LOWER LAKE, Calif. – A record-breaking 140 Lake County residents and visitors from outside the county brought in the new year by participating in the Jan. 1 guided hike held on the newly-opened McVicar Trail at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park (AMSHP).
The hike was part of America's State Parks yearly “First Day Hikes” program.
AMSHP represented Lake County in the program, which includes State Parks in all 50 states.
Organizers said the park's hikes usually average between 15 and 25 people, with 40 people being the most they've had for previous hikes.
“This event exceeded all of our expectations and set a record for the number of people coming to the Park to enjoy a nature hike,” said park docent Gae Henry. “AMIA is pleased to have helped create this opportunity for the local community to start out the new year right. It was great seeing family groups and people of all ages coming out to enjoy beautiful Lake County.”
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 at a state park close to home.
The hike was led by Henry and fellow park docent Henry Bornstein, along with State Park Ranger Darin Connor and retired State Park Rangers Tom and Val Nixon.
Henry and Bornstein also are directors of the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association (AMIA), the nonprofit, all volunteer association that cooperates with the state in operating and maintaining Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.
The work to reestablish the McVicar Trail at the park, which has been closed because of fallen trees and landslides, is the result of the partnership agreement between AMIA and the Department of Parks and Recreation.
The leisurely hike covered a distance of a little under fpur miles, beginning at the historic Ranch House complex and following the McVicar Trail through savannah grasslands, oak woodlands and riparian habitats, all the way out to the gravel beach across from Indian Island on Clear Lake itself.
Among the sights enjoyed by everyone who hiked the McVicar Trail that day was a good look at the rarely-seen Tundra Swan that has taken up residence in Anderson Marsh for the past couple of weeks.
Those who walked the entire trail and arrived at the beach in the early group also got a wonderful close-up look at a golden eagle having a territorial dispute with a red-tailed hawk.
The McVicar Trail is now open each day for the public to enjoy.
Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is located on Highway 53, between Lower Lake and Clearlake, and is open daily during daylight hours, with the vehicle parking lot open on weekends only.
For information about Anderson Marsh State Historic Park or AMIA, go to www.andersonmarsh.org or contact AMIA at either This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-995-2658.
