Train bound for Ventura County citrus orchards

The scent of fresh citrus fills the air of Heritage Valley when spring appears with its new crop of lemons and oranges. Passengers on Fillmore & Western's Agri-Express Tours will have this experience close-up and personal. Special trains from Santa Paula to Piru will be involved in a Heritage Valley tourism adventure into the agriculture of the valley on Fridays, April 21 and May 19.

The excursions will take place with the cooperation of the Limoneira Co. of Santa Paula and other partners in the Heritage Valley tourism area: Rancho Temescal, Rancho Camulos and the Giessinger Winery as well as Cornejo Farms. The Agri-Express Tours originate at the Limoneira headquarters on Cummings Road west of Santa Paula.

The all-inclusive daylong tour begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Limoneira Co. with a tour of the packing plant and a close up view of the citrus orchards. Motor coach transportation will take passengers to the historic Southern Pacific rail depot in Santa Paula. There the tour participants will board a Fillmore & Western train to travel the length of the valley.

There will be a stop in Fillmore to visit the winery and the ride will conclude in the community of Piru.

A special Heritage Valley salad luncheon, to sample the products, will be served with strawberry shortcake for dessert while on board the train.

A motor coach drive through the vast acreage of Rancho Temescal and a trip to the historic Rancho Camulos for a tour rounds out the day's activities.

Meeting real "farm people" is a highlight of the trip as growers talk about family history, the challenges of family farming, and marketing of their products. Free samples of oranges, lemons, and watercress will be provided plus a stop for individual purchases at the Cornejos' Heritage Valley produce stand will provide attendees the opportunity to take fresh produce home.

Reservations may be made by calling (800) 773-8724 or (805) 524-2546. The all-inclusive cost is $89 per adult and $59.95 for children ages 7 to 12.