January 18, 2023

Greetings!                
How do you decide which trail to hike in Point Reyes? While I labor over decisions in my daily life, it’s easy for me to pick a hiking trail. Mostly, my heart chooses the trail – one trail will be calling me more than others. I also consider factors such as the weather, which trails I haven’t hiked in a while, what’s blooming, and any seasonal wildlife happenings. One other important consideration for me is test-driving hikes for my annual Point Reyes Hiking Calendar.
I started the Point Reyes Hiking Calendar in 2021 to share the breadth of hiking opportunities and unique seasonal wonders of this park with the community of people who love Point Reyes. The calendar has evolved over the last three years, and I am pleased to share the 2023 Point Reyes Hiking Calendar with you. The calendar includes a featured hike of the month, basic data on weather, and links to volunteer activities, classes, and other seasonal highlights.
This year, I’ve also included dates for the Point Reyes National Seashore Association (PRNSA) full moon hikes so you can plan your attendance in advance. I would be thrilled for your feedback on the hikes you’d like to see in future calendars and anything else you’d like to share with me at lena@pointreyesnature.com. 
A Love of Point Reyes
At the heart of these calendars is my love for Point Reyes, and a big part of that love is for PRNSA. I have made many friends at PRNSA over the years, foremost Heather Clapp and Donna Faure. They continually inspire me with the work they are doing to guide PRNSA into the future as an inclusive, forward-thinking, caring, impactful organization. 
Lena and son Aiden on Drakes Beach.
I volunteer as a PRNSA Field Institute facilitator helping with classes and for the park service as a Snowy Plover Docent. When I retire, I would like to do even more! I am also a shameless promoter of the Dinner/Party on the Pacific Plate which is my favorite fundraiser in Point Reyes. Finally, I am a member of the Peter Behr Circle and a High Tide monthly donor to PRNSA because I believe strongly in the important work they are doing. It is a privilege and an honor to partner with PRNSA. 
I hope you will enjoy this year’s hiking calendar and consider joining the PRNSA family. I’ll see you on the trails!  
Warmly,
Lena Zentall
PRNSA Member, Volunteer, and Point Reyes Nature Creator
P.S. Due to recent storms, downed trees, and hazardous conditions, the National Park Service continues to advise visitors to avoid forested trails. Many park areas also remain completely closed. Please check the park service website before your next visit!
Full Moon Hike Anniversary Event
Sat., February 4th | Bear Valley | 4:00pm – 7:30pm
Celebrate 3 years of full moon hikes with PRNSA! We will gather under the full moon to celebrate community over a cozy drink, take a moon walk in Bear Valley, and get to know the park in a different light. All members and non-members are welcome to join PRNSA for this special anniversary event under the full moon. For those of you who knew Joan Lamphier, during this event we will also be holding a "Moonwalk for Joan" down Bear Valley trail in honor of our longtime community member and friend.
Morgan Horse Ranch Open House
Saturday, January 21 | 10:30am – 2:30pm
Join the National Park Service for the next Morgan Horse Ranch Open House on Saturday, January 21st. The open house event is a great place to meet the resident horses and learn about the Ranch's history.

This month's event will also honor the recent passing of Elvis (Los Reyes Abrams), a 23-year old patrol horse who spent most of his life at Point Reyes. Elvis was a favorite among park staff and visitors. We hope to see you there.
California Naturalist Registration
Take an active role in natural resource conservation, restoration, and education as a California Naturalist!
The California Naturalist Program at Point Reyes is a field-based lecture series that aims to promote local stewardship and foster a diverse community of naturalists.

Over the course of five separate Saturdays (April 15 - May 13), students will experience the Seashore in ways the casual visitor cannot, working in areas less traveled alongside knowledgeable naturalists. Upon completion, graduates will receive an official California Naturalist Certification and are eligible for 4 credit units from UC Davis Extension.
UC Climate Stewards Registration
Help your community find resilience in a changing climate...
become a certified Climate Steward!
Climate Stewards is a new initiative from the UC Cooperative Extension in partnership with PRNSA. In this program you will learn about the science of climate change, how to communicate more effectively about this issue, and how to help your community adapt.

During this 9-week program (Feb. 28 - Apr. 25) you will take part in online classes and in-person field trips with guest experts while you complete online assignments and a final capstone project to receive your certification from the University of California.
Additional Classes & Events
Early 2023 is full of classes and events at the Seashore! Look below for a sneak peek at the first events of the year, and visit our website for the full class list!
Sat, Jan. 21, 10:00am - 2:00pm

Working through the lens of our particular mediums (photography, writing, sketching, and painting), this class looks at the many ways composition can help us know and translate places into art.
Sat, Jan. 28, 10:00am - 4:00pm

The 16th Annual Fungus Fair will feature several mushroom-related exhibits, and visitors are encouraged to bring fresh collected fungi to be identified by mushroom experts.
Sun, Feb. 5, 10:30am - 1:30pm

A slow meander in the woods to allow for a deep and meaningful connection with the natural world. Youth are encouraged to take the lead to experience the natural work through their senses
We partner with the National Park Service to create opportunities for all people to experience, enhance, and preserve Point Reyes National Seashore for present and future generations.
Point Reyes National Seashore | (415) 663-1200 x 310