Full Moon Walk at Abbotts Lagoon. Photo by Lisa Krieger.

December 31, 2025

Dear Friend,


As we turn the calendar on 2025, a year marked by disruption and uncertainty, I’m grateful for the lessons learned. These include the strength that comes with standing with friends, the importance of examining and underscoring core values, and, of course, how incredibly meaningful it is to share Point Reyes with all, and collectively enjoy the immense benefits of spending time here.

Over the last month, our newsletters featured voices you haven’t heard from before... Miriam and Aiko, conservation staff who are often in the field, Jim, one of our six new board members, and Matt, the latest addition to our education team. They each shared their unique perspective on our conservation, education, and community-building efforts, which reminded me of yet another lesson that continues to ring true, especially this year—a wide diversity of talents, backgrounds, and experiences only makes our work stronger. In the new year, expect to hear from both new and returning voices, all with a common refrain of how when we support this place we love, it supports us.

The first elephant seal pup has arrived! Photo: NPS / R. Aramayo

On this midwinter day, with the rain coming down, there is no way to augur all the challenges and the many possibilities of the coming year, but below is what I see on the horizon at this moment and there is much to look forward to in 2026. Whatever the year brings, I know one thing I can count on is you and our collective community of Seashore friends to care for and sing the praises of this special land. 

This afternoon, I'll be re-visiting a New Year's Eve tradition, heading out to check in on our Drakes Beach store and the elephant seal happenings, including the first new pup born this week. I hope you, too, make it out soon to witness this cycle of life once again at the Seashore. Thank you and Happy New Year!

Warmly,

Donna Faure

Executive Director

P.S. Thank you for your generosity this year-end giving season! You're ensuring we start off 2026 strong. If you haven’t yet made a gift but would like to support our conservation, education, and community-building work, there's still time to do so.

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
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