With spring just around the corner and the water receding in the lake, it’s time to start thinking about an annual event in Clear Lake State Park. The Clear Lake State Park Interpretive Association (CLSPIA)has been putting on the Wildflower Brunch every April since 1998.
The event was started by Thelma Dangel to showcase the beautiful wildflowers in bloom in the Park. She convinced Madelene Lyon to concoct a menu, buy the ingredients and cook the food while she did the publicity to attract people to the event. With the help of many volunteers, the breakfast was a success; it raised funds for the ongoing projects the association had in the planning stages, and it brought people into the Park to observe the peace and beauty to be found there.
Through 19 years of the Wildflower Brunch, there have been many additional activities available for the guests, but the menu has never changed. Made-to-order omelets, fresh fruit, mixed pastries, orange juice and coffee have been the standard. Nature walks, bird walks and wildflower hikes have been led by volunteers, music has been played by the Kelseyville High School Jazz Band, nature talks and movies have been presented by volunteers in the Visitor Center.
There have been many variations throughout the years, but the sun has always shone on the event. The Visitor Center has traditionally opened on that day, too, offering many nature-related items.
In recent years there have been several ‘celebrity chefs’ cooking perfect omelets for the steady stream of guests. Congressman Mike Thompson and his wife, Jan, have helped turn out beautiful omelets, as has Brad Onorato, Senior District Representative for Mike Thompson. Their interest and help is so appreciated!
The funds raised go directly to Interpretation and Education in the Park. CLSPIA has supported many projects through the years, and there are some very interesting projects in the works for the coming years.
This year’s brunch is shaping up to be a great event. At 8:30 a.m., Brad Barnwell will lead a hike to observe the nesting birds in the park, including the osprey, whose nest is visible from the pavilion. David Neft will be playing during the brunch, and he loves requests! And our Visitor Center will be open, with a special program for all the Junior Rangers at 11 a.m. With all the rain, the park is lush and beautiful.
Tickets are available by visiting the website at clearlakestatepark.org, or by calling 707-279-4395. Cost of the brunch is $20 per person, and reservations are recommended.
