Elephant Seals Return to Drakes Beach - May 22, 2019. Photo Credit - Sarah Codde, NPS
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- Drakes Beach Road and Drakes Beach have re-opened. Earlier this week 200 elephant seals arrived on the beach in front of the Ken Patrick Visitor Center, making it unsafe for visitors and elephant seals to share the beach. There are fewer seals on the beach now and park staff and volunteers will be onsite this weekend to ensure everyone's safety. Please be sure to stay at least 25 ft. away from elephant seals and remember that no dogs are allowed on Drakes Beach. Please monitor the park's social media and website for updates.
- Drakes Beach Bookstore and Ken Patrick Visitor Center will be open this holiday weekend (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday) from 10am - 4:30pm.
- Point Reyes Beach between the North Beach parking lot and the mouth of Abbotts Lagoon is closed due to Snowy Plovers nesting.
- Shuttle service to lighthouse and Chimney Rock is cancelled in May.
- Click HERE for important updates and current park closures.
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*** Memorial Day SALE!
***
Friday, May 24 - Monday, May 27
Bear Valley and Drakes Beach Bookstores
Find the perfect teacher or graduation gift. Come Support Your Park with a Purchase!
Bookstore Hours
- Drakes Beach - Open Saturdays, Sundays, & Holidays 10am - 4:30pm
- Bear Valley - Open Weekdays 10am - 5pm; Sat, Sun & Holidays 9am - 5pm
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Mammals of Point Reyes -
An Introduction and Celebration
Saturday, June 15
11 am - 1 pm
Bear Valley Visitor Center Bookstore
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Join author and naturalist Charles Hood as he takes you on a journey into the hidden world of mammals. From bats to porcupines to whales, Point Reyes National Seashore is home to 88 species of mammals, and experts have seen over 40 in one 24-hour period. Come share your own experiences, and learn more about the special world of the mammals among us.
We will begin with an author talk followed by book signing. His recent publication 'A Californian's Guide to the Mammals Among Us' and other books will be available for purchase.
More info.
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Upcoming Field Institute Classes
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Tomales Bay Miwok Stories that Created the Landscape
Saturday, May 25 - 10am - 3pm
Skyroad Webb offers a survey of Tomales Bay Miwok stories told in Traditional form, followed by an explanation and discussion of some of the relevant elements of the story. The day will have a small hike to the recreated native American site...
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Point Reyes Writing Retreat
Friday, May 31 - 5pm -
Sunday, June 2 - 2pm
Spend a weekend writing in community in the Point Reyes wilds! We will explore poetry and prose forms and work on practices for attention, clear thinking, and sensitivity to the natural world.
Accommodations at the Historic Lifeboat Station.
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Magic of Minus Tide
Friday, June 7 - 8am - 11:30am
For a brief time during minus tides, the hidden mysteries of the reef are revealed. During one of the best weekend minus tides of the year, we will see giant green anemones, purple sea urchins, various species of crabs, and more. Herons, egrets, black oystercatchers, and other birds will be on hand for the low tide buffet.
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The Trees of Point Reyes
Sunday, June 16 - 10am - 4pm
Meet the arboreal residents that call the Point Reyes home. Whether you know them by sight or all you see is "green", join our guided hike and learn the stories of the bishop pine, Douglas-fir, blue gum eucalyptus, and others, plus their interactions with the ecosystem at large.
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Geology of Sculptured Beach
Saturday, June 22 - 9am - 4pm
Learn about the geology of the Monterey Formation at scenic Sculptured Beach. We'll also explore the coastal geology of Limantour Beach, Drakes Estero, and the coastal bluffs while discussing climate change, ice ages, and sea level rise.
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The Wish to Photograph
Saturday, June 22 - 10am - 4pm
Dive into what's behind the pictures we take, and the ones we could take, in a class that explores the wish to see the world through still images. This is not a technical course but one in which we reflect on our mental, emotional and perceptual processes in the pursuit of images.
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Seashore Painting Studies: Sand, Surf, and Sea
Friday, June 28 - 5pm -
Sunday, June 30 - 4pm
Paint outdoor studies of the Seashore at Drakes Bay. Use what you find in nature to enhance your paintings. Bring your favorite medium: watercolors, oils, or acrylics.
Accommodations at the Historic Lifeboat Station.
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Dinner on the Pacific Plate - Save the Date!
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Please join us on Saturday, October 12, 2019 to celebrate 10 Years under the big tent at the
Dinner on the Pacific Plate
. This year, we will be honoring Betty Anne Carlin and Steve Costa, our event's founding co-chairs. Our annual fundraiser supports habitat and trail restoration, wildlife and endangered species protection, environmental education programs for people of all ages, and scholarships that allow over 2,500 children to connect to and understand the natural world. It is an event not to be missed! Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities now available. Click
HERE
to learn more.
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Summer Camp Sessions Filling Fast!
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We invite your children and teens to join us this summer. We will learn from the land and from each other. Students gain valuable skills, develop confidence and make close friends while adventuring and exploring the coast of Point Reyes. Spaces are still available in the following camp sessions:
Nature Science Camp:
- July 1-5 (spots remain for 4th & 5th grade boys and girls)
- August 12-16 (spots remain for 4th & 5th grade boys and girls)
Adventure Backpacking Camp:
- July 8-12 (SOLD OUT for boys. Spots remain for 7th & 8th grade girls)
- July 22-27 (ONLY 3 spots remain for high school girls. Spots remain for boys)
Click
HERE for more info!
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Join Us!
Just as the tides bring steady, predictable nutrients to our shores, you, too, can sustain our work year-round. We are still trying to reach our goal of 100 new High Tide Monthly Supporters by the end of May. We invite you to become a pioneer member of our new
High Tide Monthly Supporter
program. It is the easiest, and greenest way to show your love for the park!
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