July 11, 2023  Greetings!

Our national parks, while magnificent and biodiverse, face challenges that require managers and stakeholders to make informed decisions to preserve parks for future generations. To plan and prepare for these challenges, we need to understand how our ecosystems work, what may be negatively impacting ecosystems, and potential corrective actions. Evidence-based research, traditional ecological knowledge, and conservation monitoring programs are all important ways that we plan for the future of our parks.

Neubacher Marine Science Fund In 2012, PRNSA established the Neubacher Marine Science Grants program to support the National Park Service. The Fund brings the best marine and coastal scientists and their research ideas to Point Reyes to better understand our ecosystems, threats, and potential management recommendations. We are so grateful to the donors who support this fund as science-focused philanthropy is an important driver of new ideas and understanding.  Over the past decade, PRNSA has funded 23 research projects on key conservation topics including sea star wasting disease, Dungeness crab responses to climate change, river otter ecology, and kelp persistence. In 2023, we are pleased to announce six new grants that all address important coastal and NPS research information needs.

The 2023 grant recipients are:

The Role of Genetic Variants in Local Eelgrass Adaptations Katie Erickson, UC Davis Pinniped Subsidies along the Marin County Coast Frankie Gerraty, UCSC Assessing Population Genetics of Invasive Colonial Tunicate Sarila Young, SFSU

Spatial & Population Ecology of White Sharks off Central CA Dr. Paul Kanive & Scot Anderson, California White Shark Project North American River Otter Predation on Brown Pelicans Megan Isadore & Terence Carroll, River Otter Ecology Project Using eDNA to Characterize Offshore Fish Biodiversity Ann Homes & Keira Monuk, UC Davis; Dr. Helen Killeen, Farallon Institute

Sincerely, Ben Becker Science Advisor and Research Coordinator CA-CESU, National Park Service

Your Support Matters!

The Tomales Bay Marine Station supports scientific research of marine and terrestrial areas through workspace, housing, and boat access. This includes researchers, students, and interns from the projects above and past Neubacher grantees.

With the financial support of PRNSA donors, we have invested $50,000 for recent renovations at the Marine Station. The new expansion has added a wet lab, additional research space, housing, and furnishings. This allows more research to happen in the park, including critical housing for interns, early career scientists, and visiting marine researchers. Please consider a gift to support future marine science at the Seashore.

Point Reyes Lighthouse Updates

Sunset Programs at the Lighthouse: Experience the Point Reyes Lighthouse just before sunset and dusk, as many keepers have over the years. Starting now through October, the National Park Service will host one-hour evening programs at the Lighthouse on the second Saturday of the month. Times will vary depending on the time at which the sun sets. Click here to learn how to register.

New Summer Hours: From now until November, the Lighthouse is open Thursday through Friday, 10am - 4pm.

Field Institute Classes & Events

August Full Moon Member Hike Sat, Jul. 29, 7:00pm - 9:30pm Join us for this month's full moon hike down Estero Trail. Members allowed up to two guests. Not a member? Become one today for as little as $10 a month!  Register Here

Kayak Drakes Estero - Full Day Tour Sun, Jul. 30, 9:30am - 3:30pm Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Drakes Estero and enjoy a full day exploring this marine wilderness with our friends at Blue Waters Kayaking. Register Here

The Music of Point Reyes 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. Register Here

Journal Sketching & Painting 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! Register Here

Qi and Creativity in Nature 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. Register Here

Sun-Flowers in Colored Pencil Sat, Aug 12, 10:00am - 2:00pm Draw beautiful summer flowers and explore various colored pencil and botanical illustration techniques. All levels welcome in this class! Register Here

Party on the Pacific Plate Sat, Sep. 23, 2:00pm - 7:00pm You’re invited to celebrate all that we love about Point Reyes at this year’s event. The party includes pre-dinner hikes, a lively cocktail reception, and a delicious dinner. Become a Sponsor!

California Naturalist Program, Fall 2023 September 30 – October 28 Become a Certified California Naturalist immersed in the natural history and unparalleled beauty of the Point Reyes National Seashore. Register Here

Giacomini Wetlands 15th Anniversary Sat, Oct 28, All Day Join the National Park Service and PRNSA for a full day of events to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Giacomini Wetland Restoration Project. Save the Date!

Summer Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer with the NPS at the Summer of Service! These single-day events give volunteers an opportunity to give back to the park they love by helping pick up trash from beaches and trails, remove invasive plants, and restore natural habitats. Summer of Service events take place on the first and fourth Saturdays of the month (now through October). Click here to learn more and RSVP.

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 development@ptreyes.org | www.ptreyes.org

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