Abbotts Lagoon at sunset; photo by Avani Fachon.

December 29, 2024



Dear Point Reyes National Seashore ,                

For me, year's end invites reflection on the many wonders I've witnessed at Point Reyes National Seashore this year. Through the seasons at Abbotts Lagoon, for example, nature's drama unfolded in scenes that captured my family’s full attention. In winter, we watched keenly as otters devoured a freshly-nabbed brown pelican, a new behavior that these mammals have recently started exhibiting in Point Reyes.

As we approach our December 31st fundraising deadline, I'm asking you to make your most generous gift in support of our incredible Point Reyes ecosystems. All gifts will be matched up to $100,000 through the end of the year.

As a gift to you, we're sharing another Point Reyes wonder...male tule elk bugling, recorded by documentary filmmaker and sound recordist Mark Lipman.

River Otter Ecology Project Principal Investigator Terence Carroll and Intern Amanda Lipari Maxson counting pelicans. 

North American river otter pulling brown pelican carcass. (Jeff & Wendy Photography)

Creating A Home of Awe at the Seashore

I marvel at the fierceness of wild nature in Point Reyes, the beauty of this landscape, and the careful attention of National Park Service and PRNSA staff, docents and researchers who so ably protect these lands and their inhabitants. We are immensely grateful to them, and to our community of supporters who make Abbotts Lagoon, Muddy Hollow, and all the Seashore a home of recreation, education, conservation, research… and awe.

I am particularly grateful to you, our supporters, for joining in these efforts. With your help, PRNSA thrives and works to share this park for all, forever. Thank you!

Warmly,

Catherine Porter

PRNSA Board Chair

P.S. We are holding an open call for applications to join our Board of Directors as we work to map a park for all. We encourage you to apply and share this opportunity with others.

This year, recordists Mark Lipman, Cheryl Leonard, Ernst Karel, and Kristina Dutton ventured through Point Reyes, recording the Seashore's soundscapes—part of an initiative to bring awareness to the park's vibrant sonic diversity. In September, Mark Lipman recorded tule elk bugling from Muddy Hollow. Close your eyes and enjoy this one-minute cut from the full 22-minute recording.

This year, we also released an interactive StoryMap, "Soundscapes of the Seashore," highlighting soundscapes on five trails around Point Reyes. Embark on the sonic journey!

Do you love the Seashore and believe in caring for it and making it a welcoming place for all?

PRNSA seeks board members passionate about protecting our Point Reyes National Seashore and eager to work for park access for all. Learn more on our webpage!