Photo of Youth in Parks program with partner group GirlVentures.
December 18, 2023

Greetings!                
New experiences, new concepts, and discovering new parts of yourself are strongly influenced by your social context…those around you and how they make you feel. So naturally, creating a safe and supportive learning community is essential to promoting positive outdoor experiences for groups visiting Point Reyes. 
We so appreciate your support of education programs at the Seashore! Your contributions are essential for welcoming youth, many of whom have never experienced a place like this before.
Youth Connections
For Youth In Parks participants, who may be new to remote nature spaces and unsure about what to expect, ensuring they feel safe, understood, and affirmed is paramount. That doesn’t mean we won’t challenge them to push their boundaries and try new things like taking a night hike or holding a mole crab, but it does mean that their emotional well-being is critical as we work to connect youth with the land and with one another.
Our growing education team is doing an outstanding job of providing exactly that type of welcoming environment. Passionate about the natural world and fiercely committed to equitable outdoor access, Bilingual Environmental Educators Ria, Celeste, and Francesca work collaboratively to lead experiences that inspire and empower all youth.

By teaching in both English and Spanish, they ensure that everyone can participate equally, feel comfortable, and be open to the Point Reyes experience. You can see how much this matters on the faces of students as our educators lead programs. When each student feels valued, it makes a difference to us all. Find stories from our Ed Team in the latest Voices at the Seashore article!
Gratitude in the Field
I am grateful for this dedicated team, for your faith in us, and for your support that enables this essential work. As we round out another year, we ask you to consider a gift to support our work to connect all people to this beautiful park. Creating a welcoming environment in this park is not a distant goal; it’s the focus we bring to every moment of our work as educators. 
With Gratitude,
Biret Adden
Education Director
Nature's Classroom:
Reframing Outdoor Education
In our most recent Voices at the Seashore article, Nature's Classroom, hear from PRNSA's amazing Bilingual Environmental Educators about their experience leading youth programs at Point Reyes. From Francesca's collaborative approach to Ria's commitment to authenticity and Celeste's focus on emotional connections, this piece showcases the adaptability of outdoor learning, emphasizing that everyone has a place in the natural world.
UC Climate Stewards Program
Register now to join the UC Climate Stewards Program in the Spring of 2024!

In this exciting 9-week program you'll learn about the science of climate change, how to communicate more effectively about this issue, and how to help your community adapt to climate challenges.

The program includes online classes, in-person field trips with guest experts, online assignments, and a final capstone project to receive certification from the University of California. Scholarships are available!
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