PACHECO STATE PARK Spring Wildflower and Old Adobe Hikes Every Saturday and Sunday* in April *Except Easter Sunday, April 16th. Wildflowers: 10:00 a.m. – noon; Old Adobe: noon – 1 p.m. WILDFLOWER HIKE     Help celebrate Pacheco State Park’s 9th Anniversary with a delightful springtime hike. Join park naturalist Jennifer Morgan to view this year’s lovely wildflower display overlooking San Luis Reservoir. We’ll discuss the Native American and pioneer uses of plants and rich history of Pacheco Pass. The hike is about 2 miles long and is classed as moderate. A NEW HISTORICAL HIKE     Denis Poole, the new ranger at Pacheco State Park is pleased to announce an additional springtime hike, which will be offered in concert with our usual naturalist-led wildflower hikes. Ranger Poole will take visitors on a one hour, one mile round-trip walk to view the seldom visited remaining structure of the first adobe house built in Merced County, as well as an original Miller and Lux line shack from the 1800’s and the Pacheco family horse ranch. Along the way, he will discuss the history of Pacheco State Park, Rancho San Luis Gonzaga, wind mills, and the energy producing wind turbines located on the property. Visitors may elect to take Jennifer’s 2 mile hike at 10 a.m. and then immediately join Ranger Poole, or they can just be ready at noon for his hike, which is shorter and much less strenuous.   No advance reservations are necessary for groups under 10 people, except on April. 1st. Be sure to bring: waterproof hiking footwear, layered clothing and hat, sunscreen, and water. (Optional: rain gear, binoculars, camera, and field guides.) If you bring a lunch, you may join Jennifer in the picnic area after the first hike. Note: the only cost is the Park Day Use Fee is $5 per car For information, call Jennifer Morgan (209) 826-1196 ext.222 or Ranger Poole (209) 826-6283. DIRECTIONS: Pacheco State Park is located 18 miles west of Los Banos and 20 miles east of Gilroy on “Dinosaur Point” Road off of Highway 152. Turn south onto Dinosaur Point Road, then take the first right, through the park gate.