March 3, 2021
Greetings!                

Spring is a time to grow! Come to learn and grow in the nurturing surroundings of Point Reyes by taking part in one of our upcoming Field Institute classes. Offerings this spring include a wonderful diversity of programs exploring natural history, writing, poetry, painting, and fitness. This March, join expert instructors to experience Forest Bathing, Animal Tracking, Birding, and Botanical Illustration. Field experiences offer a chance to embrace your passion, celebrate your own style of nature connection, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Point Reyes. Try something new and find yourself blossoming alongside the wildflowers at the seashore! 
Best wishes,
Biret Adden
Education Director
PARK UPDATES
Weekends continue to be busy. With the persistent nice weather and school spring breaks upon us, parking lots have been filling early at most trailheads. Please come visit us early or late in the day, and week days are always less crowded.

And when you come, be prepared to recreate responsibly. That includes:
  • If a parking lot is full, seek another spot that isn't full.
  • Resist the urge to pull off on the road shoulder in undesignated spots.
  • Be self-contained on your visit - bring water, food, snacks, and hand sanitizer.
  • Most park bathrooms are open.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace Principles.
  • Wear a mask, and practice physical distancing.

Campsite and Trail Updates
All Tomales Bay boat-in campsites are open, as well as Coast and Wildcat campgrounds. All reservations are made on recreation.gov. We hope Glen and Sky will reopen soon. Stay tuned.

The Bear Valley trail is likely to be reopened in early summer. What winter rains we get will help the soil effected by the fire compact naturally. If we open that area up too early, soil compaction made by foot and hooves will cause erosion and create more trail damage.

Plan Your Visit
We have done a soft launch of our park NPS app (available through Google Play or Apple App store). So feel free to download it, use it and give feedback! And as always, please check the park website or social media for up to date information the day of your visit.
Park In Place Webinar
The Superintendent's Hour
Thursday, March 11, 6 – 7pm
How many questions can we squeeze into one hour?
Point Reyes National Seashore has a new Superintendent! Craig Kenkel has a lengthy resume with the National Park Service. Most recently at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, he brings a wealth of knowledge and relevant experience to Point Reyes National Seashore. Join us online March 11 for a special "meet and greet" with Craig and have your questions about him, his plans, and our park answered. This will be a great way to learn more about the future of Point Reyes National Seashore and how you can be a part of it. Sign up for this free webinar today!
CLASSES IN MARCH
Sunday, March 14, 10:30am – 1:30pm
Forest therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing. A forest bathing walk is about connecting deeply with the more-than-human world and ultimately connecting with the deeper place within.
Instructor Joey Heusler is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with the Association for Nature and Forest Therapy guides and programs.
Friday, March 19, 8:30am – 3:30pm
Experience the art of holistic animal tracking and deepen your nature awareness in the field. In this class we will go for a timeless wander in nature, practicing techniques of slowing ourselves down and opening up our senses into a state of sensory expansion, the foundation of the Tracker Mind. Instructor Richard Vacha has been studying animal tracking for 30 years and has been teaching animal tracking and nature awareness for 15 years. 
Saturday, March 20, 9am – 4pm
Improve your birding skills! Learn about ecological associations and practice identification by sight and sound in a variety of habitats.
This class will expand on the concepts and skills covered in Birding 101. However, anyone who wants to improve their birding skills can sign up for this class.
Instructor David Wimpfheimer is a professional naturalist and biologist. 
Saturday, March 27, 10am – 12pm
Spend a fun day dissecting and studying the flowers of Spring.
Learn the basic botany of the flower and create a beautiful study sheet or botanical plate documenting your explorations. This is an online Zoom class. All drawing levels are welcome. A supply list will be provided. Instructor Nina Antze has a Fine Arts degree and a Certificate in Botanical Illustration from the New York Botanical Gardens and studied at the Ruskin School of Art in Oxford. 
Your monthly donations help sustain our conservation and environmental education programs, and allow us to bring more faces out to the Seashore. Donate this month and sign up to join our rising tide! Become a High Tide Monthly Supporter today. It is the easiest, and greenest way to show your love for the park!
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 | development@ptreyes.org | www.ptreyes.org