PRNSA Wildlife Biological Technician Aiko Goldston and NPS biologist Matt Lau

planning a snowy plover survey in 2024. Photo by Avani Fachon.

February 26, 2025



Dear Point Reyes National Seashore ,        

Public-private partnerships have a long history at the National Park Service, and in times of uncertainty, standing with our partner means even more. The many messages of concern I’ve received over the last couple of weeks remind me and my NPS colleagues at Point Reyes National Seashore that the public cherishes and depends on places like the Seashore. It means a lot to hear from you. 

Like all national parks, the Seashore is being impacted by the executive orders you are seeing in the news. Staffing cuts, funding and hiring freezes, and the overall uncertainty are weighing on park staff and the community of people who care for this place. In support, PRNSA has re-doubled its commitment to our shared conservation, education, and community-building work.

Last year, we were able to fund 25 conservation projects at the Seashore, and we contributed 15,000 hours of staff time dedicated to conservation work. To strengthen this shared value of science in the park amidst recent cuts, we have increased our staffing for conservation this week. Please consider a donation to fund conservation at the park at this critical time. Of course, another important way to support parks is to share your concerns with your federal representatives. 

As part of our Mapping a Park for All work, we are continuing to welcome youth from around the Bay Area, and are especially excited to have just completed much-needed renovations to the Clem Miller Environmental Education Center. This investment in a park building was funded through philanthropic support and shows our long-term commitment to expanding the community of people who know and care for the park. Over this past week, we’ve had a full house—or park—hosting five groups for day and overnight education and stewardship programs for youth and rising environmental leaders. Thank you for your wonderful support of our enduring Youth in Parks program. 

In worrisome times, gathering can be a way to feel solidarity. You are welcome to join us on Saturday at our volunteer riparian habitat restoration program and meet some of our staff and National Park Service friends. I’ll be at our book talk and walk focused on making the park accessible and welcoming to disabled people. I’d love to see you. You can also simply stop by a park visitor center and say hello to the rangers on duty.

Last, but not least, let me know if you have any questions or messages you’d like me to share with our partners at the National Park Service. Together, we can both protect and celebrate this special place. 

With deep appreciation,

Donna Faure

Executive Director

This month, Point Reyes’ inhabitants are busy—marine critters are on the hunt for intertidal real estate, young elephant seals are forming support groups for survival, and the tree of umbrellas is blooming. Find the February issue of Monthly Marvels here—your guide to exploring the park’s unique natural wonders.

Open to All: Disabled Hiker's Guide Event

Become a Certified California Naturalist

Experience the richness of biodiversity that Point Reyes has to offer through the California Naturalist Program, a field-based lecture series provided in partnership between PRNSA and the University of California Environmental Stewards.

Over the course of five separate Saturdays between April 5 - May 10, students will experience Point Reyes National Seashore in ways the casual visitor cannot, working in areas less traveled alongside some of California's most knowledgeable naturalists. Graduates will be ready to take an active role in natural resource conservation, education, and restoration. Learn more and register today.

Classes & Events

March Full Moon

Member Hike

Friday, March 14, 6pm-9pm

Please join us at Abbotts Lagoon as we step out into the light and air of spring! We will take an evening walk together along the ~5 mile trail, honoring the approaching spring equinox and learning about the moon's phases and influence.

Cultivating Compassion

Through Nature

Saturday, March 22, 9:30am-1:30pm

Studies show that nature plays an important role in enhancing our creativity, compassion and joy. In this half-day workshop, we will explore how awareness, belonging and compassion can reduce stress and anxiety.

Volunteer Planting Day

Join PRNSA and partners for a Watershed Stewards Program volunteer planting day on Saturday, March 1. Volunteers will get their hands dirty planting over one hundred native trees, shrubs, and flowers around a sensitive tributary of Lagunitas Creek to restore critical habitat for our salmon runs. We'll be working on the historic and active cattle ranch leased from the Golden Gate NRA by rancher Lou Zanardi, who will speak to us about his operations and history on the land. Learn more and sign up here!

Elephant Seal Update

NPS / PRNSA / Aiko Goldston - NMFS Permit No. 21425

We reached peak elephant seal pupping season a few weeks ago, with biologists counting 2,383 seals! Total seal counts are now dropping as females wean their pups and head back out to sea. Weanling pods are forming, and the young seals will live off their fat stores for the next couple of months as they learn to swim and hunt. Read more in PRNSA Wildlife Biological Technician Aiko Goldston's weekly elephant seal monitoring updates.