3 fun ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Contra Costa
Looking for fun ways to enjoy the outdoors in Contra Costa? Earth Day is only a month away and the weather in the east bay has finally turned nice. If you are yearning to connect with the great outdoors, now’s the time. Here are 3 fun ways for you and your family to get back to nature.
Growing and Using Herbs (March 21)
Anna Marie Beauchemin, clinical herbalist, biologist and founder of East Bay Herbals will lead a workshop on herbal medicine and its connections to the garden and kitchen. Learn the basics of planning a pollinator-friendly herb garden. This workshop includes a demo on making herbal infused vinegar, and each participant will go home with a bottle of medicinal and culinary vinegar. Sponsored by Sustainable Contra Costa. 10 a.m.-noon, Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center, 315 Cortsen Road, Pleasant Hill. $25. sustainablecoco.org.
Vasco Caves Regional Preserve Tour (Sundays, through April)
Hike 2-3 miles through this windswept landscape. The area is sacred to local California Indian communities and a refuge for golden eagles, fairy shrimp, and tiger salamanders. The Preserve is accessible only through guided tours. 10+yrs. Registration is required. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 9450 Marsh Creek Road, Brentwood. $35-$40. 510-544-2750 or ebparks.org.
Mt. Diablo Falls Loop trail (Anytime during daylight hours)
With all the rains last week, the falls will have lots of water this weekend. The strenuous 5.8 mile hike has lots of steep up and down pathways, but the many splashing waterfalls along the loop are worth the effort. Hurry before the water dries up. Park at the Mitchell Canyon park entrance, 96 Mitchell Canyon Road, Clayton, CA 94517. It’s only $6. Do not park where you can be towed on Regency Dr.
Clayton Cleans Up
And if you want to help others enjoy the outdoors, come join the Pioneer staff at the annual Clayton Cleans Up event on April 20. Help clean up local trails and parks and get a free CCU t-shirt. Afterwards enjoy the free barbecue celebration. 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Clayton City Hall Courtyard. Download the registration form from the city of Clayton website: ci.clayton.ca.us. Bring the form filled out. For more information, call the Pioneer at (925) 672-0500.
