Celebrate the spring equinox outdoors with LandPaths

Landpaths is bringing in spring with a few celebratory events planned for this Sunday.|
MEG MCCONAHEY
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Ready to say farewell to winter?

If so, channel your inner druid and join one of the free spring celebrations planned this Sunday by LandPaths and the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District.

The Spring Equinox Celebration at Rancho Mark West in Santa Rosa includes activities for children, guided hikes through the 124-acre property and a chance to lend a hand in the Rancho’s organic gardens.

The historic Rancho Mark West was purchased by LandPaths in 2011 with financial assistance from the California Coastal Conservancy. It is home to the oldest barn in Sonoma County, towering stands of old-growth redwoods and a long stretch of salmon-bearing Mark West Creek. Celebrants are encouraged to bring food to share for a potluck lunch.

LandPaths on Sunday is also hosting a guided walk and Spring Family Picnic at Carrington Ranch off Hwy 1 at Salmon Creek State Beach in partnership with the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District.

The two-mile hike will include guided nature-spotting along the way, from insects to wildflowers, ending with a bring-your-own picnic lunch at the Salmon Creek Overlook.

The 330-acre ranch near Bodega Bay is protected and owned by the Open Space District. and stewarded by LandPaths. The outing is focused toward children but the unpaved trail is expected to be muddy, making it tough for strollers.

Both events are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are free of charge, although donations are welcome.

Rancho Mark West is located at 7125 St. Helena Rd, Santa Rosa. Directions to Carrington Ranch as well as further details about both events can be found at LandPaths.org. Those who want to join a carpool to Carrington should meet at 9 a.m. at the Open Space District office parking lot, 747 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. The parking lot is behind the building off Carrillo, a block north of College. Carpools will leave at 9:10 a.m. in order to meet the full group at 10 a.m. at the ranch.

You can reach Staff Writer Meg McConahey at meg.mcconahey@pressdemocrat.com or 521-5204. On Twitter @MegMcConahey.

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