(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, Ca) -  Spring is popping out all over Mission Trails Regional Park.  Mountains and meadows are green and lush, wildflowers blooming, the San Diego River rushing, waterfalls (seldom seen) are flowing. With over 6,000 acres and 40 miles of hiking and biking trails available to enjoy in one of America's largest natural urban parks, now is a great time for San Diegans to visit their Park, located only 15 minutes from the heart of the City.

Special programs currently being offered are designed to encourage people to explore the Park as it responds to winter rains and warm spring temperatures.  A sampling of these  activities include wildlife tracking walks, musical concerts in the outdoor amphitheater, a nature photography contest, night hikes, and a day-long event designed especially for young families. Details may be found at www.mtrp.org. 

The very best way to learn more about MTRP is by speaking to a knowledgeable volunteer at the Visitor Center.  As an example, Trail Guide Myrna Bates was recently seen and heard poring over a map with a first-time visitor, pointing out the best places to look for waterfalls, over a dozen different species of wildflowers currently blooming, and rare birds passing through at this time of year. The Mission Trails Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and is conveniently located at One Father Junipero Serra Trail, just off Mission Gorge Road.  During Visitor Center hours, volunteers also answer questions over the phone, (619) 668-3281.

Explore Mission Trails Day on Saturday, May 15, will top off the spring offerings with free pony rides, a dozen hands-on discovery stations, live animal encounters, and child-themed nature hikes.  One of the most popular activities during this annual event is a visit from Ms. Frizzle™ of Scholastic Publishing's "The Magic School Bus"© book and television series. Ms. Frizzle's visit, courtesy of the San Diego Natural History Museum, enthralls youngsters as she teaches them about one of our most common backyard critters-coyotes.

Mission Trails Regional Park is often referred to as the third jewel in the City of San Diego Parks System, along with Balboa Park and Mission Bay Park. By far the largest of the three parks, it too is managed by the City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department.  Many of the year-round opportunities at MTRP are made possible through a partnership with the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation, Inc., a 501(c) 3, non-profit public benefit corporation created to provide fund-raising and special programs for the Park. On April 24, a joint fundraising dinner event will be held at the Visitor Center, jointly benefiting the Spirit of 76 Foundation of Patrick Henry High School and the Foundation.

For more details about the many spring activities being offered at MTRP, log onto www.mtrp.org . Advance registration is required and a small fee charged for some events. The Web site features a map of the entire park, including trails, and driving directions. Or call the Visitor Center and speak to a volunteer, (619) 668-3281.