Watercolors by Christa Thomas
December 30, 2022

Greetings!                
At our first meeting of 2022, I invited staff to share a word that reflected a hope, plan, or intention for the coming year. Words offered included health, balance, patience, adaptation, focus. Mine was exploration. Fueled by curiosity, PRNSA tried some new things and deepened our work in other areas this past year. As you’ve read over the last month, we’ve had a full and largely wonderful and positive 12 months!

Thank you for helping us deliver fully on our conservation, education, and community building goals. As I look to 2023, exploration will continue to guide our work. Things that excite me about the new year include:
• Implementing recommendations by Justice Outside as we work with the National Park Service to make Point Reyes a welcoming place for all. 

• Embarking on a trail planning process with the National Park Service that promises to invest in the park’s trail system to best welcome people and protect ecosystems.

• Investing strategically in conservation science, science communication, and the mapping of the sounds of our park.

• Deepening and expanding our Youth in Parks partnerships.

• Telling lots more stories, sharing more voices, gathering even more in community.
Winter's Greens
After a month of solid rain, West Marin's winter greens have arrived...more viridian than minty wintergreen on the Pantone scale. What I love about going back to the same places in our park is feeling those seasonal changes. As Sam said in our last newsletter, scientists call these cyclical, seasonal patterns phenology.
When I return to these spaces, I often stop to listen to birdsong—so quiet during storms, then vibrant once the rain finishes. I've always loved nature's music and sometimes sing along...my mother called me the Birdie. Singing the joyful rounds of Bird Song at my home with friends this month reminded me of why we connect to nature and each other. As a gift to celebrate the new year, please enjoy the Wailin’ Jennys’ rendition. May it inspire your 2023 and an even deeper connection to our Seashore!
As we finish up the year, please consider making a year-end gift to help us start the new year strong. Most of all, thank you for your continuing devotion to the Seashore that we all love.
Warmly,
Donna Faure
Executive Director
Welcome Mural at Education Center
A new mural by local artist Wyatt Hersey now hangs in the main room of the Clem Miller Environmental Education Center. The piece is a beautiful tribute to Point Reyes – full of vibrant colors and depictions of local flora and fauna!
 
The mural is part of a larger refresh at the Ed Center led by Program Director Biret Adden and designer Denise Rocco Zilber to help foster a welcoming space for new and returning visitors alike. The center is a key spot for our education programs. We can’t wait to share it with all the lovely humans who come to visit!
Drakes Beach Store Reopens
The PRNSA Park Store at Drakes Beach reopens this weekend!

Ring in the new year with a trip to Drakes Beach and the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center. Starting this Saturday, December 31st, the store will be open weekends and holidays from 11am to 4pm.

Be sure to check the NPS website in advance for beach closure information!
UC Climate Stewards Registration
Help your community find resilience in a changing climate...
become a certified Climate Steward!
Climate Stewards is an exciting new Initiative from the University of California 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.
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