Riding the Mushroom Train for fungi, fine wine and forest conservation

"Mendocino County is what happens when the Pacific Ocean decides it wants to date a rainforest. Once a year, Mendocino Area Parks Association (MendoParks), invites folks to join them on the Mushroom Train, a journey into the redwoods to partake in artisanal cocktails and locally foraged culinary delights, all in the name of fun and fundraising. The Mushroom Train is just one offering from the Fort Bragg-based Skunk Train depot."

"The annual Mushroom Train makes its run each November as one of MendoParks' largest fundraising events. The nonprofit receives no tax dollars yet manages education, stewardship and community programming across Mendocino Coast state parks. Every ticket is a direct donation to redwoods, trail access and the future of this ecological corridor. Travelers mingle on the open-air car, savoring the fresh forest air and lively atmosphere of the Mushroom Train. (Photo by Clara Shook)"

"For a few more dollars, the presidential class car, new for 2025, is a plush little jewel box complete with emerald velvet tufted seats, vintage radio speakers at each table and, this year, Tamar Kaye and Crispin Cain of Mendocino Spirits pouring its Low Gap California Whiskey. Someone asks, Is bourbon an acquired taste?, and Cain grins. Bourbon is a commitment, he says. The car erupts in laughter, and everyone accepts it."

Mendocino County blends coastal and temperate rainforest environments along the Mendocino Coast. The Mushroom Train provides an annual November fundraising ride into second-growth redwoods featuring artisanal cocktails, locally foraged dishes, and socializing on open-air and premium presidential-class cars. Fort Bragg's Skunk Train depot operates the route, repurposing a post-logging railroad that once exported redwood. Mendocino Area Parks Association runs the event without tax funding and directs ticket revenue toward education, stewardship, community programming, trail access, and protection of the redwood ecological corridor.

Read at www.mercurynews.com