Photo Credit: Henry Frank
May 18, 2023

Greetings!                
It is especially fun to work at my desk in the summer, because my office window overlooks a meadow where the local deer have made room for the next generation of fawns. These little dynamos seem more closely related to the Energizer Bunny than to the stoic adults who keep a careful watch close by; they race each other around the meadow, zipping to and fro with such obvious zest for life that I can’t help but smile watching them. This is what it means to grow up inside a National Seashore.
As the days lengthen, I invite you to tap into your “inner fawn” to get outside, visit the park, and enjoy all that summer offers. Summer at the Seashore is brimming with ways to get your hands dirty, literally or metaphorically. Show your love for Point Reyes at the inaugural Summer of Service, a volunteer program on the first and fourth Saturday of each month (ongoing, through October). Perhaps this is your summer to try a new Field Class; from plein air painting to kayaking, the options are nearly endless. 
Support the Seashore
This summer, please also consider becoming a PRNSA member to support our education, conservation, and community building work in partnership with the National Park Service. In return, our members receive regular park updates, newsletters, and discounts on classes and items at our park stores. And of course, don’t forget about Party on the Pacific Plate, our biggest fundraiser of the year on Saturday, September 23rd! Becoming a sponsor for this event is another way to show your support for Point Reyes.

The fawns outside my window will live most of their lives within the bounds of our special Park. Point Reyes is their nursery, their playground, their school, and their home. Thank you for showing up and supporting our work. Whether you volunteer, make a donation, or become an event sponsor, you are helping us care for and preserve this remarkable place that means so much to so many. 
Here’s to our best summer yet,
Paige Courtney
Events & Community Engagement Coordinator
Summer of Service
Volunteer at the Seashore's inaugural Summer of Service!
The NPS is hosting single-day volunteer events at Point Reyes all summer long! On the 1st and 4th Saturday of each month, support the park through activities including invasive plant removal, historic building restoration, and beach cleanups. No experience necessary!
May 27: Ice Plant Pull at North Beach
June 3: Abbotts Sea Rocket Removal
June 24: Drakes Beach Shoreline Cleanup
July 1: Ice Plant Pull at North Beach
July 22: Drakes Beach Shoreline Cleanup
August 5: TBA
August 26: TBA
September 2: TBA
For more information visit the NPS website or contact the park's Community Volunteer Ambassador, Kody Monaghan, at kody_monaghan@partner.nps.gov.
Field Institute Volunteer Facilitators:
Golden Trail Mix Award Recipients
Across the seashore, expert instructors partner with PRNSA’s Field Institute to provide over 75 engaging classes in art, science, and recreation each year, but none of it would be possible without PRNSA’s dedicated Field Institute volunteers. Their help is invaluable.
During the early days of the pandemic, outdoor field classes were one of the only ways to safely gather, and our volunteers were right there to make it happen! So we would like to take a moment to share our gratitude, and in particular we would like to recognize a few volunteers who have gone above and beyond to keep our programs running. 

We are pleased to celebrate the following Golden Trail Mix Award recipients for outstanding volunteer service to classes in the seashore: Lynn Narlesky, Lynne Apostle, Sunyo Suhaimi, Harvey Abernathey, and Maureen Grabowski. Thank you for all you do!
If you are interested in becoming a Field Institute volunteer, please email fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org. The next volunteer training is expected to take place
in Fall 2023. 
Summer Events & Classes
Fri., Jun. 2, 9:00am - 3:30pm

The Chimney Rock - Lighthouse Headlands is a dramatic part of the Seashore. Explore this area's variety of birds and marine mammals.

Sat., Jun.3, 8:00am - 3:00pm

Learn to paint in one of California most beautiful parks with California Art Club artist Tom Soltesz. All materials and supplies included.

Sat., Jun.3, 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Join us in exploring Point Reyes after dark for over 3 hours on this 5-mile hike at Tomales Point. This hike is one of the many ways we give back to our members.

Sat., Jun. 10, 9:30am - 3:30pm

Join expert guides to explore the beauty and wildlife of Tomales Point by kayak and learn about the rich ecology of the Seashore from a new point of view.

Sun., Jun. 11, 10:00am - 2:00pm

Learn Aloha Qigong practices to move intimately with the energies of nature. Through guided meditation, embrace your inner sanctuary.

Morgan Horse Ranch 53rd Anniversary
Sat., Jun. 17, 10:00am - 2:00pm

Join PRNSA and the National Park Service to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the Morgan Horse Ranch. This event will be free and fun for the whole family!

Save the Date!
Sat., Jul. 1, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Explore ecopoetry that wakes you up and gets you writing. Begin new writing, connect with healing words, and share your poetry or prose.

Sat., Jul. 1, 7:00pm - 9:30pm

Soak up the moon's rays on a hike with PRNSA down Bolinas Ridge Trail. Not a member? You can join for as little as $10 a month.

Sat., Jul. 8, 11:00am - 1:00pm

Join bird illustrator Keith Hansen for a guided bird walk to unveil his new book, Birds of Point Reyes. Signed book copies will also be available for purchase!

Sat., Jul. 22, 9:30am - 1:30pm

A free class for Veterans and their Families. Learn How to Use Poles for Hiking, Walking, and Exercise! Quality poles will be provided.

Sun., Jul. 30, 9:30am - 3:30pm

Join our partners at Blue Waters Kayaking for a unique aquatic tour of one of our most abundant and beautiful ecosystems, Drakes Estero.

Sat., Aug. 5, 9:00am - 3:00pm

Learn to express the moods of the environment and channel the natural soundscapes of Point Reyes with your acoustic instrument.

Sat., Aug. 5, 10:00am - 3:00pm

Sketch along the trail in pen or pencil, then learn to add watercolor. Finish the day with a journal full of Point Reyes scenes!

Sun., Aug. 6, 10:00am - 4:00pm

Learn Qigong (energy cultivation) techniques to connect intimately with nature and express your discoveries through journaling and collage.

Sat., Aug. 12, 10:00am - 2:00pm

Join Nina Antze to draw beautiful summer flowers and explore various colored pencil and botanical illustration techniques. All levels welcome!

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