December 20, 2024



Dear Point Reyes National Seashore ,                

When youth visit Point Reyes many moments will linger with them, shaping who they will become in subtle ways. What Point Reyes moments do you always carry inside yourself? Was it crossing paths with a coyote? Watching silver light shine on the ocean? How about spotting your first whale? We are the sum of our experiences, and it’s deeply impactful to feel moments which reinforce our connections to this vast and beautiful world.

Like many of us, youth will find memories here which last a lifetime, that become a part of their life’s story. Some are moved by what they see, some by how they feel, and for many this will be their first time touching the ocean or visiting a national park.

Roughly 70% of youth program participants come from communities experiencing barriers to accessing public lands, and our team of bilingual environmental educators works thoughtfully to create safe, welcoming, and uplifting environments to ensure that all participants feel a sense of belonging.  

Your contributions are critical to making these moments possible. During the past year, we have welcomed 1,300 Youth in Parks (YIP) and 1,200 overnight school participants to the park. That represents 2,500 lives touched by nature and making new memories in Point Reyes thanks to your support.

The short quotes shared here provide only a small glimpse into what youth feel coming to Point Reyes. It’s hard to fully convey what we know is happening for them as they walk the land. Stepping out of an everyday routine and into Point Reyes provides respite, inspires curiosity, and reveals parts of ourselves that are nurtured by the natural world. For youth it creates memories to draw from and moments to carry inside on the journey of becoming themselves.  

Your support is critical to providing the transportation, staff time, lunches, and learning materials needed to spark these moments of becoming and belonging. Thank you for considering a gift in support of youth programs; all gifts will be matched to $100,000 until December 31st.

With Gratitude,

Biret Adden

Education Director

P.S. Take a look at our recent video (linked below) to learn more about our Youth in Parks program powered by our incredible bilingual environmental educators—Celeste Chavez Hernandez and Francesca Dezza Parada. Our impactful work with youth and families who have historically been excluded from public lands wouldn't be possible without support from people like you.

Call for Board Member Applications

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!

Upcoming Events & Classes

Mushroom Identification

Dates below, 9:00am - 3:30pm

Tomales Bay is an important area for thousands of waterbirds. Visit sites along the East Shore to observe shorebirds, raptors and more!



Sun. Jan 5th & Sun. Feb 9th

Winter Birds of Tomales Bay

Fri, Feb. 21, 9:00am - 3:30pm

Tomales Bay is an important area for thousands of waterbirds. Visit sites along the East Shore to observe shorebirds, raptors and more!



Register Here

Drawing Spring Flowers

~Sat, Mar. 8, 10:00am - 2:00pm

Colored pencils are a meditative way to express yourself artistically. Join us to draw wildflowers, daffodils or other spring inspirations!



Register Here

Park Closures & Updates

Annual closures to protect elephant seal pups will be in effect from Dec. 15 until March 31, including the closure of Drakes Beach. Learn more on the Point Reyes National Seashore website.

Park trails have been impacted by winter storms. Numerous trails throughout the park have been reported by park staff and/or visitors as flooded or as blocked by fallen trees. Please report fallen trees to 415-464-5100.