One of our primary missions at PRNSA is one of welcoming. With that goal, we actively seek partnerships which help us understand what it means to feel welcome in the park for those new to nature exploration, and we offer diverse programs that open doors to the park through varied experiences.
Today we would like to highlight our progress in this work with three partners in particular. We are excited to report that Brothers on the Rise, YES Nature to Neighborhoods, and Project Avary have all received multi-year Outdoor Equity Grants from the State of California. Part of this grant will directly fund collaborative work with PRNSA that brings youth from their communities to Point Reyes for education, recreation, and immersive overnight adventures. Congratulations! We are proud to be working together and co-creating programs that respond to the needs of their youth and families. You can learn more about each partner below.
No Time to Waste!
Throughout the summer we've already been working with youth from these groups, hiking and exploring in Bear Valley, investigating soils, testing water quality, and playing nature-based loteria on the trail. Whether sitting quietly taking in the forest with all our senses or testing ourselves on a long hike, these experiences have been important stepping stones for youth to find their place in nature and to find new elements of themselves in the process. Moment by moment, this is the work of finding welcome in a place.
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In the Spirit of Welcoming
I would also like to introduce the newest member of our education team, Michelle Walker, who has a background in teaching art, poetry, and reflective writing in the outdoors, and who is playing an important role in helping youth connect to nature in our programs. Please read her story in the Voices from the Seashore section below to find out more about Michelle.
Thank you for your support of education at PRNSA! It means so much to introduce young people to this special place.
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Biret Adden
Education Director
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P.S. Our amazing Environmental Education Intern Natalie Martinez is rounding out her summer internship by organizing and hosting a guided hike and poetry event intended to make space for BIPOC connection to nature. Look below for details and registration!
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Earlier this year, Michelle Walker joined PRNSA as our newest Environmental Educator. Before moving to Point Reyes, Michelle spent 18 years in Utah, where she found solace at the shorelines of rivers, creeks, lakes, and rivers.
In this story, Michelle speaks to the importance of fostering spaces for others to arrive into a sense of hope and peace in the outdoors. As she describes, arrival is more than showing up physically, but about truly feeling welcome and connected to natural spaces. Click HERE to read Arrival!
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Saturday, August 13 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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As a woman of color, Environmental Education Intern Natalie Martinez has found moments on the trails of Point Reyes to be fundamental to her own well-being. Through guided poetry and a 3.2 mile hike, she hopes to foster the same connection and healing for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
This event is designed to center folks who identify as BIPOC. To honor this intention of this event, we request that allies be mindful of not taking up the space of others.
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Youth in Parks Partner Spotlight |
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Over the last year we've shared stories about our new Youth in Parks (YIP) program. Funding has come from many individuals and institutional partners including the California Alpine Club, Coastal Conservancy, Community Foundation Sonoma County, National Park Service, and West Marin Fund.
We are excited to share that we successfully collaborated on applications for competitive Outdoor Equity Program grants from the State of California with three of our YIP partners—Brothers on the Rise, Project Avary, and YES Nature to Neighborhoods. With this three-year funding we are expanding our work with these partners. All three YIP groups were part of the pilot YIP cohort in early 2021, and we'd love for you to learn a bit more about them.
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Brothers on the Rise (BOTR) |
BOTR works to support local Oakland youth of color who are disproportionately affected by social and economic inequalities. Through programming, capacity building work and mentoring, BOTR places boys and young men firmly along a path to personal, academic and professional success.
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Project Avary works help youth heal from the impacts of having a parent in prison. By building a supportive community of mentors who empower and instill leadership skills, Project Avary supports Bay Area youth as they break free from generational cycles of trauma and incarceration.
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YES Nature to Neighborhoods |
YES nurtures the wellbeing of the local Richmond community—youth, adults, and families—through year-round training, mentorship, and experiences in nature. In doing so, YES increases access and breaks down barriers for those historically excluded from the outdoors.
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Join Our Sponsors!
Mark your calendar for our Party on the Pacific Plate, event on Saturday, October 8. Sponsorships support our year-round education, community building, and conservation work. Click HERE to learn more, or email heatherc@ptreyes.org to become a sponsor!
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Calling All Volunteers!
Join our community of volunteers who celebrate and support our park by assisting with our annual fundraiser. Support Party on the Pacific Plate by helping with set-up, check-in, clean-up, bussing tables, and more. In appreciation for your help you will receive a meal, snacks, and a commemorative t-shirt. For info contact suzanned@ptreyes.org.
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Sat, Aug 6, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Save your knees! Strengthen core muscles while hiking! Learn how hiking with poles improves your performance and confidence on the trail
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Sat, Aug 13, 9:00am - 3:00pm
Learn the three steps Art of Woodblocks: to design, carve and print in black and white or colored inks. Enjoy a day of making & creating!
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Sat, Aug 13, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Draw beautiful summer flowers and explore various colored pencil and botanical illustration techniques. All levels welcome for this online (Zoom) class!
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Sun, Aug 14, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Sketch along the Five Brooks trail in pen or pencil, and then learn to add watercolor. Finish the day with a journal full of Pt Reyes scenes!
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Sun, Aug 14, 10:30am - 1:30pm
A Forest Bathing walk is a guided slow meander intended to allow for new, deep and meaningful connections with the natural world.
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Sat, Aug 20, 8:30am - 12:30pm
If you have taken any prior poles training from the instructor we invite you to come practice and build confidence on this small group hike!
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