Milkmaids are blooming on Mount Wittenberg Trail! Photo by Avani Fachon

March 13, 2025



Dear Point Reyes National Seashore ,        

I’m excited to write to you as PRNSA’s new Communications Manager. I joined the team in January, and to say it has been a lively time at the Seashore would be an understatement! While challenges and uncertainty abound, I’ve felt so welcomed, supported and grounded by my colleagues, our partners at NPS, and the broader Point Reyes community. I’ve been struck by how much warmth, care, and love the people here have for each other and this special place.

While we’re still seeing the occasional grey, gusty day, I can feel spring just around the corner, and with it a fresh breath of energy. March arrived with sparkling sunshine and a park full of visitors. On one busy Saturday, community members showed up in support of NPS—one protest in a string of demonstrations organized across the country at all 433 National Park sites. On the same day, PRNSA staff were busy coordinating and hosting three separate events around the park! Hearing my teammates share the success of these gatherings and the gratification they experienced from being surrounded by community in this special place underscored the importance of what we're working towards: a park for all.

Bilingual Environmental Educators Francesca and Celeste co-hosted a spring equinox gathering with our community partners—LGBTQ+ Napa and Sonoma, Wakan Wiya Two Spirit Drum, and Danza Xantotl—at the Clem Miller Environmental Education Center.

In collaboration with Point Reyes Books and Disabled Hikers, Philanthropy Events and Stewardship Manager Ashley coordinated a book talk and stroll on the Bear Valley Trail with The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Northern California author, Syren Nagakyrie.

And Volunteer Manager Cristobal collaborated with our Watershed Stewards Program partners to lead a group of volunteers in planting over one hundred native trees, shrubs, and flowers at a sensitive tributary of Lagunitas Creek. Their work will support the health of critical habitat for species like coho salmon and steelhead trout. 

As the world awakens—trees unfurl fresh green leaves, flowers burst into color, and the air hums with the buzz of bees and birdsong, those who love the Seashore are coming together and doing the same. We’re breathing in the warmth and stepping into the sun with renewed energy. The vibrant mosaic of interspecies resilience that makes Point Reyes extraordinary is on display, and I’m so grateful to be part of it.

Warmly,

Emily Summerlin

Communications Manager

2025 Point Reyes Hiking Calendar!

How You Can Support the Seashore

Like all national parks, Point Reyes is being impacted by the executive orders you are seeing in the news. Staffing cuts, funding and hiring freezes, and overall uncertainty are weighing on park staff and the community of people who care for this place.

PRNSA has re-doubled its commitment to our shared conservation, education, and community-building work, and we invite you to join us in supporting the park at this critical time. We've compiled a list of ways to take action and stand up for NPS and Park employees—find it at the link below.

Art by Favianna Rodriguez

March in Point Reyes has arrived in shades of blue—which can be a rare color in nature, but is abundant in our Point Reyes spring landscape! From the science behind cerulean skies to the return of our cobalt-backed companions, our newly published March Monthly Marvels is your guide to exploring the Seashore’s blue wonders. Find the issue here.

Classes & Events

Take Flight! Beginning

Birding for Adults

Sunday, March 16, 9am-3pm

Discover the fascinating world of birding! This engaging and interactive class will delve into topics such as identification, migration, adaptations, nesting, habitat and the interconnection of birds with other animals, including humans.

Thursday Weeders

at Abbotts Lagoon

Thursday, March 20, 10am-2pm

Join PRNSA and park staff every other Thursday from 10am-2pm at Abbotts Lagoon to help restore critical coastal dune habitat. Volunteers will remove invasive plants like ice plant, European searocket, and European beach grass.

Cultivating Compassion

Through Nature

Saturday, March 22, 9:30am-1:30pm

Studies show that nature plays an important role in enhancing our creativity, compassion and joy. In this half-day workshop, we will explore how awareness, belonging and compassion can reduce stress and anxiety.

Nature on the Edge: Lessons

for the Biosphere from

the California Coast

Saturday, April 5, 10:30am-12:30pm

Join ecologist Bruce Byers for an exploration of his new book, and of the trials and triumphs in the California Coast biosphere region. Co-presented by Commonweal, PRNSA, and partners.

Welcoming New & Returning Staff

Please join us in welcoming to PRNSA Parker Kaye, our new Biological Science Technician, and Brentley McNeill, our returning Fisheries Field Crew Lead!

Parker will be supporting the parks' snowy plover conservation work which is ramping up this month. Brentley will continue to lead the field crew for the NPS Coho and Steelhead monitoring program, work he has been supporting at the Seashore for nearly a decade! We are thrilled to have them both on the team.

Morgan Horse Ranch Supporting Conservation

Photos by Julie Byerly / PRNSA

Horses and mules from Morgan Horse Ranch have been assisting Point Reyes conservation staff by carrying equipment (such as fencing, signs, and exclosures) to support ongoing western snowy plover conservation efforts. This work is in preparation for the plover breeding season to protect the birds from the public and predators—both domesticated (dogs) and wild (ravens, other birds, and mammals).

Working with the animals for materials transport is essential as motor vehicles and equipment aren’t allowed in Wilderness areas. While they were at it, they also collected 50 lbs of trash! Learn more about the Morgan Horse Ranch.