April 22, 2022
Greetings!
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I’m going to admit, as much as I love the light of Spring, I love the darkness of Winter more. Maybe it’s because I was born under a new moon when the sun isn’t so present. It’s probably why one of my favorite things to do each month is to offer full moon walks to our members in this incredible park. I want everyone to experience the park at night. Not only do we build community as we get to know one another, but we walk together by the light of the full moon as a way to be in this potent liminal space – when the sun sets and the moon rises.
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Earth and Sky Gifts
Point Reyes National Seashore offers so much to so many. This Earth Day, and as we wrap up National Park Week and begin International Dark Skies Week, I offer unique ways for you to get to know the other half of the park that is waiting for all of us after sunset. The darkness is full of possibilities. Join us throughout the year for Full Moon hikes, stargazes, or moonlight kayaking as we enjoy the park and the Earth under the night sky.
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Partners Share in the Promise of Dark Skies
As we kick off International Dark Skies Week I’m excited to share news of a wonderful collaboration between the National Park Service and the local Point Reyes Village Association. After seeing an article in the Point Reyes Light newspaper about local light pollution, NPS Chief of Interpretation Christine Beekman approached the authors about the possibility of a Dark Sky Reserve certification for Point Reyes National Seashore. To become Dark Sky certified, the park must ensure good-quality outdoor lighting policies and provide community and visitor education programs on the importance of dark skies.
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Below we introduce another partner who enjoys the acronical side of things. Don Jolley, a retired teacher from the Bolinas School who is legendary to decades of students and families is still engaging with learners of all ages during various phases of the moon, leading community stargazes at the new moon and PRNSA member hikes during the full moon.
I’m grateful to all our partners and to you for caring for this park and our home planet.
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Heather Clapp
Director of Community Engagement & Philanthropy
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Volunteer and regular "moon walker" Ellen Greenblatt invites you to step into the night with naturalist Don Jolley. In this feature you'll hear how a beloved West Marin teacher transitioned from sharing the wonders of the world with 8th graders to guiding PRNSA members and the broader public on full moon explorations and dark sky celestial studies at Point Reyes National Seashore in " The Night Sky Beckons."
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“Achieving the Dark Sky Reserve certification is important for many reasons, for one ‘half the park is after dark.’ Conservationists have accomplished so much by preserving land and water beneath our feet, it’s time to complete that effort by preserving resources above our heads.” ~ Christine Beekman, NPS
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Upcoming Dark Sky Stargazing Event!
Date: TBD (between 4/23 - 4/29) | Time: 8:30pm | Donations: $10 - $25
*Because local skies are often foggy, organizers notify participants on the evening of the first clear night before the New Moon each month.
This April, the Dark Sky Point Reyes group is meeting for a special night at Limantour to enjoy our beautiful night sky and listen to Don Jolley’s spellbinding stories about billions and billions of celestial bodies (the usual meeting place is the barn at the Giacomini Wetlands). The April event is a fundraiser to support the Point Reyes Station Village Association.
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Saturday, May 14, 7:00pm - 9:30pm
Welcome to Spring in Point Reyes, where the sun hangs high in the sky waiting to welcome the moon. During our May hike, we will enjoy all that Spring at the Seashore has to offer: wildflowers, new growth, birdsong, and of course, the magic of nature. Anyone can become a PRNSA member and join our monthly full moon hikes!
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Job & Volunteer Opportunities
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Finance Assistant
Work with Point Reyes National Seashore Association (PRNSA) alongside partners like the National Park Service (NPS) to create opportunities for all people to experience, enhance, and preserve Point Reyes National Seashore for present and future generations. The Finance Assistant will be part of a small finance team that manages a multi-million dollar annual operating nonprofit budget. We are looking for a reliable, organized individual with retail, timesheet, data entry, and computer experiences to join our team. This role is 100% remote with flexible days/hours and the average work week should be 32 - 40 hours, with some exceptions due to the nature of the work. Attendance requested once per month at weekly staff meeting and once per month at weekly store meeting.
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Snowy Plover Docent
The Point Reyes National Seashore Snowy Plover Docents serve a critical role in the conservation of western snowy plovers, a federally threatened species. Plover Docents assist biologists with educating the visiting public, monitoring snowy plovers and nests near trailheads, and help scientists collect data. We have an annual training on May 21st, 2022 at the Red Barn Classroom in Bear Valley in Point Reyes, from 9am-12:30pm. We will be covering snowy plover natural history, breeding biology, and conservation, in addition to general details about Point Reyes, elephant seals and harbor seals, and in-depth details on snowy plover docent responsibilities. If interested in becoming a snowy plover docent, please contact biologist Matt Lau ( matt_lau@nps.gov).
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Fri, Apr 29, 8:30am - 4:00pm
What a time to enjoy birds in a variety of habitats as nesting birds return and wintering birds linger! Learn to ID by sight and sound.
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Fri, May 6, 9:30am - 4:00pm
Explore the visually striking Lighthouse and Chimney Rock areas for wildflowers, nesting seabirds, and a variety of marine mammals.
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Sun, May 8, 10:30am - 1:30pm
A Forest Bathing walk is a guided slow meander walk that's intended to allow for a deep and meaningful connection with the natural world.
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Sat, May 14, 10:00am - 4:30pm
Macro photography is the art of becoming intimate with the minuscule and presenting it prominently.
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Sat, May 14, 7:00pm - 9:30pm
The May hike will go at a leisurely pace along the Tomales Bay Trail. Anyone can become a member and join our monthly hikes!
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Sat, May 14, 7:30pm - 10:30pm
Paddle to the moon! Have you ever seen a lunar eclipse by kayak? Join us for a special night on the water.
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Sat, May 21, 9:00am - 4:30pm
Discover the heart of the Woodward Fire burn zone on a challenging eleven-mile loop that will focus on the area's high diversity of birds and plants.
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Sun, May 22, 10:00am - 4:30pm
The smartphone has become the camera of choice for many. Learn how new apps can unlock your full potential to take breathtaking photos!
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Sat, May 28, 11:00am - 2:00pm
What a time to enjoy birds in a variety of habitats as nesting birds return and wintering birds linger! Learn to ID by sight and sound.
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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.
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Point Reyes National Seashore | (415) 663-1200 x 310
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