Full moon pelican flight © Clint Graves
December 21, 2022

Greetings!                
I am continually in awe of how our community shows up. The video below is a snapshot of the various ways we gathered this year. I am also in awe of how—if we remain present to the seasons, cycles, rhythms of the Earth—we find inspiration, wonder, and light. As we enter the darkest time of the year, the Winter Solstice, where the Earth begins her annual cycle around the sun, I’d love to share a story, perhaps to inspire you during your holiday celebrations to visit Point Reyes.
Nighttime Magic at the Seashore
During our full moon member walk in September, a group of adventurous full moonwalkers met under a cloud-filled Harvest Moon at Limantour Beach. The moon was present behind the clouds, but it was difficult to see in the dark. While I was fixated on the dunes, and safely navigating our group back to the trailhead without the moon’s presence, I felt comforted by the warm, foggy air and cloud cover. As we circled up to share what we noticed about our night walk, several people mentioned seeing something glimmering in the water, almost like fireworks. We soon learned that it was bioluminescence. We’d not have seen the bioluminescence had the full moon been in view. Without the moon being the nocturnal visual focus, the waves were the star of the evening. One door closes, and another is revealed. 
Thank you for being a witness to the magic of Point Reyes. Whether as a volunteer, birder, docent, horse rider, hiker, surfer, PRNSA member, student, scientist, or nature-loving friend there is something about this park that draws us in and offers us light. Our solstice intention this year is to welcome more people to the Seashore and offer more ways to grow our beautiful community. We hope you find peace this season, in making this Your Park, Your Place.
Give the Gift of Point Reyes
As we spend time with our families and loved ones this week to celebrate our holiday traditions (whether it be Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Yule, or another), give the gift of Point Reyes by coming to visit this season.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday and I hope to see you in the park soon!
Heather Clapp
Director of Community Engagement and Philanthropy
Moonwalk for Joan
Please join us on January 7th from 4:00-7:30pm to celebrate three years of Full Moon Walks! We will gather at the Bear Valley Picnic Area and enjoy tasty snacks and herbal chai before going for a walk in the moonlight on Bear Valley Trail. We are calling this month's gathering a "Moonwalk for Joan," in honor of our longtime community member and friend, Joan Lamphier, who passed away last month. Here is a beautiful Wendell Berry poem that was found in Joan’s printer the day she passed. I thought it was fitting to share during today’s Solstice reflection. I hope you can join us to celebrate the cycle of the moon and Joan’s life.
Ten Gifts of Point Reyes
Click the image above for a PDF of ways to explore the Seashore this holiday season!
UC Climate Stewards Registration
Help your community find resilience in a changing climate...
become a certified Climate Steward!
Climate Stewards is an exciting new Initiative from the University of California Cooperative Extension in partnership with PRNSA. In this program you will learn about the science of climate change, how to communicate more effectively about this issue, and how to help your community adapt.

During this 9-week program (Feb. 28 - Apr. 25) you will take part in online classes and in-person field trips with guest experts while you complete online assignments and a final capstone project to receive your certification from the University of California.
Classes & Events
Sat, Jan. 7, 10:00am - 2:00pm

Volunteer with the NPS to learn how to collect fungi for displays in the 16th annual Fungus Fair the following day.

Sun, Jan. 8, 10:00am - 4:00pm

Experience and learn about the mushrooms of Point Reyes up close. Fungi are gathered by volunteers the day before.

Sun, Jan. 8, 10:00am - 4:30pm

Discover the basics of mushroom identification and information, then a foray in the nearby woods in search of seasonal fungi!

Sat, Jan. 21, 10:00am - 2:00pm

Discover what the unbounded vitality of natural places teach us about the composition in visual and written art forms.

Sun, Feb. 12, 10:00am - 4:30pm

Explore the mysterious and fascinating world of mushrooms at Point Reyes National Seashore.

Sun, Feb. 25, 9:30am - 2:30pm

Explore the geologic features showing the displacement of the Point Reyes peninsula northward along the San Andreas fault.

Sun, Mar. 5, 9:00am - 12:00pm

Children are naturally fascinated by birds. Learn to foster their excitement with games and skills for enjoying birds together!

Sun, Feb. 12, 10:00am - 4:30pm

Learn to understand the animal signs that surround us in every landscape and how to read the stories they tell.

Sat, Mar. 25, 10:00am - 2:00pm

Use botanical drawing techniques and the basics of color theory to draw spring flowers with more vibrant color.

Sun, Mar. 19, 10:30am - 1:30pm

Slow down to explore and engage with the forest as we reflect together on the arrival of spring and the return of light.

Fri, Mar. 24, 9:30am - 3:00pm

Examine oyster fossils and and metamorphic rocks on each side of the San Andreas fault to find the geologic story of Point Reyes.

Sat, Apr. 1, 9:00am - 4:00pm

Learn settings and compositional elements to capture the magic and excitement of your travel adventures with your iPhone!

Sun, Apr. 9, 10:30am - 1:30pm

This is a forest bathing walk where children and youth are encouraged to take the lead in engaging with the forest!

Fri, Apr. 14, 9:00am - 4:00pm

This eight mile hike takes us to a dramatic meeting of land and estuary for a full day of natural history exploration!

Fri, Apr. 28, 8:30am - 4:00pm

The migratory nesting birds have returned to Point Reyes in April! Explore and identify in diverse bird habitats.

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