Feet in the sand, a foothold for the future, that’s what Youth in Parks is all about. I’m smiling thinking about the 3,000 young people who have put their feet in the sand and on the trails at Point Reyes National Seashore through our Youth in Parks initiative since it was launched mid-pandemic. As nature became an antidote to soothe anxiety and build physical strength safely during the pandemic, Youth in Parks helped answer the question of how to share the immense benefits of time in nature more equally.
Over the last three years, we’ve built partnerships with 20 youth-serving organizations working with communities historically excluded from public land. Together, we co-create day-long and overnight recreation, science, and self-discovery opportunities at the Seashore to help youth connect with each other and their local national park. Each literal foot in our park, each new participant, and each new partner contribute to a greater goal of equity in our park systems.
The definition of a foothold is a secure position from which further progress can be made. Through Youth in Parks, we are sharing the wonders of Point Reyes National Seashore with youth who may have never stepped foot in this park otherwise. In doing so, we set a new foothold for the future, a new standard for the role that National Park Service park partners can play in transforming public lands into welcoming spaces for all.
In one week we'll come together at our annual Party on the Pacific Plate. At this sold-out event, we'll invite attendees to support our $100,000 fundraising goal for Youth in Parks, with all gifts up to $50,000 matched by the program’s founding donor. I invite you to help us get a head start on raising these funds with a gift today!
Thank you for partnering with us to build a future where all communities know they belong at Point Reyes National Seashore.
With appreciation,
Donna Faure
Executive Director
P.S. Through the end of the month, all donors to the Youth in Parks fund will be entered in a drawing for a unique Point Reyes expereince. See below for details.
Your Point Reyes Experience
Looking for your own Point Reyes experience? Through the end of September, all donors to the Youth in Parks fund will be entered in a drawing to win an experience for two at Point Reyes. The experience will include:
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
