July 2025 Updates for VIPs

Your time and dedication help Cabrillo shine—and we want to make sure every minute you give counts. Please take a moment to log your volunteer hours using Volgistics:

It only takes a few minutes, and it helps us recognize your contributions, plan ahead, and meet important goals. Thank you!

In this issue:

• Division Updates: Ranger Sandy's Desk Duty Diaries, CVA Mezail Potluck, Bye Sam, Flat Bri Project, Monumental Conference, and more!

• What's On the VIP Voice? July Tidepool Calendar, Cacti Field Guide



• Partner News: Cabrillo Under the Stars

NPS Photo (ABOVE) | M. Flores

VIP Jose smiles for the picture.

NPS Photo (BELOW) | C. Aurrecoechea

Two volunteers wearing NPS blue shirts and backpacks stand near traffic cones along the rocky tidepool area at Cabrillo, with the ocean and early morning light in the background.

💌 Want to share your appreciation?

If you’ve seen a fellow volunteer go above and beyond—or received a kind word from a visitor—send it our way! We’d love to include more kudos in future newsletters.

📧 Email your submissions to: cabr_volunteers@nps.gov

Let’s keep lifting each other up! 🌟

NPS | M. Flores

A look from the bunker off Oceanside Trail overlooking the Oceanside Trail, Bayside Trail, the other Point Loma lighthouse, Pacific Ocean, and Mexico on a partly cloudy day.

Event Date: Monday, August 25, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Location: Old Point Loma Lighthouse

In celebration of the founding of the National Park Service, we’re opening the top of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse for one special day! Open Tower Day gives visitors a rare chance to climb the spiral staircase and ladder to the lens deck — and we need your help to make it safe, smooth, and memorable.

We’re seeking VIPs to fill a variety of shifts throughout the day. Whether you love welcoming guests, interpreting history, or just keeping things organized behind the scenes, there’s a role for you!

Available Shifts Include:

• Event Setup & Breakdown – Help us prep and wrap up with signage, radios, and more.
• Bag Check – Greet visitors and store their belongings safely while they climb the tower.
• Lighthouse Entrance Assistant – Keep things flowing at the entryway and help with visitor counts.
• Kitchen & Parlor Interpreters – Deliver short, informal talks about lighthouse life and 19th-century San Diego.
• Floating Safety & Support – Be our go-to helper for anything that pops up during the day.
• Tower Entrance Lead – Stationed at the base of the ladder, you’ll go over safety tips and time the visit.
• Tower Catwalk Interpreter – At the top of the tower, help guests safely enjoy the view and learn about the lantern.
• Tour Guides – Assist rangers in leading 30-minute guided lighthouse tours (additional training required).

🧠 In-Person Training – Saturday, August 23rd from 10am to 12pm

We’re also hosting a special Open Tower Day training in the Park Auditorium on Saturday, August 23rd. We’ll review operations, answer questions, and walk through safety procedures for each VIP role.

Whether it’s your first time or you're returning for another Open Tower Day, this session will help you feel prepared and confident.

🖥️ Sign Up in Volgistics!

Shifts for both Open Tower Day (Aug 25) and the Training Session (Aug 23) are now live in VicNet.

We encourage you to sign up early to help us plan ahead.

📧 Questions? Reach out to cabr_volunteers@nps.gov

Let’s show our visitors just how bright Cabrillo shines — from the tower to the tidepools 🌊💛

NPS Flyer | S. Hernandez

A flyer for Open Tower Day at Cabrillo National Monument features a photo of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse under a blue sky. The header reads “SAVE THE DATE” with a lantern icon, followed by event details: Monday, August 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM at the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. The flyer invites volunteers to help bring the lighthouse to life for one day in celebration of the National Park Service’s birthday. Volunteer roles listed include Bag Check, Tower Station Support, Safety Rovers, Kitchen & Parlor Interpreters, Tour Guides, and Event Setup & Breakdown. A section at the bottom encourages volunteers to sign up in VicNet and provides a contact email: cabr_volunteers@nps.gov.

Have you ever snapped a photo you really loved while volunteering? Whether it was a stunning view, a funny moment, or just something that felt so Cabrillo—we want to see it!

This October, all VIPs will be invited to submit up to two photos for a chance to be featured on the 2026 Cabrillo Annual Park Pass.

Photos can be of anything at the park—you don’t need to be a pro, just share what inspires you.

📸 Start saving your favorites now so you're ready to go when submissions open.

More details to come in the fall!

NPS Photo | C. Pencek

Close-up of the 2025 Cabrillo National Monument Annual Park Pass featuring a vibrant hummingbird hovering beside yellow flowers.

📍 Saturday, September 13 | Cabrillo National Monument Auditorium

Get ready for a day of discovery, connection, and celebration of our park's natural and cultural wonders! The Monumental Conference is an annual all-day event open to all volunteers, across all divisions—for the second time ever.

Expect ranger-led talks, behind-the-scenes insights, and a chance to deepen your understanding of Cabrillo’s story and its resources. Whether you’re a returning attendee or new to the scene, there’s something for everyone.

More details—including the full lineup and RSVP link—coming soon.

For now, pencil it in, charge your curiosity, and save the date!

NPS Flyer | S. Hernandez

Comic-style graphic with bold text reading “Save the Date – Monumental Conference, Saturday, September 13, Cabrillo National Monument” with a calendar icon showing the number 13.

Interpretation, Education, & Volunteers (IEV)

Potluck Invitation: Farewell, Mezail! 💚

It’s hard to believe, but Mezail’s CVA term is almost up! His last day with us will be Friday, August 8, and we’re already feeling the impact of everything he’s done this year.

From supporting park outreach efforts to helping manage volunteer operations, Mezail brought thoughtfulness, dedication, and a calm presence to every project he touched. Whether you met him at orientation, a park event, or behind the scenes, you probably noticed his steady leadership and genuine kindness.

As we prepare to say goodbye, we invite you to stop by for a farewell potluck on Friday, August 8 at 1:30 PM in the Admin Breakroom. No RSVP needed—just come by, say “see you later,” and help us send Mezail off with warm wishes for the next step in his journey.

Thank you, Mezail, for being a vital part of the Cabrillo team this year. Your impact will be felt long after you leave—and you’ll always have a place in our park family.

NPS Photos | S. Hernandez and others

A smiling young man, (Mezail) stands on a coastal trail at Cabrillo National Monument overlooking San Diego Bay (left); the same man sits behind a display table featuring native plants, brochures, and handmade crafts (top right); and in the third photo (bottom right), he poses with colleagues under an outreach tent, surrounded by educational materials and park signage.

💻 Mission: Desk Possible —

Ranger Sandy’s Mid-Summer Momentum

If you’ve seen Ranger Sandy darting between her desk, the lighthouse, and the admin hallway lately—it’s because Mission: Volunteer Ops is in full swing! July has brought new wins and ongoing behind-the-scenes magic.

Here’s what’s happening on the inside of the desk fortress:

🧭 CVA Position Filled!

We’re thrilled to announce that a new Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) has officially accepted the position and will be joining us this September! Ranger Sandy is working closely with NPS and Stewards to prepare a smooth onboarding and training plan—stay tuned for a warm VIP welcome.

📊 Budget Activation Mode: On

After some delays, our regional funding has finally kicked in! Ranger Sandy is now planning out budget allocations to support the VIP program and recognition efforts.

🎨 Recognition Planning: Art, Capes, and Crafts

Planning for our 2025 Volunteer Recognition Event (Park Heroes: Unmasked) is well underway. If any VIPs are interested in helping create art, crafts, table pieces, or comic-style photo booth props—reach out! Volunteer-powered creativity is always welcome.

🗝️ Open Tower Day Prep

Lighthouse dreams are on the horizon! Ranger Sandy is assisting with lighthouse operations in anticipation of Open Tower Day on Monday, August 25. Once Ranger Andrew returns from furlough, planning for recruitment and training will begin.

💻 Volunteer.gov Transition + SharePoint Magic

The transition to Volunteer.gov is going smoothly. Sandy is putting the finishing touches on updated SOPs and resources for volunteer program staff and supervisors. Thanks to this process, she also launched her very first SharePoint site! Next up: a VIP communication hub to support you through this transition.

🌟 All the In-Between

To all the volunteers she supervises—thank you for your grace, patience, and steady support.

And to every single VIP who keeps this park thriving:

you’re the real heroes behind the mask. 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️

Image description: A cartoon-style illustration shows the back of a park ranger—identified by her long dark braid, NPS uniform, and signature flat hat—as she rappels toward a corkboard. A rope harness is wrapped around her waist. The corkboard features various planning icons: a checklist labeled “ROLE-CALL,” a calendar date marked “9/20,” a red superhero cape, a green-and-orange hero mask, and two taco images—one under a note labeled “SEP.” A speech bubble above the ranger reads: “Planning mode: activated.”

🪖 Military History Walk Recap

A huge thank-you to VIPs CJ, Gary, Ken, and David for hosting an incredible Military History Walk! From searchlight demonstrations to storytelling with stunning ocean views, your passion for history brought Cabrillo’s past to life. We also want to thank the many VIPs who came out to participate—it was wonderful to see volunteers learning from one another and deepening their connection to this place.

We’re lucky to have such dedicated interpreters leading the way. Stay tuned for more upcoming walks!

NPS Photos | S. Hernandez

Top Left Image: VIP Gary assists VIP Katrina seated in a chair during an outdoor demonstration on a brick patio with views of coastal vegetation and San Diego Bay.

Top Right Image: Four volunteers gather around a historic military searchlight. One VIP explains its function while others observe, including two wearing wide-brimmed hats for sun protection.

Bottom Image: A group of VIPs stand outside near a binocular setup with a view of the coastline and San Diego Bay in the distance. Some volunteers sit while others engage with the presenters during a military history program.

🌱Community Engagement Corner:

I Love a Clean San Diego Sustainable Solutions Fair

On Sunday, June 22, Cabrillo National Monument participated in the Sustainable Solutions Fair at Encinitas Community Park—an event hosted by I Love A Clean San Diego in partnership with the City of Encinitas. The fair brought together local residents, nonprofits, and businesses committed to building a more sustainable future.

Park staff connected with dozens of community members to share volunteer opportunities, highlight Cabrillo’s natural and cultural resources, and promote upcoming events. A huge thank-you to Adriana, Mezail, and Sandy for representing Cabrillo with such enthusiasm!

Please email cabr_volunteers@nps.gov if you're interested in getting involved in any of our community engagement efforts. We’re always looking for volunteers to assist at the booth or help plan materials and activities for the table.

I Love a Clean San Diego Photo | Unknown

Families explore a booth with eco-friendly items at an outdoor event hosted by I Love a Clean San Diego.

Visitor & Resource Protection (VRP)

🗺️ Where in the World is Bri?

NPS Flyer (ABOVE) | S. Hernandez

Colorful flyer titled “Where in the World is Bri? – Flat Bri Project | Cabrillo National Monument.” The flyer features two images of Ranger Bri—one in uniform with a playful pose, and another in a silly layered outfit holding a ranger hat. Below, an illustrated globe emphasizes the theme of travel. The flyer explains that while Bri is away at Law Enforcement Academy, staff and volunteers can take a paper version of her—“Flat Bri”—on adventures around the park or beyond. The steps include: grab a Flat Bri from the break room, take her on adventures, snap a photo, and share it with Amanda or Pauline. Decorative graphics like a pushpin, phone, and envelope accompany each step. The bottom of the flyer reads: “Let’s keep Flat Bri moving — she’s ready for action!”

NPS Photo (BELOW) | S. Hernandez

Three Park staff members pose playfully inside an office. One holds a cutout of “Flat Bri” in a white coat and sunhat, another cradles a small white cat (she is Ranger Sandy's baby) while holding a cutout of “Flat Bri” in uniform, and the third smiles while also holding a cutout version of Bri. Shelves, folders, and office supplies are visible in the background.

Congratulations to Sam Wynn!

On June 23, it was announced that Sam would be leaving her CWF role to focus full-time on her work as Executive Director of EcoLogik Institute. Ranger Amanda states that "Sam started her journey at Cabrillo as a volunteer, then transitioned to an employee in 2018. During her time here, Sam has brought boundless energy, creativity, and vision to our park—wearing many hats as a biologist, science educator, community connector, and all-around inspiration.

One of her most lasting legacies is the work she has done with the EcoLogik Institute. Through an interpretive services agreement with Cabrillo, EcoLogik Institute has provided youth education, internships, and STEM summer camps that continue to uplift and empower the next generation of environmental stewards.

Sam is now transitioning out of her CWF role to focus full-time on her work as Executive Director of EcoLogik Institute—a bittersweet but exciting new adventure! Let’s come together to express our appreciation, share a few laughs, and send her off with gratitude and encouragement."

On June 26th, the Cabrillo National Monument Staff celebrated Sam Wynn's promotion in the breakroom with deserts provided.

Thank you to Sam Wynn for her passion, energy, and compassion for what you have done at Cabrillo National Monument!

NPS Photo (ABOVE) | C. Aurrecoechea

A snake wraps around Sam Wynn's right arm while Sam looks at the snake.

NPS Photo (BELOW) | Unknown

Sam Wynn instructs two youth about the plants on the Kelp Forest Overlook loop.

📚 SIP Project Success:

Cabrillo Featured in Scientific Journal

The goal of Christine’s Scientists-in-Parks (SIP) project was to use past data to help Cabrillo National Monument create a sustainable tidepool biodiversity monitoring protocol. Christine evaluated tradeoffs between three different survey types by conducting fieldwork, analyzing data, and writing a paper that became a chapter in her PhD dissertation.

Her key recommendation? Continue the park’s long-term monitoring efforts—but supplement them with expert-led, taxonomically rich surveys every five years to deepen scientific understanding.

Christine’s findings were recently published in the journal Ecological Solutions and Evidence and are now publicly available here:

NPS Photo | P. Geisler

Visitors explore the rocky shoreline at Cabrillo National Monument’s tidepool area under a clear blue sky, with coastal cliffs rising to the left and gentle waves meeting the sandstone ledge below.

🌊 TPERP in Action: Big Impact, Low Tide

A huge shout-out to everyone who joined our early morning tidepool cleanup on Saturday, June 28th as part of the Tidepool Protection Educational Restoration Program (TPERP)! Special thanks to organizer, Pauline, for making it happen, and to all our VIPs, interns, partners, and NPS staff (including Mike B. and Bri) who rolled up their sleeves—with coffee and donuts in hand—to help protect one of the park’s most fragile ecosystems.

Together, we removed a whopping 490 pounds of debris from the tidepool area before the park even opened! This effort not only helps keep our coastline clean but also supports the long-term health of the intertidal habitat.

TPERP is all about protecting our tidepools through education, restoration, and community action—and this clean-up event was a powerful example of all three. 🐙💙

NPS Photo (ABOVE) | B. Carmona

A selfie photo of Cabrillo National Monument staff and volunteers helping out with the Tidepool cleanup. 490 pounds of debris is in the bed of the truck.

NPS Photo (BELOW) | P. Geisler

A photo of Cabrillo National Monument LE officer and a volunteer with the debris after the tidepool cleanup. 490 pounds of debris is in the bed of the truck.

What's On the VIP Voice?

New Cacti Guide

Science Technician Patricia has created a guide describing all the cacti at Cabrillo. This guide will help volunteers identify the different types of cacti for visitors as they move around the park. Patricia says that all the different types of cacti can be found along the Oceanside Trail.

You can find the new cacti guide as part of the ebinder in the Terrestrial Plants section.



Click on the link below for the new Cacti Guide!

Enjoy and thank you Patricia!

Partner News:

Cabrillo National Monument Foundation

VIP Opportunity:

Cabrillo Under the Stars – September 6 ✨

Help support our biggest night under the stars!

Cabrillo National Monument Foundation’s annual fundraiser, Cabrillo Under the Stars, is happening on Saturday, September 6—and we’re looking for 8 amazing volunteers to help make it shine ✨

🎶 The event features tastings from local restaurants, brewers, and vintners, live music, and a beautiful evening beneath the stars. Proceeds support you—our volunteer program—along with critical preservation and public engagement efforts at Cabrillo.

If you’re interested in volunteering, sign up on Volgistics today!

Volunteer Schedule

• 4:00 p.m. – Arrival
• 4:10 p.m. – Volunteer meeting with CNMF staff
• 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. – Setup for rentals, lighting, vendors, and musicians
• 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. – Event
• 9:10 p.m. – Cleanup

Volunteer Roles Available

• Check-in tables (setup, staff, cleanup)
• Greenroom (setup, cleanup)
• Visitor Center + reserved tables (setup, staffing, cleanup)
• Mocktail table (setup, staffing, cleanup)
• Outside tables (setup, staffing, cleanup)
• Vendor tables (monitoring and cleanup)
• Water/Trash (setup, monitor, cleanup)
• Front Gate (monitoring)
• Photography (event photography)

Learn more about the event at cnmf.org

Let’s make this a night to remember—for the park, for our visitors, and for each other.