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Greenbelt Alliance In the News

September 17, 2009

Urban Outings: The Gardens at Heather Farm

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The Gardens at Heather Farm, a stunning 6-acre nonprofit educational and demonstration garden, and adjoining Heather Farm Park are two special places in Walnut Creek's Ygnacio Valley. The 102-acre park has every amenity imaginable -- rolling meadows, shady groves, picnic facilities, walking paths, tennis courts, an equestrian center, a skate park, children's playgrounds, a sparkling Olympic-size swimming pool, athletic fields, off-leash dog parks, volleyball and basketball courts, a community center, a pond and a scenic lake surrounded by a wildlife refuge. To top it off, there is a commanding view of Mount Diablo.

Originally a horse ranch and racetrack, Heather Farm was the location for the 1931 movie "Sporting Blood." Clark Gable was so enthused about Heather Farm that, after making the movie, he stabled his own thoroughbreds here. The Ygnacio Canal Trail runs through the park, so you can connect to the Contra Costa Canal Trail, and then to the Iron Horse Trail, leading to further adventures.

The Gardens at Heather Farm
Start your tour at the Gardens at Heather Farm. Established in 1968, the exquisite wheelchair-accessible gardens are perfect for strolling or relaxing on a shady bench. At the Howard Center, near the parking lot, you will see a map showing the location of the numerous gardens. Descend the ramp past the Howard Center into the main landscaped area. You can explore the Waterfall Garden, the Water Conservation Garden, the Sensory Garden of fragrant herbs and plants pleasant to the touch, the Rockery filled with alpine plants and the gorgeous Cowden Rose Garden. The gardens also offer volunteer opportunities and classes for both children and adults. You can even have your wedding here under a picturesque gazebo. Go to www.gardenshf.org for information.

Heather Farm Park
Past the rose garden with its brick pathways, you enter the park itself. A prominent feature is the large man-made pond with dramatic fountains. Paths suitable for strolling or biking lead you through meadows to the picnic tables, as well as to the various athletic facilities and swim center. Watch out for the ever-present Canada geese and their telltale trademarks.

If you want to see something a little wilder, a path from the pond leads you around a lake and wildlife refuge. This modest hike (less than a mile) lets you view waterfowl and get a little closer to unmanicured nature. Several short, rough trails lead directly down to the lake. (No swimming allowed for people or dogs.)

After the walk
For lunch, drop by at the Ygnacio Plaza Shopping Center across Ygnacio Valley Road just on the other side of San Carlos Drive (1881 Ygnacio Valley Road). Here you will find coffee and a variety of lunch offerings from sushi to pizza. A good choice is A Sweet Affair Bakery & Cafe, which offers not only cookies and cakes but sandwiches on freshly baked bread.

Getting there
By BART, exit at the Pleasant Hill or Walnut Creek stations and catch the County Connection No. 7 bus (commute hours only) to North San Carlos Drive and Heather Drive. Call the County Connection at (925) 676-7500 or go to www.cccta.org for details.

By car from San Francisco, cross the Bay Bridge and take Interstate 580 east toward Highway 24. On 24, go through the Caldecott Tunnel and continue to I-680 north. Take the Ygnacio Valley Road exit, bearing right on Ygnacio Valley Road. Continue 1.4 miles and turn left at Marchbanks Drive. Go 0.7 miles to the gardens' parking lot.

Urban Outings are presented by Greenbelt Alliance, the Bay Area's advocate for protecting open spaces and creating vibrant places. To suggest an Urban Outing, contact Gail Todd, tour leader for S.F. City Guides and author of "Lunchtime Walks in Downtown San Francisco." To find out more about Greenbelt Alliance's work, visit growsmartbay area.org.

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