Identifying mushrooms at the BIPOC Educators Retreat, hosted by the PRNSA Ed Team

December 22, 2025

Dear Friend,

Since joining the education team at PRNSA a few months ago, I’ve been inspired by the work we do at Point Reyes and the enthusiasm of the groups we partner with through our education programs. Highlights have included a sunny afternoon spent at Drakes Beach with the Center for Independent Living in San Rafael, learning about elephant seals and helping with a beach cleanup, and an overnight retreat at the Ed Center with YES Nature to Neighborhoods focused on reconnecting with nature, complete with hikes, campfires, and communal meals. Each visit brings something new—from witnessing a student’s first close-up encounter with native wildlife to seeing groups collaborate in hands-on habitat restoration projects.

Excerpts from Youth in Parks program evaluations completed by youth participants

Being a newer member of the education team, these experiences have been an incredible way to learn alongside participants. I’ve found that guiding visitors through the park isn’t just about sharing facts; it’s about creating moments of discovery where everyone—students, staff, and parents alike—can engage with the natural world in a meaningful way. Watching someone’s eyes light up when they spot an owl, notice a plant they hadn’t seen before, or observe wildlife in its natural habitat reminds me why this work matters so much.

Your steady support is what allows us to co-create programs with partners from across the Bay Area that spark these moments of discovery. Please consider a gift today—your contribution will fund continued learning, inspiration, and exploration of the natural world.

What has been especially rewarding is seeing how these experiences connect people to the land and to each other. They leave not only with new knowledge, but with a sense of stewardship for the environment and the confidence to explore and ask questions. It’s a privilege to be part of that journey and to see the park through fresh eyes every day.

I’m excited to continue learning from both the youth and my team, and I’m grateful to be part of an organization that fosters curiosity, care, and connection to this incredible place. Thank you for being part of our community!

Warmly,

Matt Diener

Outdoor Equity Environmental Educator

Exploring Point Reyes' Wintertime Grasslands

Illustrations by Sophie Wood Brinker

During the rainy season, Point Reyes grasslands become blanketed with young verdant sprouts—the start of the spring green-up. Often overshadowed by the showy blooms of springtime, our wintertime prairies offer their own set of wonders, from the science behind snoozing badgers’ “temporary hibernation” to rousing seed banks which contain the genes of generations past. Take a peek into the Seashore’s winter marvels and the many interesting behaviors and characteristics that you may observe in this biodiverse landscape.

This article is part of Inflorescence, a series exploring the biodiversity of Point Reyes’ coastal grasslands and what land stewards are doing to preserve and restore this endangered habitat.

Give a Gift Membership!

Looking for a last minute holiday gift? Consider a gift membership to PRNSA! Members receive 15% off all purchases at all three Park Stores (check out our holiday gift guide!), invitations to member events, including our monthly Full Moon Hikes, and special offers and discounts on Field Institute classes.

All year-end donations, including gift memberships, support education, conservation, and community-building work at the Seashore. Help us reach our $450k goal by December 31!

Upcoming Programs & Events

Chicken Ranch Beach Wetland Restoration

Weds. & Sat. mornings December - January

Join our friends at the Tomales Bay Foundation to install native plants in the new wetland enhancement project.

Duxbury Reef Docent & Volunteer Training

Dates starting January 9

Help protect Duxbury Reef by becoming a Docent or Tabling Volunteer. Attend a free training with our friends at West Marin EAC.

Listening with

Point Reyes

Sat. Jan 10, 2pm-4pm

Join sound recordists for a listening session in which we explore a variety of habitats through audio recordings.

Mushroom Identification

Jan 11 (Just added!) & Mar 1,

10am-4:30pm

Explore the world of mushrooms! Learn ID basics & set out into the nearby woods in search of seasonal fungi.

Book Event: CA Naturalist Handbook

Sat. Jan 17, 1pm-2:30pm

Join author Deborah Stanger Edelman for a conversation about the second edition of The California Naturalist Handbook.

Ecology and Plant Changes Post-Fire

Sat. Jan 31, 9am-3pm

Hike through the dynamic landscape the Woodward Fire transformed in 2020 and explore how the ecosystem is responding.

What's Up at the Morgan Horse Ranch?

You may have seen that in November, 22-year-old Mira the horse experienced an episode of colic, which is another term for severe abdominal pain in horses. After rangers noticed her discomfort, they acted quickly to prevent further complications and called in a vet. After tests, pain medication, and an IV, Mira made it through the night and was on the road to recovery.

Right after Mira colicked, 30-year-old Honcho developed an abscess, and after yet another vet visit and treatment, he is also recovering. Medical care for the Morgan Horses, who are so critical to caring for our Seashore, are helped made possible by support from donors. If you'd like to contribute to the healthy horse fund, you can do so here.

← Mira feeling much better and modeling holiday cheer! Photo by Friends of the Morgan Horse Ranch.