NORTH COAST, Calif. – The Mendocino Land Trust will host a sneak peak of the newly constructed trail on its 426-acre Noyo River Redwoods property on Sunday, Sept. 29.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The trail is accessible only via the Skunk Train.

The event begins with the group departing from the Willits Skunk Train station at 10 a.m.

Participants are asked to arrive at the Willits Train Depot by 9:30 a.m. so they can make sure that everyone boards the train in time for the 10 a.m. departure. Free parking is available on East Commercial Street in Willits, just across from the train station.

Once under way they’ll enjoy coffee and treats as they wind their way to the Mendocino Land Trust preserve. At Crowley Field they’ll enjoy a boxed lunch picnic, learn a bit about the history of Noyo River Redwoods and the surrounding area, and hike the first completed section of the new Noyo River Redwoods Trail.

The tour is expected to return to the Willits Station at 3 p.m.

This is a casual event with an optional hike that will be short but does include some uneven and sloped sections. Please wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. Water, sun hats and extra clothing layers also are recommended.

For those who joined the Mendocino Land Trust for its tracks-to-table gala event last fall, this year’s train excursion will be much simpler.

They’re featuring the box lunch mentioned above, and are excited to take participants on a short, optional hike to show the beginning section of the brand new trail. It will be lots of fun, and kids and dogs (on leash) are welcome.

Your ticket includes the train ride with coffee and snacks, a boxed lunch with soft drinks at Crowley Field and a preview hike of the new trail. All proceeds benefit the Mendocino Land Trust.

The land trust offers special thanks to its lunch sponsor, Save the Redwoods League.

Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased at Brown Paper Tickets.