT's mission. For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact BRLT at 207-633-4818 or brlt@bbrlt.org.

Boothbay Region Land Trust is a non-profit land conservation organization supported solely by voluntary contributions. It protects 22 preserves and offers over 30 miles of hiking trails. To learn more, please visit www.bbrlt.org.