KELSEYVILLE— Lake Family Resource Center’s (Lake FRC) California HOPE project, a short term community-based project helping Lake County residents recover from recent wildfires, is hosting a series of hour-long walks in various locations of Lake County through the month of June. The walks are free and open to the public.
The first walk is at Glen Eden in the Cow Mountain Recreation Area in north Lakeport on Saturday, June 8, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The sometimes difficult trail starts off in a shaded oak forest but quickly opens up to chaparral and offers stunning views of Mt. Konocti. The trailhead is located off Scotts Valley Road, about eight miles northwest from the intersection of Hwy 29 and Scotts Valley Road in Lakeport.
The second walk on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. begins at the Highland Springs parking area just below the dam, 3600 Highland Springs Road, Lakeport, and will explore the trail surrounding the lake. The Highland Springs area is characterized by scrub brush, oak woodland and open rangeland. The trail is moderately hilly, and offers views of Mt. Konocti. This area is known for its prolific, and sometimes rare, wildflowers during the spring.
On Saturday, June 22, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., community members can enjoy a more rugged hike at the Redbud Trail of Cache Creek Management Area in southeast Lake County. This trail offers steeper hills and views of the creek with many opportunities to view wildlife and wildflowers. Participants will meet at the Cache Creek Management Area parking lot off Highway 20 where the Redbud trail begins. The parking area is approximately 5.5 miles east of the Highway 53 and Highway 20 junction, or about one mile past New Long Valley Road on Highway 20 east.
Wednesday, June 26, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. is an easy walk along the Middle Creek Nature Area Trail in Upper Lake. Participants will meet at the Trailhead on Reclamation Road. The trail is an easy walk along historic rice farming roads through the Middle Creek Restoration Area. It passes along Rodman Slough and has exceptional views of Mt. Konocti and Clear Lake. The area is an important waterfowl habitat and boasts several osprey nests and great blue heron rookeries.
“We had such a positive response to the Hike of HOPE up Mt. Konocti,” noted Lisa Morrow, Lake FRC Executive Director and Cal HOPE Program Manager. “Participants were excited to learn of more community walks.”
“As it turns out,” added Jessica Windrem, Lake FRC Cal HOPE Outreach Worker, “exercise is one of the best things we can do to not only relieve stress, but to prevent it, too. I can’t think of a better way to support our healing than being in the fresh outdoors of Lake County with the company of other community members.”
Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes, bring water, a sunhat and sunscreen. Dogs, glass, smoking, alcohol and fires are prohibited on the walks.
The walks and other weekly events hosted by Lake FRC Cal HOPE, including Cup of HOPE casual gatherings at coffee houses and restaurants throughout Lake County, can be viewed on the Lake FRC Cal HOPE calendar on their website at www.lakefrc.org/calhope.
Lake FRC’s California HOPE is a short term community based project helping Lake County residents recover from recent wildfires. Outreach workers provide free and confidential services to individuals, families, groups and organizations impacted by recent fires, including information and linkage to resources, emotional support, education, and community networking opportunities. Additionally, free workshops and educational presentations exploring the phases of disaster and common reactions to disasters are available to groups, schools, businesses and organizations. Services are provided by Lake FRC through a grant from Lake County Behavioral Health Services.
For more information on Lake FRC California HOPE and upcoming activities and events, visit www.lakefrc.org/calhope or surf to www.Facebook.com/Lake FRC: California Hope or call 707-349-5203.
