Debbie Croft: Springtime adventures and hikes in the foothills

California is sprouting new growth. The rivers and creeks are running, and everywhere we look, the landscape is lush and green and dotted with wildflowers. If you haven’t taken a drive through the country lately, what are you waiting for?

There’s much to see and do this time of year. Below are suggestions for outdoor adventuring, as well as the dates of a few seasonal events:

In the foothills to the west is the San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area, operated by California State Parks. Every Saturday and Sunday this month until April 13, the Path of the Padres hiking and boating tour takes place.

The tour starts with a boat ride at the Los Banos Creek Reservoir boat launch ramp at 8 a.m. and returns to the same location around 3:30 p.m. The 4-mile hike is moderately strenuous with some climbing involved.

Los Banos Creek will be crossed more than once during the hike and footwear may get wet. State Parks personnel advise bringing appropriate hiking footwear (no sandals or flip-flops), wearing layers of clothing, bringing a hat and sunscreen, a lunch and at least two quarts of water.

The Path of the Padres is a historic 35-mile trail, named because the Catholic priests traveled this route when they came from Mission San Juan Bautista into the Central Valley, through the Diablo Mountain Range.

Hikers will stop for lunch near the historic “baths” – deep pools carved in bedrock by the creek.

Learn the history and discover how the area’s first inhabitants survived in this location for thousands of years. See www.parks.ca.gov/Events for details about the hike and other excursions.

Pacheco State Park celebrates its 13th annual Wildflower Day on March 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn from the displays and materials provided by volunteers from the California Native Plant Society, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and California State Parks. Free arts and crafts activities will be held for children.

A wild flower hike will begin at 10 a.m. with limited space. Or visitors can take a self-guided tour using a complimentary wildflower pamphlet.

No drinking water is available. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own beverages and food. Wear layered clothing and sunscreen, as the weather can vary.

The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle. For more information, call 209-826-6283 or 209-826-1197. Or email bwong@parks.ca.gov with “Wildflower Day” in the subject line.

On Saturday, a free Family Fun Fair will be held by Mariposa Safe Families from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Mariposa Elementary School.

A bicycle rodeo is planned, as well as an Easter egg hunt, interactive family games, face painting, balloon animals and free snacks. Dads and moms can gather helpful information at the booths regarding local services available for helping to keep families healthy and safe.

The school is located at the east end of Sixth Street, a few blocks from downtown.

A fireside chat will be held with Tony Kizan at the Mariposa Museum and History Center. On Sunday, at 2 p.m. Guests will enjoy hearing about Kizan’s adventures in Death Valley as a photographer and explorer. His slide show will feature photos of remote canyons, forgotten gold mines, fossils and petroglyphs.

There is no cost to attend. The museum is at 5119 Jessie St. Call (209) 966-2924 for details.

Are your trees surrounded by a trench to soak up rainwater? Do you know how to stop erosion on multi-leveled property? And after several years of drought, do you wish you knew how to save the water we’re getting now?

A free water conservation workshop will be held on April 16 in Greeley Hill. Regina Hirsch, founder of Sierra Watershed Progressive and owner of Mountain Sage Nursery in Groveland, will be the presenter. Hirsch has worked for many years in watershed management and has extensive experience in developing water-saving techniques.

The workshop will consist of two parts: an instructional time followed by a field trip to a nearby home to view water-saving strategies at work.

The workshop will begin at 10 a.m. at Greeley Hill Community Club Hall, 10332 Fiske Hill Road. For more information or to register, call 209-966-2417 or check the website http://cemariposa.ucanr.edu.

This story was originally published March 18, 2016 at 11:05 AM with the headline "Debbie Croft: Springtime adventures and hikes in the foothills."