The Plumas County Department of Public Works is proud to announce that there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Gansner Park Pathway, a multi-use paved path through Gansner Park, at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 16. (The ceremony is on June 16, not July 16 as previously reported.) Newly re-elected Supervisor Lori Simpson will be on hand to officiate the ceremony.

The new path begins at the west end of Gansner Park, joining the existing paved pathway between the tennis courts and the bridge over Spanish Creek. From there, it meanders along the top of the creek bank to the east about 2,300 feet before it comes out on Beskeen Lane. There is one paved spur that connects the new path with the east end of the Gansner Park parking lot near the main bathrooms, and another that serves as a creek overlook near the east end of the path.

The project was constructed with primary funding from a Proposition 50 grant. The Proposition 50 grant application was initiated by John Sheehan of Plumas Corporation (since retired) and was constructed by Public Works employees and equipment. Future plans include a fishing/observation platform to be constructed at the overlook site, interpretive signage and the installation of benches and waste receptacles.

Following the ribbon cutting, a Forest Service-sponsored nature hike will take place, beginning at the west end of Gansner Park.

Discover how our future lies on the wings of butterflies and native bees during this child-friendly walk with Plumas National Forest Deputy Forest Supervisor Laurence Crabtree. The walk will last until noon. Botanist Courtney Rowe will help identify plants that benefit from pollinating insects.

The nature walk is provided as part of the Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region’s 2012 pollinator special emphasis area, which has been developed to call attention to the importance of butterflies and native bees in providing important services for food production and ecosystem health.

Participants should bring water, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and wear comfortable walking shoes. For more information about the nature walk and accommodation of special needs, call 283-7810. For more information about pollinators, visit the websites pollinator.org or fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators.

This event is part of National Get Outdoors Day, celebrating healthy, active outdoor fun and reconnecting youth to the great outdoors. Check local listings or fs.usda.gov/plumas for other events.