November 27, 2024

Dear Friends,         

Laurel, oak, willow, alder, and elderberry…these are some of the friends I visit with regularly on the Earthquake Trail, the sweet 0.6-mile riparian loop across from the Bear Valley Visitor Center. I’m grateful for the cover and food this arboreal community provides for deer, rabbits, and songbirds, for their deep-reaching roots holding the streambank in place, and for their fallen branches that provide hiding places for fish in the creek along the trail. I’m also thankful to have such a rich space to practice my botanical drawing in between weekly gathering with friends at the Bolinas School of Botanical Art, a new ritual for me I started in 2024.

For 15 years the Earthquake Trail has served as a break from my desk, a place to connect with colleagues for a walking meeting, and a destination to take a lap (or two) to celebrate a win and soothe a hard moment alike. As we begin the holiday weekend, I’m grateful for this and the other 149 miles of trails that offer space to reflect, move, and learn. I am also so grateful for your support of Point Reyes National Seashore, which ensures that this rich land is cared for and shared, now and forever.

As we begin the winter season of celebrations, I hope you find space to visit a wonderfully familiar or new place in the park. I'm happy to recommend The Point Reyes Herbarium by Moss Orum, my new favorite guide to some of the park's trails from the viewpoint of a young naturalist. Please know you are welcome at our park holiday open house, volunteer opportunities, and classes.

Thank you again, and Happy Thanksgiving.

Gratefully yours,

Donna Faure

Executive Director

New Release: A Point Reyes Herbarium

Ever since they were young, Moss Orum has had a deep love of Point Reyes' natural diversity. Alongside artist and educator Laura Friedman (and with permits from the park), Moss went out at least once a week for over a year, harvesting and pressing the plants of Point Reyes. A Point Reyes Herbarium is the culmination of these efforts, featuring 60 incredible plants.

Organized by occurrence along trails throughout the park, Herbarium is a great holiday gift for plant-loving friends and family members. Available at the Bear Valley Visitor Center park store, 100% of the proceeds from your purchase of Herbarium will support our PRNSA youth programs.

2024 Holiday Open House - December 14

PRNSA and Point Reyes National Seashore cordially invite you to the 2024 Holiday Open House at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. Stop by any time from 1 pm - 5 pm on December 14th for crafts, treats and discounts at the Park Store!  

The Point Reyes Morgan Horses will be available and camera-ready behind the Visitor Center from 1pm-3 pm for holiday photos with your friends and family. All are welcome and admission is free.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities & Classes

Volunteer Event: Habitat Restoration

Sun., Dec. 1, 11am-1pm

Help remove invasive ice plant to create habitat for our native dune plants!

Down for the Count: Exploring Bird Diversity

Sun., Dec. 15, 9:30am-3:30pm

This bird count monitors over two hundred species. Join us to practice and enjoy!

Mushroom Identification

Sun., Dec. 15, 10am-4:30pm

Explore the mysterious and fascinating world of wild mushrooms in Point Reyes.