There is a lot to do this Spring in Carlsbad, the beautiful Village by the Sea. Here are some of the great events and places you can enjoy:

The Flower Fields: The rununculas are in bloom and spending time at the Flower Fields is always fun and beautiful. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., there is so much to do at the Flower Fields–wind through the sweet pea maze, mine for gem rocks, spend time in the play area, see a performance and walk the fields or take a hay ride. For more information visit http://www.theflowerfields.com/index.html.

Trail Volunteer Event, April 9: Join local nature lovers in another great trail clean up event from 8:30-11:30 at the Calavera Trails. Meet at the Leo Carillo Elementary School in the west parking lot. For more information call 760-434-2978.

Challenge Golf Event April 17 at the Crossings: If you love to golf or know someone who does, get ready for a scramble golf tournament at the crossings. Starting time is 8 a.m. and the cost is $85 a person or $70 for Crossings members. For more information visit http://www.thecrossingsatcarlsbad.com/layout10.asp?id=182&page=9089

Eggstravaganza, April 23 10:00-1:00 at Poinsettia Park: Stop by Poinsettia Park for some great fun for the children, including an Easter egg hunt, crafts, bounce house, a slide, a fun zone, a chance to “soak the bunny,” and photos with the Easter bunny. To participate in this event you must purchase a prepaid $5 card. The cards can be purchased April 18-22 at the following locations only: Calavera Hills Community Center, Harding Community Center and Stagecoach Community Center. Purchases must be made in person and are non-refundable. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the event.

Arbor Day Celebration April 30 8:30-10:30 at Poinsettia Park: Come on over and help plant trees and learn all about Arbor Day from local garden centers, tree experts and vendors. For more information and to download a volunteer application prior to the event, visit http://www.carlsbadca.gov/services/departments/parksandrec/Pages/arbor-day.aspx

Can you feel it? It is beginning to feel like Spring in Carlsbad. The Flower Fields are in full, glorious bloom, birds are singing and the trees and hills are vibrant shades of green. We are in for a really treat for the senses over the next few months thanks to the winter rainfall. So grab your sunscreen and hat and get outside! There are a lot of outdoor opportunities in April and May to help keep Carlsbad beautiful–here are the highlights:

April 10: Trail clean-up at Lake Calavera. Meet at the lake from 8:30-11:30 to help with trail maintenance and beautification. For more information contact Gary Hill at 760-727-5764. The second Saturday of each month is trail cleanup day, with a focus on a different area each time. Check the city’s website for more information at http://www.carlsbadca.gov/services/departments/parksandrec/trails/events/Pages/default.aspx

April 17: Batiquitos Lagoon Cleanup. The Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center holds a trail cleanup day the first and third Saturday of every month, beginning at 9:00. It usually wraps up around noon. For more information please visit http://www.batiquitosfoundation.org/newsite/index.php, or call the Nature Center at 760931-0800.

April 24: Arbor Day Celebration at Aviara Community Park. Join the fun and help plant trees in celebration of Arbor Day. Registration begins at 8:30 and volunteers must bring a complete volunteer application, which can be downloaded at http://www.carlsbadca.gov/services/departments/parksandrec/Pages/arbor-day.aspx. Volunteers will also aid in park cleanup and maintenance. Various experts will be on hand to provide information on trees and tree maintenance. Tools are provided but volunteers are encouraged to bring shovels, work gloves and hats.

May 1: Carlsbad Beach Fest. The third annual Carlsbad Beach Fest will be held May 1 from 11:00-3:00 at Frazee Beach. This is a great event way for residents to learn how to preserve our local beaches. Aside from assisting with beach cleanup, there are local companies present to help educate the public about what efforts and programs are needed to help preserve the coastal environment–from recycling to water quality to local wildlife preservation. Help make a difference here in Carlsbad! For more information please visit http://carlsbadbeachfest.com/.

All of the above events present great opportunities for adults and children to contribute to the community, make a difference, and keep Carlsbad gorgeous!