Photo: Matt Lau

June 20, 2025



Dear Point Reyes National Seashore , 

Happy Summer Solstice! I hope you have plans to revel in the abundance of daylight today and into the weekend. PRNSA staff will be celebrating identity, self-expression, and the beautiful diversity of life this afternoon with partners and community members at our annual Pride in Our Park walk—we’d love to see you there!

This longest day of the year is also a time to celebrate growth, vitality, and renewal, which surrounds us here at the Seashore. Despite the challenges that national parks are facing, PRNSA conservation staff and our NPS partners remain dedicated stewards of the landscapes and species of Point Reyes. As we mark the turn of the season, we’re excited to share some hopeful updates that reflect the impact of our ongoing work:

In an exciting development from the fisheries team, PRNSA Fisheries Field Crew Lead Brentley McNeill spotted six coho salmon fry (young juveniles) in Bear Valley Creek—the first time coho fry have been documented in this location. This past winter was one of the best coho spawner seasons on record, and with decent rainfall in December, at least one pair of coho adults was able to access the smaller Bear Valley Creek and successfully spawn!

Photo: Michael Reichmuth

Photo: Avani Fachon

I had the pleasure of joining PRNSA Wildlife Biological Technician Aiko Goldston on a northern spotted owl survey a couple of weeks ago, shadowing as she visited one of the eight currently active nests at the Seashore. Aiko collects data on the owls’ nesting locations and reproductive success—information that’s vital to supporting this threatened species. It was exhilarating to spot the fluffy “branchers” on this visit, the stage between nestlings and fledglings when young owls leave the nest but remain perched in the nesting tree. 

Western snowy plover breeding season is in full swing. PRNSA Biological Science Technician Parker Kaye, Aiko, and partners at Point Blue Conservation Science are busy protecting and monitoring plover nests at several sites across the Seashore, keeping close tabs on nest counts, hatching activity, and chicks’ growth. Six nests are projected to hatch this week, meaning more chicks will be roaming the beaches soon. Follow along with Parker’s weekly updates here.

Photo: Parker Kaye

And finally, the great work of Aiko, NPS Marine Ecologist Sarah Codde, and the Marine Mammal Center to protect northern elephant seal populations from bird flu was profiled in The New York Times!

All of this conservation work plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of Point Reyes’ diverse habitats, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future for the Seashore. Please consider making a gift to support our conservation work today. We’ve accomplished so much in this first half of 2025, and are looking forward to continuing this momentum in the months ahead. Thank you for your support—it makes a real difference.

In gratitude,

Emily Summerlin

Communications Manager

We’re exploring the many forms that orange takes throughout the Seashore as late June welcomes the summer season. Orange is a powerful tool for interspecies communication—a cross-species invitation to connect…or to stay away. From the Pacific velvet ant’s golden mane to the ochre glow of Mars, June’s orange marvels are a celebration of Point Reyes’ summertime vibrancy.

Explore these Point Reyes wonders in the latest Monthly Marvels issue…and then go out to experience the delights for yourself!

Upcoming Events

Pride in Our Park Walk

(Today!)

Fri., June 20, 4pm-7pm

Join us for our fourth annual Pride in Our Park Walk, celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community as we continue creating a Park for All!

Thursday Weeders at

Abbotts Lagoon

June 26 & July 10, 10am-2pm

Join PRNSA and park staff every other Thursday from 10am-2pm at Abbotts Lagoon to help restore critical coastal dune habitat.

July Full Moon

Member Hike

Wed., July 9, 6:30pm-9pm

Join us to enjoy the long summer days. We will meander along the Bolinas Ridge Trail, watch the sunset and take in the full moon.

Morgan Horse Ranch

Anniversary

Sat., July 12, 11am-2pm

Join Park Rangers and volunteers in celebrating the 55th Anniversary of the Morgan Horse Ranch! Meet the horses and more.

Social Spotlight

This week, our partners Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance shared some great photos of their recent visit to Abbotts Lagoon, guided by PRNSA Education Director Biret Adden: "The weather couldn't stop us from having an amazing time! We learned so much and had a blast exploring this beautiful place." Sonoma Mentoring Alliance is a nonprofit organization that builds long-term mentor relationships between youth and caring adults, with the goal of helping mentees visualize and achieve their full potential.

We love seeing photos and videos from your time at the Seashore! Tag @pointreyes_prnsa on Instagram for a chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

Sponsorships are now available for our 16th annual Party on the Pacific Plate! This year's celebration will take place at Bear Valley on Saturday, September 20—the autumn equinox. Our theme is resilience in community, and we invite you to join us in honoring and supporting this special place and the people who steward and protect it. Please consider supporting this vibrant gathering and PRNSA's vital conservation, education, and community-building work with a sponsorship.