October 11, 2023
Greetings!
Fall is one of my favorite times at the Seashore. With the summer crowds dissipating, wildlife viewing burgeoning, and gorgeous weather in full display, the moments of magic seem to sense that the days are getting shorter, and in response, increase in frequency. 
One such moment happened the last week of September where it was wonderful seeing and meeting so many of you at this year’s Party on the Pacific Plate. We were deeply honored to hear from Lorelle Ross, Tribal Council Vice Chair with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Lorelle welcomed us to the land and spoke on partnering with the NPS and PRNSA to co-steward the park and honor their ancestral homeland.
It was also phenomenal to have Park Superintendent Craig Kenkel announce the exciting new Trails Forever Initiative – a partnership between PRNSA, the NPS, and the Tribe to re-imagine the park’s trail system.
Nearly 400 of us gathered to support our gorgeous Point Reyes and hear from friend and Youth in Parks partner Cesar Barragan from Brothers on the Rise about the magic that happens when we collaborate. Together, we raised $450,000 for conservation, education, and community building work in Point Reyes, including $150,000 to support our growing Youth in Parks work.
Growing from Planted Seeds
I’m incredibly proud of our extraordinary staff, partners, and supporters for all you do to make this wondrous seashore a more inclusive and welcoming place for all. Pablo Neruda wrote, “they can cut down all the flowers, but they cannot stop the spring,” and even though we’re headed into fall and winter, I can’t help but think that we’ve planted seeds that will flourish in the many months and years to come.
Join us outside! We’d love to see you on the trails, at an upcoming event, class, or program (see below for fall events and classes).
Happy Fall,
Blanca Chang-Johnson
PRNSA Board Member
Giacomini Wetlands 15th Anniversary
Join us for a full day of events on Saturday, October 28 to celebrate restoration at the Seashore! On October 25, 2008, 550 acres of dairy pasture were reconnected to the waters of Tomales Bay and Lagunitas Creek, and the restored marsh lands were named the Giacomini Wetlands. Since then the area has flourished with ongoing stewardship efforts to support common and rare species of fish, birds, frogs, and benthic invertebrates.
Birding Walk at the Wetlands

8:30am – 10:30am | A short walk into the wetlands to explore native grasses and local birds with Mary Anne Flett and John Dell'Osso. Registration required here.
Wetlands Family Book Reading

11:00am – 11:30am | Join Author Sally Bolger as she reads her children’s book “Fun in the Mud: A Wetlands Tale” at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. RSVP not required.
Science Symposium at the Red Barn

1:30pm – 5:00pm | Join talks from experts on the evolution of the Giacomini Wetlands since the final levee was breached. Full agenda here. No registration required.
'Wetlands' Staged Reading & Moonwalk

5:15pm – 7:30pm | Staged Reading of “The Wetlands” by AriDy Nox (Mesa Refuge Resident), followed by a full moon walk at the Wetlands. Registration required here.
Field Institute Classes
The Fall Field Institute calendar is full of classes for the budding artist, the seasoned naturalist, the adventurous kayaker, and anyone who loves Point Reyes. Look below to find the perfect experience for you this October and November! Looking for something later in the season? Take a look at our full Field Institute calendar.
Fri, Oct. 13, 10am - 2pm

Explore Autumn color by drawing leaves and berries! Learn to create rich reds, browns and purples using various colored pencil techniques.
Sat, Oct. 14, 10am - 2:30pm

Learn Qigong to move with Mother Earth’s autumn rhythms and cultivate Qi, the vital energy in all that is. Let go and transition to the new at Point Reyes.
Sat, Oct. 21, 9am - 2pm

Join Don Jolley to explore geologic features evidencing the displacement of the Point Reyes peninsula northward along the San Andreas fault.
Sun, Nov. 12, 9am - 1pm

Explore California's largest intact tidal marsh by kayak and find yourself immersed in the beauty and wildlife of this essential habitat in Point Reyes.
Sat, Nov. 18, 9am - 4pm

A fun workshop with your iPhone camera (all cameras/ phones are welcome). We will teach you how to make a great photo with your iPhone!

Sun, Nov. 19, 10am - 4:30pm

Explore the mysterious and fascinating world of wild mushrooms in Point Reyes. Designated for beginner to intermediate mushroom enthusiasts.
National Park Service Gatherings
Sat, Oct. 14, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Experience the Lighthouse just before sunset and dusk, as many keepers have over the years. Participate in a unique opportunity to learn more about the Point Reyes Lighthouse.
Sat, Oct. 28, full day of events!

Join us in celebrating the Giacomini Wetlands' 15th anniversary. Events include a guided bird walk, a family book reading, a science symposium, and a staged reading and moon walk.
Sat, Oct. 28, 11am - 1pm

Work side by side with National Park Service staff to remove trash from Drakes Beach. Please wear close-toed shoes and bring plenty of water and a snack. Other supplies provided!
Point Reyes Experience Winner
Last month we raised $150,000 for Youth in Parks, a program that offers outdoor education and recreation programs for youth from communities historically excluded from public lands. We are happy to announce that the winners of the Point Reyes experience for two are Emily and Jim Hughes. A big thank you goes out to all of our Youth in Parks donors!
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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