December 30, 2020
Dear Friends,
I’m so proud to be part of the PRNSA community. When I joined the board last year, none of us had any idea as to what was coming in 2020. Now here we are, at the end of a most challenging year. We made strategic decisions that we hoped would use our resources as wisely possible, to continue to bring Point Reyes National Seashore experiences to our community - be it through online content, digital webinars or small, in-person classes. Your response has been rewarding.
Your frequent interactions with us show how much you enjoy these opportunities. Below we share with you a video we created a few months ago for our first virtual Dinner on the Pacific Plate. It’s called ‘Stories from the Heart’ and it captures how much PRNSA means to our community.
With vaccinations in sight, we hope to see you out on the trails and public spaces once more. Meanwhile, we’re mindful of current restrictions, and hope you know that even when you can’t get to the park, we still are here to keep you informed so that you may continue to enjoy hiking trails, beautiful viewsheds and encounters with wildlife. As 2021 ushers in many changes, we will be right here, stewards with you of this magnificent landscape and seashore.  

100% of your 2020 gift is tax-deductible under the CARES Act.
A Bright Light
PRNSA has been a bright light for us in the shadow of this pandemic. The on-line programs have been terrific, and it was a godsend to have regular updates about the fire as it swept through our beloved park. We look forward to getting back on the trails soon, and meanwhile send our support and appreciation to a stalwart team. With just two days left in 2020, please keep PRNSA in mind for year-end giving. All donations are still being matched through Dec. 31st.
Warm wishes for a wonderful New Year.
Catherine Porter
Board of Directors
PRNSA's Stories From the Heart
PARK UPDATES
Marin County issued a new Stay at Home order effective December 8 in response to the increasing cases of COVID -19 in the region and state. These new restrictions will remain in place until January 4, 2021.

How will these changes affect our park and park visitors?
  • Campgrounds will be closed - this includes Wildcat campground, and all Tomales Bay boat-in sites. Sky, Glen, and Coast campgrounds were already closed due to the Woodward Fire.
  • All other current closures will remain in effect. Please find a link to download a high-resolution PDF version of the park-wide closure map on the NPS website here.
#PARK IN PLACE WEBINARS
Field Conservation for Mountain Gorillas??
Thursday, January 14, 6pm – 7pm
Free #Park In Place Webinar Series
Yup you read that right, Gorillas. Mountain Gorillas to be exact. No there are no Mountain Gorillas in Point Reyes and there probably never will be. What is connected is the in-depth conservation skills and research that has gone on to make incredible change for a sensitive species. Jena Hickey has devoted years to conservation efforts while working in the field and has a lot to share. Come learn more about how change can happen at a variety of levels and register for this free webinar today. Register Now!
WINTER CLASSES AND UPDATES
Marine Mammals of Point Reyes
Friday, January 8, 10:30am – 5pm
Watch for whales and spot seals on the seashore. Learn and observe with expert guidance! Coastal habitats of Point Reyes host a large variety of marine mammals. In short walks with David Wimpfheimer near the Lighthouse, Drakes Beach, and other locations this class will focus on Elephant seals and Gray whales while covering other cetaceans and pinnipeds of the area. Be sure to bring your binoculars! Register Here.
Saturday, January 9, 10am – 2pm
Poetry workshop in nature...walk, wander and stop to write along the way. Give voice to the world around you.
We'll walk in silence and write our observations and experiences, read to each other, keep watch, interview the world, give voice to what is happening. Instructor Patti Trimble will share poetic forms and present writing practices for deep attention.
This class will meet at the Limantour Beach Parking Lot, then we'll walk and write our way upstream along the Muddy Hollow trail. Register Here.
Saturday, January 16, 10:30am – 5pm
With excellent image quality, portability, and easy images sharing, the smartphone has become the camera of choice for many, and for many it’s their only camera. While you can get captivating images with the native camera app, to unlock the full potential of the camera, third-party apps excel at bringing out the most your camera can offer.
Select class title for more information on these and other upcoming classes.
Saturday, January 23, 10am – 4pm
Sunday, January 24, 9am – 4pm
A Five-Part Series: Tuesdays, January 26 – February 16, - 7pm – 9pm
Saturday, January 30, 10am – 2pm
Sunday, January 31, 10am – 4:30pm
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 | [email protected] | www.ptreyes.org