Washoe Lake State Park events in April feature astronomy program, wildflower walk and hikes

Washoe Lake State Park is hosting a variety of events during the month of April, including a basic astronomy program focusing on year-round (circumpolar) constellations, a wildflower walk, a full moon hike and a guided hike through the sand dunes.

Friday, April 8: Basic Astronomy
This Basic Astronomy program will focus on constellations that are visible year-round, including Ursa Major (with the Big Dipper), Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Ursa Minor and Draco.
WHEN: Friday, April 8 at 8 p.m.
WHERE: 4855 Eastlake Blvd (Take the Eastlake Blvd Exit #44 from I-580.). Meet at the Maze
Parking lot. After paying the fee at the entrance to the park, turn left and it’s the first parking lot on the
right.

Sunday, April 17: Wildflower Walk
This moderate, one-mile, round trip hike to the gazebo along the Deadman’s Creek Trail has some great flowers blooming in the spring. Participants should dress for the weather and bring plenty of water. A camera and binoculars are suggested.
WHEN: Sunday, April 17 at 1 p.m.
WHERE: 4855 Eastlake Blvd (Take the Eastlake Blvd Exit #44 from I-580.). Meet at the Maze parking
lot. After paying the fee at the entrance to the park, turn left and it’s the first parking lot on the right.

Thursday, April 21: Full Moon Hike
Reservations are required for this hike. Please call (775) 687-4319 or e-mail washoelake@hdiss.net to reserve your spot. This is an easy moonlit stroll from the Maze to the beach at Washoe Lake, approximately one mile, round-trip. We will discuss nocturnal animals, including bats and coyotes.
WHEN: Thursday, April 21 at 8 p.m.
WHERE: 4855 Eastlake Blvd (Take the Eastlake Blvd Exit #44 from I-580.). Meet at the Maze parking
lot. After paying the fee at the entrance to the park, turn left and it’s the first parking lot on the right.

Sunday, April 24: Dune Trek Hike
Reservations are required for this hike. Please call (775) 687-4319 or e-mail washoelake@hdiss.net to reserve your spot. This is a strenuous, five-mile, round trip hike through the sand dunes. Most of the hike is through loose sand, so good hiking shoes are recommended. Participants should dress for the weather and bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water. A camera and binoculars are suggested. This hike will take approximately four hours.
WHEN: Sunday, April 24 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: 4855 Eastlake Blvd (Take the Eastlake Blvd Exit #44 from I-580.). Meet at the Equestrian
Area parking lot. After paying the fee at the entrance to the park, turn right, pass the campground, and
follow a short gravel road to the Equestrian pavilion.

These events are included with the park’s entrance fee of $7 per vehicle. Nevada residents receive a $2 discount. We can accept cash or check for the entrance fee; pay in the envelopes at the entrance to the park. Please call (775) 687-4319 for more information or e-mail us at washoelake@hdiss.net.

The passport challenge continues: The Nevada State Parks Passport Booklet is now available and may be
picked up at any state park. Visitors who have their booklets stamped at 15 different parks will earn a free annual pass to all Nevada State Parks. The booklet, which serves as a travel aid as well as travelogue for park visitors, includes photos, a description of each park, lists of amenities, travel journal pages and spaces for validation stamps which have been designed to reflect each unique state park.

— Jenny Ramella is a Public Information Officer for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources