As I settle in for the Thanksgiving holiday this week I’ve been reflecting on the first in-person gathering of the National Parks Friends Alliance earlier this month. Leaders from 200 park partner groups and the National Park Service (NPS) came together at Great Smoky Mountains National Park to learn from each other. I’m so grateful for the friendships and inspiration I’ve received over the last decade from this group.

A highlight of the gathering was hearing from National Park Service Director Chuck Sams, whose warmth and presence were one of my favorite takeaways. Director Sams is the first Native American to lead the NPS. He spoke about the need for investment in national parks infrastructure and an equally important investment in deferred storytelling. As we honor Native American Heritage month, I am thinking about how Director Sams emphasized the importance of using both Traditional Ecological Knowledge and modern scientific inquiry to help parks adapt in the face of climate change. 

The park’s co-management agreement with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR) is now in its second year and this relationship is foundational for recognizing and healing historic wrongs. We are so grateful for this partnership.

Through Youth in Parks programming we co-created a program day for tribal youth and are planning a month of overnight camp next summer. I’m grateful to Smoke Johnson for leading this work at FIGR. We were also thrilled that Matthew Johnson and Robin Meely offered a ethnobotanical walk and cultural talk for this year's Party on the Pacific Plate. I’m so grateful for the lessons, conversations, and friendship of Theresa Harlan and Ken Tiger and appreciate their work to preserve and share a fuller history of the family’s legacy on Tomales Bay. 

P.S. I have especially enjoyed listening to the Place and Purpose podcasts that are conversations between Chair Greg Sarris of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, and Obi Kaufman, an author and naturalist who I enjoyed meeting on a PRNSA hike this summer. Tune in to these podcasts to reconsider seasons, relationships, and possibilities.

Limantour Spit Trail is a beautiful place to walk with family, friends, or yourself this time of year. The late fall migration brings flocks of shorebirds, waterfowl, and other migrant birds to the Seashore. Snowy plovers have finished their breeding season and beach closures are lifted.

This self-guided hike will take you along sandy trails to discover the local coastal habitats, and the species who call them home. You can either read the digital guide before hiking, or print out the foldable version and take it with you. Enjoy!

The winter Field Institute calendar is full of fun, awe-inspiring classes and programs, with more being added on our website each day. Check out some of the upcoming options below, and act fast to save your spot before they're gone!

All gifts up to $20,000 towards our Mapping A Park For All Fund, which supports Youth in Parks programming and conservation work at the Seashore will be matched through the end of the year!