October 5, 2022

Greetings!                
I love so many things about working at Bear Valley in the late afternoon…the deer who gather around our building, and the way the light softens the meadow view. My favorite moment though is when I hear the back door open as our youth education staff return from a day of programs because I know it's story time. I always smile when the ending is, “I think this was the best day so far.”
I’m honored to share an update on our Youth in Parks program, an initiative we launched in 2021 to expand access to the Seashore for communities historically excluded from public lands. What an incredible 18 months of exploration, fun, and learning for PRNSA and our growing group of 20 Youth in Parks partner organizations! I’m so grateful to the donors who invested early in this work and invite you to make a gift today to support Youth in Parks. 

Below you’ll find a reflection by Tina Baldry from Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance on one special program day. You’ll also see program statistics that reflect the aggregate impact of our work to share the wonders of the park with a broader community. The impact of these partnerships is reciprocal, and we continually learn from our partners what is needed to make this park a welcoming and inclusive place. 
Mapping a Park for All Fund
I’m so looking forward to seeing many friends and partners at our Party on the Pacific Plate event on October 8, where we hope to raise an additional $100,000 for our Mapping A Park for All Fund. In last week’s newsletter Sam Chiriboga shared the impact of PRNSA's conservation efforts at the park. Our conservation and environmental education programs work hand in hand, which is why our Mapping A Park for All Fund will be shared between our education and conservation programs.

Thank you so very much for helping us map a park for all.
With appreciation,
Donna Faure
Executive Director
Summer at the Seashore
This summer the PRNSA Education Team hosted programs for 11 Youth in Parks partner organizations and school groups. From kayaking in Tomales Bay to science projects on Limantour Beach, there were a lot of special days at the Seashore this summer. Here are a couple moments that we'd like to share with you!
Hear From Our YIP Partners!
This summer our Education Team hosted a Youth in Parks program down at Hearts Desire Beach for Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance. The group went for a short hike, enjoyed a water-cooling activity, and learned about the saline and pH levels of the surrounding water. Afterwards, Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance Program Director, Tina Baldry, wrote a beautiful message to our team about the day.

"Through partnering with PRNSA, we are able to give our teens the gift of the Seashore."

The full testimonial and story can be found HERE.
Dream Farm Mushrooms Spotlight
This year's Party on the Pacific Plate reception partners nurture community connections. Among them is Dream Farm Mushrooms, a local community-based farm that offers classes and events exploring the fascinating world of fungi and mushrooms. From the science of mycology to the role fungi plays in addressing the climate crisis, Dream Farm works to ensure that their mushrooms do more for the local community than just tasting delicious.

This is our first year partnering with Dream Farm Mushrooms, and We couldn’t be more excited to partner with an organization that cares as deeply as we do about education and community building. Learn more on the Dream Farm Mushrooms website.
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