Photo of federally endangered Beach Layia by Pusher, Inc. |
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The reality is that there's no magic involved in a species going extinct—except maybe the illusion that all endangered species are charismatic or fascinating. Locally, Point Reyes National Seashore is home to nearly 40 threatened, endangered, and species of concern. While gorillas may be fascinating, equally ecologically important are the endangered crustaceans of Duxbury Reef and flowering plants at Limantour Beach. I am so encouraged by the community science programs here at Point Reyes that strive to monitor and preserve our local species. To learn more about local programs, check out our recent Community Science StoryMap created by intern Theodora!
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PRNSA's Conservation Contribution
Over the last several decades, PRNSA has supported National Park Service conservation efforts through funding and managing interns, biological technicians, and visiting researchers to support both inventory and monitoring programs and restoration efforts including the Giacomini Wetlands, fisheries, and dune projects. Over the last two years, PRNSA has worked with the NPS to strengthen our conservation goals to study and support threatened and endangered species at the Seashore. In 2021 we secured funding from several sources including private donors, government grants, and foundations to hire 11 seasonal conservation staff members and fund 10,000+ hours of conservation work. These efforts help protect our local threatened and endangered species.
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What I’ve learned as a conservationist is that the goal isn’t to become another Goodall or Attenborough. The goal is to do what we can, learning along the way and knowing that one day we might reverse the impact that millennia of human history has had on the natural world.
Whatever draws you to nature, conservation or admiration, I hope to see you out there!
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Zoe Duerksen-Salm
Communications & Development Coordinator
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P.S. We've got an exciting event coming up on Saturday, June 4 for National Trails Day. At trailheads throughout the park, you'll PRNSA and NPS representatives excited to talk about nearby hikes, local flora and fauna, and conservation efforts. Details to come!
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Federally Listed Birds at Point Reyes |
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Among the variety of rare species throughout the Seashore, the northern spotted owl and the western snowy plover remain listed as threatened on the Endangered Species list. PRNSA's Northern Spotted Owls/Western Snowy Plovers Biological Technician Caroline Provost, as her title suggests, works alongside NPS biologists Taylor Ellis and Matt Lau to monitor these two bird species.
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The last viable population of northern spotted owls in the world is monitored by NPS biologists at Point Reyes National Seashore. Despite suffering catastrophic declines elsewhere in their range due to the invasion of the closely related East Coast barred owl, Marin county maintains a dense and stable population of northern spotted owls.
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Along the beaches of Point Reyes, NPS biologists are not only monitoring western snowy plovers, but are also restoring dune habitat to improve snowy plover nesting habitats and protect endangered plants in the area. Continuous monitoring and management actions are vital in recovering and maintaining these threatened species.
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Community Science StoryMap |
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Community science is a collaborative movement that makes scientific research more inclusive and democratic. In community science programs, anyone can collect data for ongoing research projects. In this way, community members participate in research and contribute to better understandings of the species and ecosystems that surround us. Explore the local programs monitoring marine and coastal ecosystems through the immersive community science experience linked below!
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Michelle Walker
Environmental Educator
Michelle joins PRNSA as our new Environmental Educator. She grew up in the Bay Area and after high school spent the next 18 years in the mountains and deserts of Utah, Idaho, Alaska, and Colorado. Her passions include watercolor painting, writing, film photography, hiking, camping, paddle boarding, and searching out the best spots to watch the moon.
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Channah Harris
Retail Manager (Trainee)
Channah is the newest member of our retail team at the park! Channah grew up in the California Central Valley, and graduated from the California College of the Arts in 2018. She is passionate about art, sustainability, education, and community engagement. Now, Channah wants to help highlight all there is to appreciate about the natural world.
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Sat, June 11, 10:30am - 1:30pm
Join a Forest Bathing walk at the Seashore. Forest Bathing is a guided slow meander intended to allow for a deep and meaningful connection with the natural world.
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Fri, June 17, 9:00am - 3:00pm
Learn tracking basics in Point Reyes National Seashore! Identify animal tracks and gaits, feeding sign and scat analysis, and nests or burrows.
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Sat, June 18, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Learn tips to turn your iPhone photos into real keepers! Maximize the potential of your phone camera. Phones may be smart; but YOU can be smarter.
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June CHALLENGE Full Moon Hike |
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On Saturday, June 11, join fellow PRNSA members on this heart-pumping, 6 mile challenge night hike. Please note that this hike is not for the faint of heart. We will start at the Five Brooks Ranch parking lot at 6pm and begin our incline up to the top of the Ridge for a chance to see the moon rise. Full moon hikes are for members, but anyone can become a PRNSA member for just $10 a month!
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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. |
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Point Reyes National Seashore | (415) 663-1200 x 310
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