Anderson Marsh SHP

State Historic Park

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park to hold New Year's Day Walk as Part of the National ''First Day Hikes'' Program

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park will hold a free, guided nature walk over the newly reopened McVicar Trail beginning at noon on New Year's Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative being held in State Parks in all 50 states. The First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1, 2014 at a state park close to home. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.

This will be a leisurely walk that will cover about 5 miles of mainly flat terrain and should take between 3 and 31/2 hours, depending on how many times the groups stops to admire what we see along the way. Participants are welcome to walk part way and make an early return at their own pace.

According to Park Docent Henry Bornstein, who along with Docent Gae Henry will lead the walk, "This is a fabulous opportunity to experience the Anderson Marsh Natural Preserve, with the McVicar Trail passing through grasslands, Oak woodlands, willow and cottonwood riparian habitats and the tule marsh habitat of Anderson Marsh. Let's get outside on New Year's Day and share what we know about the geology and history of the area, and the flora, birds and other wildlife that we encounter on the walk."

Participants should bring water and snacks and binoculars if they have them, and wear sturdy shoes and a hat. Rain will cancel the walk. Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is located on Hwy 53, between Lower Lake and Clearlake. For more information about the walk, email info@andersonmarsh.org or call (707) 995-2658

Come see what autumn is bringing to Anderson Marsh State Historic Park

The Park at this time of year is beautiful. The colors of autumn at the Park are wonderful shades of cream, yellow, brown and green – interspersed with the startling color of small yellow sunflowers, periwinkle chicory, white ground “morning glories” or the fluffy white airiness of California Milkweed seeds and many California Wild Rose “hips” – most are still a lovely red and a very attractive food for many birds and mammals. Most of the blackberries are drying and shriveling up but they are still interesting to birds and wildlife. The wild grapes that grow are ripening, and bunches are hanging from vines in trees. Mistletoe berries are ripening too.

The fall bird migration is underway. Birds that we may see include a belted kingfisher looking for breakfast in the creek, acorn woodpeckers getting ready to store acorns in their “granary” trees, the first cedar waxwings arriving to dine on berries and grapes and perhaps a pair or two of phainopepla. (Love that name! These are usually birds of arid-mesquite land, but are found in this Park because of the abundance of mistletoe berries). Also on hand may be red-shouldered hawk, red-tailed hawk and white-tailed kite. Often seen in Cache Creek are great egret, great blue heron and black-crowned night heron.

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is located on Hwy 53, between Lower Lake and Clearlake.

For more information about the walks, email info@andersonmarsh.org or call (707) 995-2658.

For information about how you can help support AMIA’s campaign to keep the Park open to the public and available for events such as our monthly nature walks and ranch tours, please visit www.andersonmarsh.org, or contact us by telephone or email.

Location - Directions

The park is located on the southeast corner of Clear Lake, the largest natural lake completely within the borders of California. Between Lower Lake and Clear Lake on Highway 53, north of Calistoga in the wine country.