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The plants are beginning to reach through the frozen ground, testing the temperatures that have kept them dormant all winter. Much the same can be said for most people. But the weather is beginning to show signs of warming, and a great way to get back in touch with the Great Outdoors is by trying some of the outdoors programs offered by Asheville's award-winning Department of Parks and Recreation. Do you have a young child who you would love to introduce to hiking without overdoing it? Treks for Parents and Tots are a good choice. On March 28, join this group of parents with toddlers for a short hike on the Mountains to the Sea Trail. Meet at the trailhead at the Blue Ridge Parkway Headquarters at 10AM. Bring water, snacks, and a pack or baby-jogger for your child. Most hikes in the Treks for Parents and Tots average one- or two miles and many are baby-jogger friendly. As with all events in the outdoors program, pre-registration is required by calling Katy Palombi at Asheville Parks and Recreation at 828-254-5561, or by visiting their web site, www.ashevilleparks.org.
Senior Trekkers will be hiking to Deep Creek Waterfall on March 21. This low-impact trekking club offers leisurely-paced hikes designed with seniors in mind. Meet at the West Asheville Community Center, 970 Haywood Road at 9:30 AM, and head out for a 3.5-mile hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Bring lunch, water, and proper clothing. Cost is $1 per hiker, and registration is required by March 20. Hikers should be in good physical condition to get the most out of the hike. Young people who are interested in learning how to rock climb might want to check in to the Climbing Club at Climbmax on Wall Street in downtown Asheville. Asheville Parks and Rec has a program for youth and teens that meets once a month to learn or practice basic climbing skills under the watchful eye of the rock climbing pros at Climbmax. Shoes and harness rental are included in the $9 fee for Asheville residents, $10 for non-residents. Pre-registration is required. Call or visit the web site for more information.
Weird Science for Youth is a program designed to make science exploration fun for kids ages 8-10, and the next session is on March 20 at the Montford Community Center from 10AM-12PM. The cost is $3 for city residents, $4 for non-residents. Upcoming sessions will meet on April 24 and May 22. Call for more details about class topics. Back to the Great Outdoors � Backpacking for Adults is a great introductory class that teaches the basics of low-impact backpacking. All equipment is provided except the pack and a sleeping bag. The cost is $30 for city residents, $33 for non-residents. The class meets on March 25 at the West Asheville Center, 970 Haywood Road, from 6-8:30PM, with an overnight trip scheduled for the following weekend, March 29-30. It's a great way to try out what you've just learned in class. More experienced packers are welcome to join the trip for a $5 fee. Call to register or for more details. Would you like to try a nice day hike, but don't know where to go and don't particularly want to go by yourself? Asheville Parks and Rec is hosting a day hike on the Horsepasture River on March 16. This four-mile hike will explore several waterfalls along the steep trail. Bring water, snacks, and proper clothing. Hikes are open to ages 14 and up, but an adult must accompany anyone under 18. Meet behind City Hall in downtown Asheville at 12PM if you want to carpool to the trailhead. Call for more details and for registration. For all of these programs, please call Katy Palombi at Asheville Parks and Recreation, 828-254-5561, or visit their web site, www.ashevilleparks.org.
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If mountain biking sounds more like what sparks your interest, you might want to join this ride through the Bent Creek Forest on March 27. The ride is ideal for advanced beginners to intermediate riders. Meet at the trailhead at Bent Creek Forest at 5:30 PM. Bring a bike, helmet, and water. If you don't have your own bike, bikes may be rented at $10 each. Call or visit the web site for more information. 
For kids ages 5-8, Nature Discoveries for Youth, a program that helps kids discover the wonders of nature through games, crafts, and interpretive walks, will meet on March 26 at the Montford Community Center at 34 Pearson Drive from 10AM-12PM. The cost is $3 for Asheville residents, $4 for non-residents. Upcoming sessions include "Let's Go Fishing" in April and "Stream Investigation" in May. 