Meander in Marin with MALT

Every Spring and Fall, the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) runs hikes and tours in West Marin on properties covered by conservation easements or engaged in agricultural pursuits. You can taste milk, wine, olive oil and oysters, and meet some of Marin's ranching families.

MALT has just posted its Spring (March-June) list of hikes and tours on its Web site (www.malt.org). To sign up for an event, click the pre-registration link on the event listings, or contact MALT at 415-663-1158 or hikesntours@malt.org. (Members get a discount on hike and tour fees; click here to become a member --- it's under the "Donation" heading on this Web page).

Here are two of the eight outings that might be of particular interest to our hiking group:

• Leiss & Corda Ranches
  Wildflowers, Vineyards & Wine Tasting

  Saturday, March 20

  Hike over pastures and through the woods with Leiss family members on their ranch in Chileno Valley where wildflowers grow in profusion. Botanist and co-founder Phyllis Faber will help identify the flowers. From there, hike overland to the Corda Vineyard. Those who can't make the scrambling hike can drive to Corda Ranch, and then take a hayride to the vineyard where we'll hear from Mark Pasternak, Marin's most prolific grape grower. Wine tasting at the Corda Winery included. Click here to complete the required pre-registration for this event.
  

  TIME: 10 A.M.–3 P.M.
  WHERE TO MEET: 179 Wilson Hill Rd. From Marin, go west on Hicks Valley/Wilson Hill Rd. Go right at intersection with Marshall/Petaluma Rd. 2.75 mi. to Leiss Ranch on right. From Petaluma, take Western Ave. west for 2 miles; turn left at Chileno Valley Rd., 4.1 mi. to ranch.
  WHAT TO BRING: Water, picnic, hiking shoes
  DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Wildflower walk and hayride tour Ranch to Vineyard hike
  COST: $30 / $35 non-members

• Ryan-Tocalino, Grossi, Daniels & Dolcini Ranches

  Saturday, May 9

  Join Marin County Open Space Naturalist David Herlocker and Alison Kiehl, MALT’s Stewardship Associate, for a long hike starting at Stafford Lake and wending over four ranches with MALT easements. You’ll see some spectacular views and visit hidden valleys and redwood groves. Learn about the ranching operations as well as the natural habitats and identify a variety of birds, plants, and wildlife. Click here to complete the required pre-registration for this event.
  

  TIME: 11 A.M.–3 P.M.
  WHERE TO MEET: Stafford Lake County Park, 3 miles west of Novato; Free parking at Area #5
  WHAT TO BRING: Water, picnic, hiking boots that can get dirty and wet
  DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY:
  COST: $25 / $30 non-members