'Discover the Coast' at annual event in Point Arena

The Point Arena-Stornetta Unit of the California Coastal National Monument is a glorious place to visit on any day, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and a diverse variety of features offshore.

But touring the property Saturday, during the annual Discover the Coast celebration, offers special perks available just once a year.

The daylong event will include opportunities to explore the 1,665-acre parcel in the southwest corner of Mendocino County and to hike the 3 1/2 mile-long Discovery Trail along the coastal frontage, between the picturesque Point Arena Lighthouse on the north and City Hall on the south.

But unlike most days, it will also provide access to expert docents on the area’s geology, seabirds, plants, marine life, history and traditional Pomo culture. Docent stations will be located along the Discovery Trail, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The adjoining Point Arena Lighthouse also will be open and will feature special programming for the event. The lighthouse is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Mendocino College Coastal Field Station will be open its doors to guests interested in exhibitions and demonstrations on radar-powered ocean sensors, marine invertebrates, local plate tectonics and the like.

At Point Arena City Hall, visitors will find food booths, information tables and access to the Discovery Trail.

The historic Stornetta ranching property was incorporated into the California Coastal Monument in March 2014, creating the first mainland toehold for the 1,100-mile monument, which takes in more than 20,000 seastacks, rocks and small islands off-shore.

Parking is available at the Point Arena Lighthouse, 45500 Lighthouse Road, and at 451 School St./Highway 1.

Shuttle service will be provided between the two parking areas, both located at opposite ends of the Discovery Trail.

You can reach Staff Writer Mary Callahan at 521-5249 or mary.callahan@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @MaryCallahanB.