It’s hiking season!

Explore Fort Churchill State Historic Park during guided hikes March 31, April 21 and April 28. Fort Churchill, eight miles south of Silver Springs in northern Nevada, was built in 1861 and was once an active U.S. Army fort. The hikes are free, although entry into the park is $7 per vehicle, with a $2 discount for Nevada residents. (Cash or check only.) Hikes may be canceled or rescheduled due to inclement weather.

Scheduled hikes are as follows:

March 31: Guided Hike

Hike with a ranger and discover signs of wildlife along the Carson River. Along the way, the ranger will guide you through some of the history of the Carson River and why it was such an important resource in this area. After this easy, 3-mile hike, take a tour of Buckland Station, a historic home/boarding house that was built in 1870. Please bring water, sunscreen, hat, good hiking shoes and dress for the weather. Also, binoculars and a camera are always a good idea!
When: Saturday, March 31 from 10:30 a.m. to approximately 12:30 p.m.
Where: Meet at the Orchard parking lot, directly across the highway from Buckland Station. Buckland Station is approximately 9 miles south of Silver Springs on Highway 95A. Buckland Station is the large, two-story white building on the left, about a half-mile after crossing the railroad tracks. The Orchard parking lot will be on the right.

April 21: Earth Day Hike

Discover the plants and animals along the Carson River while hiking with a ranger. Sunday is the 42^nd anniversary of Earth Day, so the focus of this hike will be on the Carson River Watershed. Learn how the health of this watershed area affects the health of the planet on this easy 3-mile hike. Participants should bring a good pair of gloves for optional litter pick-up along the trail, good hiking shoes, water, hat, sunscreen, camera and binoculars. Remember to dress for the weather.
When: Saturday, April 21 from 10:30 a.m. to approximately 1 p.m.
Where: Meet at the Orchard parking lot, directly across the highway from Buckland Station. Buckland Station is approximately nine miles south of Silver Springs on Highway 95A. Buckland Station is the large, two-story white building on the left, about a half-mile after crossing the railroad tracks. The Orchard parking lot will be on the right.

April 28: National Arbor Day Hike

In honor of National Arbor Day, this hike will focus on tree species growing along the Carson River. Nevada State Parks is recognized as being the owner of the Lombardy poplar, the largest of its species growing in the state of Nevada. It is recorded in the Big Tree Register. Other trees in the area include Fremont cottonwood, coyote willow and exotic species like tamarisk and Russian olive. Please bring good hiking shoes, water, hat, sunscreen, camera and binoculars. Remember to dress for the weather.
When: Saturday, April 28 from 10:30 a.m. to approximately 1 p.m.
Where: Meet at the Orchard parking lot, directly across the highway from Buckland Station. Buckland Station is approximately nine miles south of Silver Springs on Highway 95A. Buckland Station is the large, two-story white building on the left, about ½ mile after crossing the railroad tracks. The Orchard parking lot will be on the right.

Visit the state parks online calendar for more information on the state parks programs or call the park at 775-577-4880.

(Above: Diversion Dam at Fort Churchill State Historic Park is seen in this photo supply by Nevada State Parks.)