Spring is Here! What to do with all this Sunshine?

By Emily Guzmán

Spring has arrived

There’s nothing quite like spring in the Sierras. The days grow longer and warmer, while the birds sing outside my window. For me, this can only mean one thing—more time in the sunshine! And that can look like so many different things. Here are just a few ways I’m soaking up every bit of sunshine this season.

The Meditative Joy of Gardening

I am welcoming spring by getting my hands in the dirt—and gardening! I am pretty new to this world and so excited to learn!! There’s something so magical about sowing tiny seeds that grow into big, beautiful food that we can all share.

It's peaceful, it’s meditative, and it reminds me to slow down and appreciate the process. And the best part? You don’t need to be an expert to start. There are so many free online resources to help you, and honestly, the biggest fun is just figuring it out as you go. I’m beyond grateful to have some close friends who love to teach me, and I’ve realized that our community is full of people eager to share their knowledge. If you’ve been thinking about starting a garden, this is your sign—go for it!

Lacing Up for Running Adventures

Another way I’m getting outside this season? Running! This past winter, I signed up for the Leprechaun Race with a couple of friends, and let me tell you—it was so much fun!

Training together, keeping each other accountable, and feeling the energy of race day made it all worth it. And guess what? It motivated me to sign up for my very first half-marathon! Silver State, here I come in June!

The running community is so welcoming, and if you’ve ever thought about giving it a try, now is the perfect time. And if you’re not quite ready to run, why not volunteer?

Being part of a race day is an amazing experience, and we are partnered up with Race178 and looking for volunteers to help out.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunity:Biggest Little Half Marathon – April 26, 2025 Time: 7:15 – 11:15 AM

Help keep runners on course while soaking up the race day excitement!

Exploring Trails with the Trails Challenge

If running isn’t your thing, how about hiking? One of my favorite programs is the Trails Challenge. Our interactive guides are AMAZING. They teach us so much about the trails around us while making each hike an adventure. You can take on the challenge solo or join the monthly group hikes—either way, it’s a great way to explore new trails, breathe in the fresh air, and get moving in nature.

Yoga in the Sunshine

But the thing I’m MOST excited about? Yoga in the sunshine! Yoga is my favorite way to start the day. It’s that perfect mix of stillness for the mind and movement for the body. It’s been keeping me sane all winter long, though it is quite the treat to do it as the sunshine kisses your skin and the sounds of the ever changing landscape fill your ears. Reno is full of amazing free outdoor yoga opportunities, and I couldn’t be happier.

We partner with Yoga Pod Reno, and our first community yoga class of the season is coming up:

Community Yoga: University Ridge Park

Date: Saturday, April 5

Time: 9:00 – 10:00 AM

Location: University Ridge Park, 990 S University Park Loop, Reno, NV 89512

Bring your mat and a friend! Also, be on the lookout for free yoga classes at the Sunday Riverside Farmers Market—I’ll be back teaching there again in May!

I am so grateful to live in this beautiful place and to take care of this land. There are so many opportunities to get outside and connect with nature. Make sure to take a moment and savor this precious time of spring.

Reno is such a special place, especially in the spring. There are SO many ways to enjoy the season, connect with nature, and build community. What’s your favorite way to get outside this season?

About the Author

Emily Guzmán

Communications Outreach Coordinator

Born and raised in New Jersey, Emily moved to Reno, where she fell in love with the stunning Sierras. Currently studying Communications, she is passionate about making the outdoors accessible to everyone. Emily is excited to work with the Truckee Meadows Park Foundation as the Communication Coordinator. A dedicated yoga teacher, she deepened her practice in her motherland of Guatemala. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing with friends, cooking meals from scratch, sunbathing, and practicing her Spanish. Emily believes in the power of community, nature, and mindful living.