It’s officially spring! We may still have some snowstorms and even blustery days, but there will also be flowers and blossoms beginning to grow, seedlings popping up, green leaves and sunny days. Utah Valley is full of things to do during these beautiful-weather days. These are just a few of the highlights to get you started “springing.”

Feed the hungry

Did you know food donations strongly decrease after the holidays? Spring is a great time to hold a neighborhood food drive, have a food scavenger hunt or plan another unique way to help replenish the local food banks and pantries. Tabitha’s Way Local Food Pantries, located in American Fork, Spanish Fork and now in Saratoga Springs, provide food assistance to thousands of individuals each month, many of them children. Community Action Services and Food Bank in Provo helps foster self-reliance to thousands of families each year. Volunteering at the pantries or food bank is also a great way to spend your time.

Downtown Provo Art Stroll

Spring is the perfect time to look at local artists’ works and take a stroll in downtown Provo. The monthly Downtown Provo Art Stroll takes place on the first Friday of every month from 6-9 p.m. On this night, more than a dozen local businesses host local artists and entertainment for you to enjoy. There is no cost and the springlike weather will make the stroll through downtown a great way to spend an evening.

Art Stroll maps for the self-guided tours can be found at each participating location, and the stroll primarily takes place along University Avenue and Center Street. For more information, check out @dowtownprovo on Instagram or on Facebook.

Murdock Canal Trail

Miles of trail, winding from 800 North in Orem to the Timpanogos Highway in Lehi, is used by people of all ages. It is not uncommon to see entire families on the trail. Others prefer to go it alone. Cyclists, walkers, runners, rollerbladers, scooter-riders and others using almost any mode of nonmotorized transportation use the trail daily. The beautiful views from the trail make this the perfect way to enjoy spring.

Valley Vista Trails

This trail system, located about one half-mile north of Grove Creek Canyon in Pleasant Grove and covering the Wade Springs area, currently includes different trails for a combined distance of about 6.5 miles. These trails are perfect for cyclists, equestrians, hikers and trail runners. Be sure to check the Valley Vista Trails Facebook page for updates — the trails are closed during certain weather or muddy conditions to protect them from damage. Using the trails is a great way to catch spectacular views.

Utah Lake

There are 27 public access points to Utah Lake. That’s a lot of potential exploring. Many visit the lake area to take incredible photographs, walk the trails, take in the scenery and enjoy the different seasons, including spring. There is even a Utah Lake Photography Club with members who spend much of their time taking photos at the lake.

Years ago, as a young Brigham Young University student taking a zoology class, I was given the assignment to find and identify 100 different species of birds locally. Many of these were found around Utah Lake, and I remember fondly the time spent there. This is the perfect time of year to explore this beautiful area that is right in our own backyard.

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