The Sonoma Land Trust announced on Dec. 17 that  escrow closed on the stunning 5,630-acre Jenner Headlands — a nationally significant project and the single largest conservation land acquisition in Sonoma County. This $36 million purchase from willing sellers Sonoma Coast Associates, Gualala Redwoods, Inc., and Russian River Redwoods was completed due to the extraordinary efforts and collaboration of 10 public and private funding partners.  Sonoma Land Trust is now the proud steward of this incredible coastal property.

Eventually the property will include a section of the California Coastal Trail as well as other trails. While the interim public access plan is being developed, the Land Trust will begin conducting guided hikes in January 2010. From January–March, SLT will offer a hike each month along the coastal headlands. This strenuous 3.5-mile roundtrip hike will ascend more than 700 feet in elevation to a rocky hilltop within the coastal prairie portion of the Headlands. Along the way, hikers will be greeted with dazzling views of the Sonoma Coast (on clear days!). Although this route will follow old ranch roads, some sections are especially rough with uneven footing. This hike is not for inexperienced hikers — you must be in good physical condition and sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended.

See the Land Trust Jenner Headlands pages for more information on hikes and the property.