LOWER LAKE, Calif. – 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 the nationwide “First Day Hikes” program.

The First Day Hikes offer an opportunity to begin the New Year connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1, 2014 at a state park close to home. All 50 state park systems will be participating in the program.

Take this opportunity to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.

The work to reestablish the McVicar Trail, which has been closed due to fallen trees and landslides, is the result of the Partnership Agreement between the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association.

The McVicar Trail leads from the historic Ranch House and Barn complex, over Lewis Ridge and through the former McVicar Audubon Sanctuary, which was added to the Park in 1988.

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.

This will be a leisurely walk that will cover about five miles of mainly flat terrain and should take between three and three and a half 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.

Participants should bring water and snacks and binoculars if they have them, and wear sturdy shoes.
Rain will cancel the walk.

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

For more information about the walk, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 707-995-2658.

For information about how you can help support AMIA’s campaign to keep the park open and thriving, please visit www.andersonmarsh.org , or contact us by telephone or email.