NEVADA CITY, CA, April 23, 2019 – The Friends of North Bloomfield & Malakoff Diggins and California State Parks Sierra Gold sector have scheduled a very special Discover Malakoff! hike Saturday, May 11, from 11AM-2PM. The goal of the Discover Malakoff! events and activities is to ignite interest and support for the wide spectrum of resources and activities available to the public at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park.
The family-friendly guided 4-mile loop hike is considered moderate in difficulty, with less than 1,000’ total elevation gain.
Chris Ward*, author of Cemeteries of the Western Sierra, will guide the custom loop of Malakoff Diggins SHP trails, regaling hikers with stories and snippets of history, from the pre-history of the first inhabitants, the gold-mining era, and post-mining occupations, to the modern day. We will learn about Native American, Chinese, and French cultural influences to this landscape, and discover the beauty of spring in the foothills, with wildflowers, waterfalls, and birdsong.
Chris Ward is an archeological specialist and a contributor to numerous investigatory research projects throughout California. He is a member of multiple organizations dedicated to the conservation of California’s heritage, including the Society of California Archaeology and multiple regional and county preservation groups.
Hikers are advised to bring camera, picnic lunch, water bottle, and dress in layers, to accommodate the changeable spring weather. Sturdy shoes are a must. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are recommended, to protect from the occasional brush with poison oak and the emerging mosquitos. Bring a small backpack to store un-used items.
Children 10 and above can handle the hike with the support of a parent/guardian. Due to some tree fall across the trail from this winter’s storms, some trail sections have not been completely cleared; therefore, brief sojourns off-trail will happen.
“I think the hike offers a healthful and familiar walk, yet will also provide some new insights with the addition of an uncommon forested route to ponder and enjoy” observes hike leader Chris Ward.
Please leave your dogs at home for this event.
Note: Accessing the park from Highway 49 and Tyler Foote Road is recommended, as the shortest route via North Bloomfield Road is very rough, and unpaved from Edwards Crossing.
Registration
This event is limited to the first 30 participants and requires pre-registration RSVP. A waitlist will be maintained.
WHAT: DISCOVER MALAKOFF! Upper Humbug Trails with Chris Ward
WHEN: 11AM-2PM May 11, 2109
WHERE: Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, 23579 North Bloomfield Road, Nevada City, CA 95959. (Via Tyler Foote Road.)
COST: $10 suggested donation for tour ($20/family); $5 State Park day-use parking fee using self-pay envelopes. Donations will be collected on-site. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Donations go to support state park educational and interpretive programs.
Pre-registration requested, limited to 30 participants.
Register/RSVP using this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/discover-malakoff-upper-humbug-trails-with-chris-ward-tickets-60760298689
Also visit https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=494
Presented by the Friends of North Bloomfield & Malakoff Diggins and
California State Parks Sierra Gold Sector
For more information about the May 11, 2019 guided hike email: discovermalakoff@gmail.com
Friends of North Bloomfield & Malakoff Diggins Mission:
We enhance the interpretive experience for visitors, promote park-based education for learners of all ages, and support and preserve the natural and cultural resources of Malakoff Diggins SHP. We also assist other cooperative associations and the State Park System mission for the benefit of the public.