Earth Day is Every Day in Mendocino County
Green Practices, Nature Tourism Abound

MENDOCINO, CA – (February 2008) – Arguably, every day is Earth Day in Mendocino County, the first county in the US to ban genetically modified organisms (GMOs), a pioneer in the areas of solar energy, organic farming and wine-making, and increasingly, a leading nature-tourism destination.

Many of the B & Bs, inns, hotels and rentals in Mendocino County have been designed for the environmentally-conscious visitor, combining modern amenities with eco-friendly products and services. At many of the properties you will find organic bedding, water filtration systems, non-toxic, biodegradable and non-allergenic cleaning products, energy and water conservation and low impact waste practices.

Here are just a few of the events to enjoy this year around the Earth Day celebration:

Join the winemaker Jim Fetzer and Chef Drew Ison at the beautiful, historic Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites, overlooking the Pacific in the heart of Mendocino Village, April 19 for the Earth Day Ceago Biodynamic Winemaker Dinner at 6 p.m.

The dinner is $100.00 per person (exclusive of taxes & gratuities) and reservations are suggested. Why not make a weekend of it? Rooms cost from $135 to $395 per night for a luxury suite. Prices do not include 11% tax and all rooms are double or single occupancy.

Mendocino Hotel
45080 Main Street, Mendocino, CA 95460
(800) 548-0513 or (707) 937-0511, www.mendocinohotel.com

Throughout the month of April, the Emerald Dolphin Inn & Mini Golf offers a nature-enriched Getaway & Play package that celebrates Mother Earth! Their very special miniature golf course is surrounded by gorgeous landscaping with magnificent water falls, fountains, and streams winding through -- and the Pacific Ocean makes the perfect backdrop to it all.

Specials include every third night free, complimentary continental breakfast, discounted unlimited mini golf, and special dinner vouchers for a local favorite Italian restaurant. Rooms range from $188 to $302 for three nights, plus 11% tax, and are double or single occupancy.

The Emerald Dolphin Inn
1211 South Main Street
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
(866) 964-6699 or 707-964-6699, www.emeralddolphin.com

Commune with the pristine wilderness around Little River, CA for Earth Day and get three nights for the price of two at the serene Pacific Mist Inn. Five minutes South of Mendocino Village, Pacific Mist offers individual cabins and a spa in the forest. Explore nearby State Parks and beaches while using this relaxing setting as your home away from home. Rooms are $99 to $359 per night, exclusive of 11% room tax, and are double or single occupancy.

The Pacific Mist Inn
6051 Highway 1, Little River, CA 95456
(800) 955-MIST (6478) or (707) 937-1543, www.pacificmistinn.com

The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, the only coastal garden of its kind on the North American continent, makes serious nature-loving easy and fun. Here are some of the many activities you can enjoy this April and all spring long – free with admission to the gardens:

Weekly Staff-Led Tours
Every Monday at 1:30 p.m., tours of the gardens by staff meet at the entrance -- weather permitting.

Birdwatching with the Audubon Society
Over 100 species of birds live in or visit the gardens each year. Meet at the entrance to learn from an expert guide. Early bird walks - third Wednesdays at 8 a.m. or beginning birding walks - first Saturdays at 9 a.m.

Open daily, March – October from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Regular admission is $10 per adult
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
18220 North Highway One, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
(707) 964-4352
www.gardenbythesea.org