One way we build community at PRNSA is by offering hands-on outdoor education programs throughout the year that gather folks together to deepen their understanding of the park and natural world. While some of our programs were put on hold this past year, classes through our Field Institute continued, constantly adjusting to meet the changing safety requirements. I am so proud of our staff for all their efforts and grateful to the long-time and many new class instructors who pivoted with us. It was quite a dance!
PRNSA Education Director, Biret Adden, was recently featured in a Backpacker Magazine article Field Institutes Are the Best Education in the National Parks - and They're in Danger. The outdoors has been and continues to be the safest place to be. Check out our classes below and join us this summer. If you don't see something you are looking for, send us a suggestion. We are continually evaluating and adjusting our offerings.
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The Alchemy of Learning -
Volunteer Voices at the Seashore
We are so grateful to not only our instructors, but you, our members, volunteers, and park fans who persisted and stuck with us during a challenging year. I'm so happy to share photographer Harvey Abernathey's's beautiful tale of his evolving attachment to the Seashore, much of it fueled by his volunteer work. Thank you Harvey for your beautiful images and for welcoming so many to the expanding community of park learners!
Visit our website to learn about volunteering as a Field Institute facilitator. As pandemic rules on gathering change we will introduce additional volunteer opportunities.
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Join Us and Support Our Work
All of our in person, virtual, youth, adult, and family education programs are subsidized by donations. May is membership month and I invite you to join us as we work to bring in 100 new members or increased donations from current members. Your support will keep the our conservation, education, and community building efforts strong.
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Donna Faure
Executive Director
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May Is Membership Month!
New and increased gifts up to $20,000 matched this month
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A membership gift, of any level, will support the continuation of our community building programs, environmental education, and conservation in the park. It will also help us share the park and all its stories with a broader community. Here is what you will receive in return:
- 15% discount on merchandise at our stores (Bear Valley store opening soon!)
- Member discounts for our Field Institute classes
- Subscription to our e-newsletter
- A warm feeling of belonging to a strong community of public lands advocates
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Bear Valley Updates:
- Bear Valley Visitor Center is now open daily from 10am - 3pm.
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Bear Valley trail and several connecting trails are now open. See the current map of this area that details trails that are open and those that remain closed.
Park-Wide Updates:
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The new NPS App is available for download in the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.
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Saturday, June 5, 2021 - 7:00am to 10:00am
Advance your photographic skills capturing the beauty of plants in Point Reyes!
Designed for those who wish to advance their photographic skills, this field workshop is an introduction to botanical photography, with an emphasis on composition, lighting and exposure.
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Saturday, June 5, 2021 - 10:30am to 4:30pm
Experiment with writing forms, learn from listening, and hone a deep attention to the natural world as you write in the wild!
Participants will follow prompts for writing short pieces of prose and/or poetry and share new work—a practice of deepening our understanding of what writing can do, how our voices matter, and how writing can sharpen our attention to the world around us.
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Sunday, June 6, 2021 - 9:30am to 3:00pm
Join naturalist David Wimpfheimer for a wonderful five-mile loop hike near the coast.
The Muddy Hollow and Coastal trails make for a diverse route including some beach walking along Drakes Bay.
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Saturday, June 12, 2021 - 10:00am to 3:00pm
Find Patterns in Nature
The theme "finding Patterns in Nature" will guide learners through various prompts and exercises, while inspiring a daily journaling practice. Students will learn how to use a box-and-line note pad to document observations and practice fundamental journaling skills.
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Saturday, June 19, 2021 - 10:00am to 4:00pm
Meet the arboreal residents that call Point Reyes home.
Whether you know them by sight or all you see is "green,” come learn to identify species along with their stories and how they interact with the ecosystem at large. No prior knowledge necessary for this gentle hike.
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Saturday, June 19, 2021 - 10:00am to 4:00pm
Find your vision by discovering tips and techniques to create beautiful photos at Point Reyes!
Bring out your camera and your creativity. Explore techniques and tips to create wonderful photos.
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Saturday, June 26, 2021 - 10:00am to 2:00pm
Through observation, poetry and sketching, we'll explore Bear Valley creek, probing relationships between streams and their surroundings.
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Sunday, June 27, 2021 - 10:30am to 1:30pm
Forest bathing is a guided nature meditation, a slow meander in the forest. Slow down and experience the natural world through your senses.
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Sunday, June 27, 2021 - 10:00am to 4:00pm
The smartphone has become the camera of choice for many. Learn how new apps can unlock your full potential to take breathtaking photos!
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2021 Marine and Estuarine Grant Opportunities at Point Reyes National Seashore & Tomales Bay |
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We are pleased to offer two grant competitions this year to encourage partnerships with the research community, and support National Park Service and Tomales Bay Watershed Council's work to support the health of marine ecosystems.
The Neubacher Fund for Marine Science at Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS) accepts requests of up to $3,000 for marine research conducted in the immediate vicinity of PRNS and Tomales Bay (Between Bolinas and Tomales Point and up to 5 km from shore). Studies that strive to understand long-term changes and patterns in marine and estuarine ecosystems are encouraged.
The Tomales Bay Watershed Council Science Fund will provide up to $3,000 for a proposal that addresses or advances one of the Watershed Council’s top 4 science priorities which are (1) Understanding human use patterns in Tomales Bay, (2) Sea level rise mitigation, planning and management, (3) Understanding coho salmon habitat use in Tomales Bay, and (4) Long-term monitoring of eelgrass habitats.
Applications are due June 1, 2021
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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. |
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Point Reyes National Seashore | (415) 663-1200 x 310
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