LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Anderson Marsh State Historic Park will hold a free, guided nature walk over the reopened McVicar Trail beginning at noon on New Year’s Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative.

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 Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, 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.

Walkers on the McVicar Trail pass along the edge of Anderson Marsh and end up at the gravel beach on the lake across from Indian Island.

This will be a leisurely walk that will begin a noon and cover about 7 miles of mainly flat terrain.

The walk should take between three and four hours, depending on how many times the group 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 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.