October 26, 2022 Greetings!

For the past 13 Octobers we’ve transformed Bear Valley into a party space for our annual fundraiser, Party on the Pacific Plate. While the name and format have shifted over the last few years to match the times, the “plate” portion of the name is essential and ties us all together on this moving, changing landscape (here are some great images from the day). Together, we raised $300,000 this year to support our conservation, education, and community building work. That includes $60,240 toward our Mapping A Park for All Fund, which uplifts our belief that access to nature is a human right and caring for nature is a human obligation.

One of my favorite things to do in the post-celebration glow after the event is to walk among the old oak, bay, and fir trees at the Bear Valley Grove and think about the year past and what’s to come. As PRNSA moved through another year of change, I’m so grateful to the community of supporters—donors, partners, volunteers, NPS and PRNSA staff—who make our work possible.

Mapping A Park For All One of the highlights of our Pacific Plate event is the chance to explore the park through nine excursions before gathering for a community celebration. Together we:

Looked at deep time in the rocks and listened deeply to the sounds of the park. Discussed the health of communities, from dunes to plants to humans.  Reflected on restoration and regeneration: wetlands, fire, and restored relationships within human communities and between human and wildlife communities.

These experiences reminded me of our connection to and commitment to Point Reyes National Seashore. They also underscored the importance of our Mapping A Park For All Fund that aims to expand our work with both youth historically excluded from public land and the important conservation projects to care for the land and the animals and plants who call this wondrous place home. I’m excited to share that we have a $20,000 match to help us reach our $100,000 goal for the fund through the end of the year.  Thank you again for all the ways you support PRNSA and Point Reyes National Seashore.

Warmly, Donna Faure Executive Director

PS: I hope you will join us for the 3rd anniversary of our Full Moon Member Hike program at Bear Valley! Details below.

This year's Fund-A-Need will support our efforts to preserve Point Reyes National Seashore for current and future generations of youth, and for the plants and animals that make this place home. Now through the end of the year, all Mapping A Park For All Fund gifts up to $20,000 to will be matched by PRNSA.

Party on the Pacific Plate Photos

The amazing Jessamyn Harris captured the Party on the Pacific Plate event through the lens of her camera. You can find a handful of her photos and some sent in by attendees with this link or by clicking the button below.

2022 Party on the Pacific Plate Photos

Science Communication Intern

Earlier this month PRNSA welcomed Claire Baker, our new Science Communication Intern! Claire was born and raised in the Bay Area and has always enjoyed exploring all the different kinds of natural landscapes around her. She loves science and earned her B.S. in Human Biology from Stanford University in 2022, with emphases in science communication and education. She is passionate about learning of all kinds and has loved working with students of all ages in previous jobs, where she taught music, art, and computer science, among other topics. She is thrilled to have this opportunity to immerse herself in Point Reyes and help more people learn about the environment around them.

Classes and Events

November Full Moon Member Hike: 3-Year Anniversary Celebration! Saturday, Nov. 5, 5:00pm – 8:00pm Join PRNSA under the full moon at Bear Valley Grove to honor community and the renewal of the lunar cycle. Following some time together over light refreshments and snacks, we will offer a few activities and walks to connect with the moon. Not a member? Become one today for as little as $10 a month! Register Here

Kayak Drakes Estero - Full Day Tour Sun, Oct. 30, 9:00am – 3:00pm Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Drakes Estero! Embark on a full day exploration of this marine wilderness on a unique kayak tour. Register Here

How to Make and Use Charcoal to Draw Point Reyes Trees Sat, Nov. 5, 10:00am – 4:00pm Experience the ancient medium of charcoal. Capture the essence of trees in your sketches and explore new directions in your art endeavors. Register Here

Dramatic Shoreline Photography: Five Part Series November 10 – December 1 Photograph some of Point Reyes' most beautiful beaches under the best tidal conditions during this series of five online and in person classes. Register Here

Drawing the Colors of Fall Sat, Nov. 12, 9:00am – 11:00am Autumn is a time to explore color with the beauty of changing leaves. Learn to create rich colors with layering, blending, and burnishing. Register Here

Forest Bathing Walk: Gratitude & Reciprocity Sat, Nov. 19, 10:30am – 1:30pm A Forest Bathing walk is a guided slow meander intended to allow for a deep and meaningful connection with the natural world of Point Reyes. Register Here

Fall Migration at the Seashore Sun, Nov. 20, 9:00am – 4:00pm Abbotts Lagoon and Tomales Bay are important habitats for many waterbirds, shorebirds, and raptors. Observe and ID as they migrate through! Register Here

Oh No, Not Gulls! Sat, Dec. 10, 9:00am – 3:00pm In this class we will focus on developing a system for approaching gull identification in an enjoyable manner, then test your new skills! Register Here

Mushroom Identification Sun, Dec. 11, 10:00am - 4:30pm  Explore the fascinating world of wild mushrooms in Point Reyes. Class designed for beginner to intermediate mushroom enthusiasts. Register Here

Forest Bathing Walk Sat, Dec. 17, 10:30am - 1:30pm  A Forest Bathing walk is a guided slow meander intended to allow for a deep and meaningful connection with the natural world of Point Reyes. Register Here

Down For the Count: Exploring Bird Diversity at Point Reyes Sun, Dec. 18, 9:30am – 3:30pm The Christmas Bird Count monitors 200+ bird species and the Seashore ranks near the top of all counts. Join us to practice and enjoy! Register Here

We're Hiring!

Pinniped Monitoring Intern The intern will assist National Park Service (NPS) staff in monitoring elephant seals and harbor seals at Point Reyes. The seasonal intern will receive training and experience in wildlife monitoring and management. Throughout this full-time position, the intern will learn components of NPS projects including policies, procedures, materials, and techniques. Application Portal

Retail Associate The Retail Associate works alongside the Retail Team that operates three park stores at Point Reyes. Responsibilities include customer service, processing inventory, and making sales. We are looking for someone who enjoys interacting with the public and desires to learn more about our retail stores and park. This position will primarily work weekends at the Drakes Beach Park Store. Application Portal

Park Updates

Park Stores: The three Visitor Centers and Park Stores at Point Reyes have updated hours for the 2022 fall and winter. Please expect shortened hours on Thanksgiving Day, and full closure of all locations on Christmas Day. Bear Valley Visitor Center and Store - Open seven days a week, 9:30am - 5:00pm. Lighthouse Visitor Center and Store - Open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center and Store - Temporarily closed, but will reopen by early January 2023 for winter wildlife season.  Supplemental Water: The NPS is providing supplemental water for elk at Tomales Point again due to ongoing drought. Help support tule elk use of water troughs by not approaching these areas when visiting Tomales Point. Learn more here.

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 [email protected] | www.ptreyes.org

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