Since spring started, I've taken several strolls through a 200-acre plot of woods, fields and orchards at the edge of Chico. It may turn out to be one of Chico's permanent edges. Along with foothills and plains dotted with vernal pools, this may become one of the Chico urban area's hard-and-fast boundaries.

I've taken to calling this place the tree farm. Its official name, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Mendocino National Forest Genetic Resource and Conservation Center, doesn't exactly roll off the tongue.

Butte County's almond orchards are a familiar part of the landscape, but the tree orchards provide an interesting twist. Native seedlings, mainly conifers, are grown here and then planted on National Forest property throughout the state. The trees are developed to have characteristics that promote growth, vigor and disease-resistance.

This is a de facto park. The trails running through and around the edge of the orchards are open to the public. To the people who walk here, it's just a pretty spot. To the dogs that walk here, it's heaven. If they stay on the trails, dogs can roam without a leash in many of the areas.

To me, the trees are more welcome than the dogs. Dogs are so dog-like. They don't approach people directly. They head around to our backsides to give us a sniff. Some of them do this while yapping or growling. I find this annoying. What's worse is that owners don't understand that not everyone is enamored of dogs. They seem disappointed when I don't go up to their pets and try to make friends. Sometimes, when a dog seems especially aggressive in its approach, the owner will say "He's not usually like this." That's because the dog probably senses my indifference.

I have a feeling this won't become a favorite walking place. I'm just not hitting it off with the dogs.The best non-dog times seem to be the middle of the day, but in the summer that will be when the heat is at its worst.

I like to walk the perimeter of the property, which takes about 30 minutes. The paths pass through not only orchards, but open fields. They are now turning brown and the golden poppies that give them a dash of vibrant color are starting to fade.

At the south end of the property, you can see the golden glow of the roof of the Neighborhood Church through the barbed wire fence. This is where you can hear the cars whizzing by along Highway 99, but it's such a peaceful place you hardly mind.

One of the paths I seldom walk is of interest to the casual stroller. It follows Comanche Creek and is dotted with non-native plants, such as Chinese myrtle, Japanese pines, Australian and Algerian eucalyptus and Palestinian cypresses.

There's a formidable stand of bamboo along the path. This photo shows the bamboo growing next to native oak and sycamore trees.

The tree farm lies just beyond the belt of businesses south of the Skyway. Heading east, turn right on Dominic Avenue, left on Morrow Lane, then right on Cramer Lane. The gate to the property is closed to vehicles after business hours, but you can park outside the gate and walk in.