But even without the status, this is a great place for a walk, especially when the waterfall is running. And, it’s only a half mile from the Point Arena Lighthouse, another must-see destination on your Mendocino Coast Visit.

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat recently wrote the following:

One way or another, they’re working to ensure the federally owned property — with its chiseled cliffs, blowholes, waterfalls and aweinspiring vistas — gains the added protection and visibility that would come with nationalmonument standing. “It just raises the level of care that the property gets, and public access, to an entirely new level,” said Winston Bowen, president of the Mendocino Land Trust.

“To my knowledge, there is no known opposition to this,” said Richard Burns, field manager with the Bureau of Land Management.

Visitors already are free to hike the former Stornetta Brothers Coastal Ranch under a $7.8 million conservation deal struck in 2004 that converted the property to federal ownership under the jurisdiction of the BLM.

Monument status would provide improved access to money for purposes such as trail development and maintenance, or possibly permanent bathrooms, as well as a higher level of protection for wildlife and habitat, advocates said.

Adults $35 advance/$30 door, Kids $10. Seating is limited, get your tickets in advance!”

The Little River Whale Festival is a fundraiser for the Mendocino Area Parks Association
and the project to restore the historic Spring Ranch barns at Van Damme State Park.

The weather will be perfect this weekend, and most of our events are free and family friendly.
In addition, every Inn in Little River is offering a WHALE of a SALE – stay three nights, pay for two, and get the third night FREE.

Attend three or more events and collect a sticker at each for a chance to win a Little River Prize:
Entry with the most events attended wins a Two night stay at the Andiron Seaside Inn & Cabins.
All other passports are entered in a drawing for the following prizes:
· A dinner for two (donated by the Little River Inn)
· A 3-glass wine tasting & cheese for two (donated by the Glendeven Wine Bar[n]
· One Sea Cave Kayak Tour (donated by Kayak Mendocino)
· A matted 11 x 14 print (donated by John Birchard Photography)
· A wooden whale carving (donated by artist Todd Elkins)
· A pack of original whale note cards (donated by Ron LeValley)
· A one year family MAPA membership (donated by MAPA)
·
Earn a sticker at any of these events:
· 3/8, 5 – 7, Mendocino Photographs Gallery Opening at the Spa at Little River Inn, Free
· 3/8 6 – 7:30, Van Damme State Park Sunset Beach Campfire, Free
· 3/8 – 10, from 999 – noon & 3 – 7 David Jenks Art Show, at the Glendeven Wine Bar[n], Free
· 3/9-10, 10-2, Todd Elkins, Open Studio Woodcarver, Gallery at Little River Inn, Free
· 3/8-10, 10 – 3, Van Damme Visitor Center, Van Damme State Park, Free
· 3/9, 10 – noon, Docent Led Whale Watch Walk, Spring Ranch Trails, Free
· 3/9-10, 11:30 or 2, Kayak Mendocino Sea Cave Tours, Van Damme Beach, $50
· 3/9, 2 – 4, Little River Improvement Club Museum presents Steven P. Worthen as Uncle Silas, Free
· 3/9, 7 – 8:30, Ron LeValley Presents “Whales of Mendocino” photo & talk @ Little River Inn’s Abalone Hall, Free
· 3/10, 8:30, Karin Uphoff’s Yoga at the Spa at Little River Inn, $10.
· 3/10, 10:30, Docent-led tour of the Van Damme Park Spring Ranch Barns, Donation to restore the barns requested

OR OUR BIG EVENT!
The TASTE of Little River Saturday, March 9, 1 – 4 pm
Earn one sticker at registration for the full TASTE of Little River Experience.
8 local gourmet chefs, 7 local wines, 1 local coffee, 3 hour tour, only $25.
Over 21 for wine tasting, bring ID to registration at
Andiron Seaside Inn & Cabins, 6051 North Highway One, Little River
Proceeds benefit the MAPA project to save the Spring Ranch Barns.

Contest Instructions:
Pick up passports at the Little River Post Office or at any of the events. Collect a sticker at three or more events for a chance to win a Little River Prize! Drop off completed passports at the Little River Market & Deli 7746 North Highway One.

For more information, please contact LRWF committee coordinator: Hilarie Coate 707. 962.2184
We have many photos and a PowerPoint overview of the Last several Little River Whale Festivals available to share.

ACADEMY AWARDS PARTY
presented by the Mendocino Art Center
Sunday, February 24, 5 pm
Abalone Room, Little River Inn
Purchase Advanced Tickets and Save!

Join the Mendocino Art Center on the red carpet as we host a live screening of the Academy Awards. All the Hollywood stars will be there… Denzel Washington, Sally Field, Steven Spielberg, and more. Well, on screen anyway. With the price of admission, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and treats, a drink and VIP seating throughout the night. Browse the silent auction featuring jewelry created by talented Mendocino coast artists. You can even make your own Oscar picks and have the chance to win prizes. Dress in your finest red carpet attire.

All proceeds benefit the Mendocino Art Center’s Jewelry Department.

Call 707-964-4352 ext 16 to reserve your space.

For full descriptions visit www.gardenbythesea.org

Gulls stand watch at Big River Beach in Mendocino

Celebrate the joys of the season at a special concert. Holiday-inspired classical works by Franz Schubert, Richard Strauss, Johann Sebastian Bach and more will be performed by soprano Marja Liisa Kay. There will also be popular Christmas tunes sung by Marja, soprano Lindsay Shields and baritone Dennis Johnson. Pianist Jack Leung will accompany all songs.
A homemade mulled wine will be served during intermission.

Sunday, December 16, 5:00 pm
Mendocino Art Center
Tickets: $10, available at the door

Gift Certificates – treat your friends and family members to adventure with an LFK gift certificate.

12/15-12/16 Whitewater River Kayaking I – Learn the basics of whitewater kayaking to safely enjoy and paddle whitewater rivers.

Holiday Whitewater n Surf Safari (December 28-30) – Bring your whitewater kayak and/or surf kayak (or rent one of ours) and join us for 3 days of maximum whitewater and surfing fun.  Depending upon river flow and ocean surf conditions – we will choose the best spots for river running, river play, ocean surfing, and/or rock gardening.

Private lessons and custom classes in sea, river, and surf are available by appointment.