LOWER LAKE — The Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association (AMIA) will hold a celebration of both the 150th anniversary of California State Parks and the 30th anniversary of AMIA on May 31 at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.
The event will include a guided nature walk on the Cache Creek Nature Trail beginning at 9 a.m. Music, refreshments, historical displays and exhibits and guest speakers will follow, ending at 1:30 p.m. The historic Anderson Ranch House will also be open from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., with AMIA volunteers available to answer questions about the house and its contents.
Galen Clark, who was appointed in 1864 as Yosemite”s first guardian, will be portrayed by retired State Park Ranger Miles Standish, who will be speaking at the event.
“Ranger Miles Standish provides an extremely entertaining portrayal of Galen Clark, our state parks” first ranger, and will discuss both Galen Clark”s life and the significance of 150 years of California State Parks,” AMIA board member Lisa Wilson said.
Additionally, AMIA President Roberta Lyons will speak about AMIA”s past and board member Gordon Haggitt will talk about his time as a young boy when he visited the Ranch House.
“In 1864, California established America”s first state park by setting aside 39,000 acres of Yosemite Valley in its natural state for the public to enjoy,” Henry Bornstein, AMIA treasurer, said. “This decision, taken 150 years ago, has led to the creation of the nation”s largest and most diverse state park system, helping to preserve the state”s extraordinary biological diversity, and to protect its most valued natural and cultural resources.”
“In 1984, 30 years ago, the citizens of Lake County followed in the tradition set by the creation of our first State Park by establishing the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association at the end of a victorious people”s campaign that resulted in the creation of Anderson Marsh State Historic Park,” Lyons said. “The establishment of the park saved Anderson Marsh from commercial development and preserved the priceless Native American and European settler history found there, as well as the natural wonders that are found in the park today.”
The anniversary event is open to the public and free-of-charge.
For information about the event, contact AMIA at 995-2658 or info@andersonmarsh.org.
Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is located on Highway 53, between Lower Lake and Clearlake.
