March 30, 2024

Greetings!                
Imagine plover-egg golf balls and children bursting with excitement to share their carefully crafted nests! Recently, second and third graders visited Abbotts Lagoon as part of a Youth in Parks program and learned about the beach in a totally new way…from a plover’s point of view.
Just like the plovers, the Youth in Parks program does not have a “one size fits all” approach. All youth programs have the singular purpose of providing coastal access and the excitement of nature exploration for youth underrepresented or excluded from the kind of park experiences many of us take for granted.  
Digging in the sand, feeling your toes in the surf, and watching the waves from the peak of a sand dune leaves a lasting impression and connects us to a world much larger than ourselves. Experiences like these bring the ocean to life and ignite a joy within as we recognize that we too are an inextricable part of this vast beauty.
Explore the Coast Funding
We are grateful for our partners at the California State Coastal Conservancy for contributing funding that makes the YIP programs possible through their Explore the Coast grant program, designed to “provide coastal experiences for people and communities who face challenges to accessing or enjoying the coast.” For the past two years, their funding has enabled us to offer bus transportation, healthy lunches, gear, and staff support to ensure that groups of youth coming to Point Reyes for the first time feel warm, comfortable, and ready for a great day.
The California State Coastal Conservancy’s commitment to equitable coastal access, and support from all of our generous contributors is making an important difference to the lives of Bay Area youth. Kids would not be rolling down sand dunes without you!  
With gratitude,
Biret Adden
Education Director
P.S. You can find a list of even more amazing Youth in Parks funders down below. A big thanks to everyone who makes this program possible!
Upcoming Classes & Events
The Point Reyes calendar is so full! Connect with the Seashore through the upcoming classes below, or find the full class calendar on our website.
Fri, Apr. 12, 8:30am - 3:30pm

Spring is a great time to enjoy a variety of birds in terrestrial and aquatic habitats. We'll focus on identification by sight and sound.
Fri, Apr. 12, 9:30am - 3pm

Learn about local climate cycles geology, tectonics, and coastal processes as you hike and explore Point Reyes beaches!
Wed, Apr. 24, 7pm - 8:30pm

Amy Tan joins PRNSA and Point Reyes Books to celebrate Tan’s new book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles (Knopf).
Youth in Parks Funding Partners
In addition to our amazing foundation, state, and federal supporters, the Youth in Parks program is made possible by generous individual donors. Thank you!
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