LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Anderson Marsh State Historic Park will offer a choice of two different free, guided nature walks 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 Friday, Jan. 1, 2016, 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.

There will be two different routes to choose from. Both hikes will begin at noon.

The hike on the McVicar Trail will pass through oak woodlands, along the edge of the aquatic habitat of Anderson Marsh and end up at the gravel beach on Clear Lake across from Indian Island.

This will be a leisurely walk that will begin a noon and cover about 7 and three-quarter 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 they see along the way.

The shorter hike will include parts of the Cache Creek, Marsh and Ridge trails. This 3-and-a-half-mile loop will include the Cache Creek riparian habitat, the Anderson Flats grasslands and the oak woodlands on Lewis Ridge. The hike will pass by an Acorn Woodpecker granary tree and a vernal pool. This shorter hike will take between two and two and a half hours.

Participants on both walks are welcome to walk part way and make an early return at their own pace. The exact routes that will be followed may have to be adjusted, depending on the weather and how wet the ground is on Jan. 1.

According to park docent Henry Bornstein, who will lead the walk along with docents Gae Henry and Tom McFarling, “This is a fabulous opportunity to experience the Anderson Marsh Natural Preserve, with the walks 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.