Sacramento's Trailmix.Net, a Family Store for Outdoor Adventure

Outdoor Fun for the Whole Family!

I think whatever we can do to get kids outside is really valuable. It breaks that perma-link with video games and connects them up with the world we live in. Trailmix.Net seems like a perfect resource...the owners are avid hikers, they've practiced what they preach with their own brood. Plus, what better lure for tech-age kids than activities like GPS-guided Geocaching?

Here's a great video about this new store in Old Sacramento (brought to you by Maria Marriott, Mortgage Advisor in Roseville, CA),  Scavenger Hunting and Geocaching in Sacramento.

You and your kids can get to know them first-hand at next Saturday's free flower seed planting workshop. March 6th at 1 o'clock, flowers and materials donated by Green Acres Nursery.

Extend the fun with an Old Sac Scavenger Hunt. Pick up the free map at the store.

An Easy Hummingbird Garden

Seedpack Wildlife Garden

I don't think it gets easier than this...a seedpack wildlife garden! This pack of Botanical Interests seeds will plant 14 square feet, that's about a 3 1/2 feet square, a 7 x 2 rectangle or, my favorite, a 4.5' diameter circle.
Plop a birdbath in the center for charm and convenience should your hummingbird want to take a bit of a bath!
Here's how to do it:

• Choose a sunny spot.
• Stake out and clear the area of weeds, rocks, etc.
• Add some composty top soil (a 2 cu ft bag should do it).
• Turn the compost in with a shovel or hoe, and rake it nice.
• Broadcast your seeds (the seed packet will give exact instructions as to depth, etc).
• Add a birdbath (the water should be shallow, no more than 1 1/2 inches deep. Add some rocks if necessary so they can have a little something to stand on. Some sort of perch would be appreciated as well. Maybe a branch nearby?

Although Botanical Seeds are sold in many nurseries, I didn't find these specialty seeds locally. If you want to order from them directly, here's the link: Hummingbird Haven seeds!

Family Fun at the Los Angeles Arboretum

If I were in L.A. on February 27th, I'd be at the family event, Hey Kids Get Lost at the L.A. Arboretum...

... or maybe I'd just be looking at these gorgeous structures!

Family Fun, the Fairytale Town Concert Series

August 19 - Gates open at 5:30 pm, music begins at 6:00 pm
Get 2 tickets for the price of 1! Text "Fairytale" to 72737 and receive the voucher on your mobile phone. Last chance to bring a blanket and claim your spot on the lawn for great music. Special thanks to Capitol Public Radio.

Freilachmakers Klezmer String Band

Sephardic Jewish music with a bluegrass undertone also described as Appalachian Jew3ish folk music with Brazilian, gypsy and Celtic influences. "Infectious strings and reeds that bubble with exuberance."


William Land Park
3501 Land Park Drive, Sacramento
916-808-7462
http://www.fairytaletown.cor/

AND says Garden Sprouts ...make sure you take the time to walk thru the WPA Rock Garden after the concert! It's across the street. No, not the zoo street, the other street, near the duck pond! Well, anyway, it's a botanical gem...parents will love the peace and the beautiful gardens...kids will love the paths!

William Land Park and the WPA Rock Garden

One of my favorite places at the beautiful William Land Park is the WPA Rock Garden. The WPA (Works Project Administration) was a depression-era program to put people to work, and many of the projects were and are some of the most beloved places in the U.S. Timberline Lodge in Oregon's Mt. Hood is a great example. In Sacramento, we have our sweet rock garden. A recent article in the Sacramento Bee highlights the garden as part of that WPA era.

Daisy Mah, who tends the flower beds in Land Park's WPA Rock Garden, said the granite blocks used by the crews that built the garden have held up well."They used sturdy materials that will be here long after we're gone, and the designs they used were pleasing. It will be pleasing forever, really," Mah said.

The paths meander thru the rock lined garden...fun for all ages...

with beautiful vistas, and places to sit...and places to get lost in...

...and friendly critters to show you around!

Read more about this great park and its many and varied activities for all members of the family in my write-up at bestkidfriendlytravel.com