Cabrillo National Monument VIP Newsletter | |
April 2023 Updates for VIPs | |
Don't Forget to Log Your Hours! | |
SAVE THE DATE: Upcoming Continued Education and CNMF events! | |
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This month includes more than Earth Day (April 22)—it's also National Volunteer Week (April 16-22)! Thank you so much, all of you, for all that you do for this park! We are deeply grateful for the time and enthusiasm you all bring into this park. Without you, we would not be able to support nearly half as much visitor programming, education programs, conservation and restoration work, and more!
On behalf of Cabrillo National Monument...thank you!
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Here are some upcoming Continued Education opportunities, as well as a Cabrillo National Monument Foundation event, that you may find interesting. Please save the date and keep an eye out for more details to come as they are confirmed. See you there!
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CNMF Moonwalk (Thursday, Apr 20th, 5:30 - 9 pm)
Cabrillo National Monument Foundation will be needing 3 volunteers to help us make this special event a success, and registration for these spots are available on Volgistics at a first come, first serve basis. This will mean you can attend this event for free! Volunteers will support in assisting with information and making sure attendants stay safe during their visit.
Are you a CNMF member? CNMF has more information on how to attend. This is a members only event. The Moonwalk is a rare opportunity to hike the Bayside Trail with a ranger...after-hours! The view of the city lights at night from our park is truly beautiful. Don't miss out!
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VIP Flower Walk
(Friday, April 21st, 11am - 12 pm)
The Volunteer Navigation Committee (VNC) has arranged a walking tour of spring flowers and plants along the Upper Monument. It will be led by two of our resident plant experts and park staff, Greenhouse VIP Supervisor/Vegetation Technician Patricia Simpson and Science Educator Andrew Rosales.
No need to RSVP. Please meet us at the flagpole!
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Samantha Wynns' Naturally Speaking
(Friday, May 19th, 4 - 5 pm)
Save the Date! The date has been set for our amazing Science Educator, EcoLogik Director, and VIP Supervisor Sam Wynns to share with us her Naturally Speaking Talk. The official RSVP link will be shared with all VIPs as the date approaches, as well as confirmation on the topic. With her passion and expertise, we are very excited to hear about her work...go, or you will regret not going!
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NPS Photo | H. Marquez/C. Aurrecoechea
Banner reads "Save the Date!" and features the NPS Volunteer and Cabrillo National Monument Foundation logo. In the center are three photos: the moon shining brightly over the glowing city skyline and dark waters of the San Diego Bay; the white and pink Buckwheat flowers in full bloom; Science Educator Sam Wynns with Summer, the park's snake ambassador, wrapped around her arm. Summer is an albino California Kingsnake.
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Feature Story: Save the Date! Upcoming Continued Education and CNMF events!
- VIP Spotlight: Dan & Becky Weider
- Volunteer Navigation Committee Updates
- Division Updates: VIP Recruitment, Flower Power, Clover Call-to-Action, and more!
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- Did You Know? (Feb. Issue Correction)
- Continued Education Opportunities for VIPs. Join Marine Science Day with SDSU, FREE and family-friendly!
- On the VIP Voice: Spring Flowers are in the Air
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VIP Spotlight: Dan & Becky Weider
As shared by TPERP Coordinator Pauline Geisler, "VIP Dan and Becky have given of themselves regularly at Cabrillo since they started volunteering in 2012. From TPERP to the Lighthouse, to building a tidepool education table to taking notes at practically every meeting at the park to the VNC, they have just about done it all.
They are trusted resources to bounce ideas off of and offer guidance. Cabrillo National Monument is a richer place because of their involvement!"
Dan and Becky are such an amazing duo. Their leadership has made a huge difference in helping this park's volunteer program grow and thrive. They have delighted so many visitors with their tidepools trivia and stories too. We are truly grateful for having them on our VIP team!
Thank you to TPERP Coordinator Pauline Geisler for this month's thoughtful nomination. Please send in future nominations to cabr_volunteers@nps.gov
Thank you, VIPs Dan & Becky, for your continued dedication to Cabrillo National Monument!
(Above) NPS Photo | P. Geisler
VIP Becky Weider talks to two young visitors and their guardian at the Education Table by the tidepools on a low-tide day. Although their faces are turned away, the children's body language screams excitement.
(Below) NPS Photo | P. Geisler
VIP Dan Weider points out information on the tidepools' creatures to a visitor. The rocks behind the pair are swarming with visitors, and the green waters of a tidepool peek from the right.
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How Did We Shine? Kudos
We had a lot of shout-outs for our volunteers this month. With how wild the weather has been lately, it's clear that the visitors appreciate you all as much as us for making it out here anyways!
Cabrillo National Monument wouldn't be half as interesting without its volunteers. You are all super (sea) stars!
Here are some visitor and staff kudos recognizing how brightly you all shine:
For VIP Craig: "He shines bright!" &
"Craig helped us with our junior ranger badges. He was friendly and kind and made it fun for the kids."
For VIP Joel: "Joel was very knowledgeable of the San Diego area. He shared a lot of tips with us."
For VIP Eileen: "We met Eileen at the info booth table, who was extremely helpful and friendly... (If this reaches you, hello and thank you for the lovely experience you added)!"
For VIP Sandy Woodhouse: "She's so helpful! Told me everything I needed to know to enjoy my trip. Thanks!"
For VIPs John and Jack: "Very helpful." & "So friendly and welcoming, and happy to share your knowledge with those new here! Thank you for being the Visitor Center MVPs on Saturday!"
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Let's keep it going! Thinking of a fellow volunteer who deserves to be celebrated? Send us your kudos and spotlights to the link below, so we can share them in the next newsletter, and celebrate each other together! | |
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NPS Photo | S. Kristiansen
Among the algae-covered rocks, a bright blue and orange knobby sea star sits in the center of a tidepool.
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Volunteer Navigation Committee (VNC) Updates
Our next VNC meeting is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, 9 am - 10 am. This will be a hybrid meeting, at the Auditorium and on Zoom (MEETING LINK).

All volunteers are welcome to join in on VNC meetings!
Thank you, Acting Superintendent Trystan, for joining us at our last meeting for a Q & A. It was wonderful getting to know more about you and the passion you bring to Cabrillo National Monument. As a follow-up from last meeting, Trystan sent the following:
"Project Overview: View Building construction may take place anywhere between August and November 2023: The work should take about a month once started, during which time the auditorium will be unavailable as the bookstore operation will operate there temporarily. The View Building will have the exterior paint removed and the exposed wood stained, bringing the building closer to its historic appearance. The skylights will be removed, and the floor will be replaced. Finally, new shingles will also be installed — they will be red, to match the original design/construction."
At our next meeting, Community Volunteer Ambassador, Hannah, will be doing a mid-service presentation on all the wonderful work she has been doing since joining our team! Learn how you can help and how her projects will come into play here at Cabrillo National Monument. Very exciting to VIP operations.
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So, why would you join a volunteer committee—isn’t that just another meeting to your already full schedule?
The Volunteer Navigation Committee (VNC) is so much more than just another meeting. The VNC provides volunteers with a voice in the decision-making processes related to the VIP program at CNM. You can make a difference. Join us at the next meeting!
NPS Photo (top) | Ranger Sandy and four wonderful VIPs and interns at the tidepool entrance.
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Watch your step!
We have had several incidents recently concerning slips and falls. Most have occurred in the tidepool area.
Please be aware of your surroundings, be patient, have the proper footwear, and remember:
Don't walk or hop from rock to rock in the tidepools!
Just get wet, and step stable ground. Be safe!
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NPS | C. Aurrecoechea
Unstable cliff sign at tidepool entrance
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Interpretation, Education, & Volunteers (IEV) | |
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Cyrus' last day at Cabrillo will be Friday, April 14th before he heads back north. Be sure to say your "see you laters" before then. He will be missed!

The Annual Festival of Science and Engineering was a huge hit! Thousands of educational contacts were made, and new volunteers recruited. Thank you so much to everyone who supported us!
VIP Recruitment - Can you help?
As spring moves into summer, we hope to reach new audiences about volunteering at our park.
If you talk to a visitor who seems interested during your shift, please feel free to give them a Cabrillo Volunteer Office card!
Grab some at the Visitor Center or ask your VIP Supervisor where you can find some. Thanks!
At this time, Naturalization Ceremonies will not be taking place until further notice.
Thank you, Cabrillo VIPs, for your continued commitment and support with the Naturalization Ceremonies! You have helped out so many people during their special day.
Thank you to everyone who has participated in partnership events with the Living Coast Discovery Center! Tabling at their Bay Day event was so much fun. We had over 200 contacts! As a follow-up, our volunteers were able to attend a private field trip they arranged for us as a continued education experience. We even got to feed their rays! We hope to be able to coordinate more field trip opportunities in the future for our volunteers.
NPS Photo | H. Marquez (above)
CVA Hannah speaks with a family during the Festival of Science and Engineering about sea hares.
NPS Photo | S. Hernandez (below)
Cabrillo VIPs gather around Living Coast Discovery Center staff who is holding fish that will be used to feed the rays in the pool behind her.
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Resources Management & Science | |
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Flower Power – The flowers at Cabrillo have started to bloom. However, this has led to some visitors picking flowers unaware that Cabrillo is a no take park. If you come across someone who has one or two flowers, please take the flowers to place back into soil, and educate them as to why flower picking is not permitted. In situations where visitors have picked a bouquet of flowers, please radio law enforcement to handle the situation.
Great work Patricia! Check out the beautiful new plants near the Visitor Center's flagpole, like chalk dudleyas and sun cups.
Congratulations, Resources Team! They have a new publication, the Rocky Intertidal Trend Report, 1990-2020. Key highlights include:
- There are 4 x more visitors to Zone 1 than Zone 2
- The number of visitors observed in Zone 1 has almost doubled since 1990.
- Mussels declined in the 1990’s; Rockweeds declined in the 2010’s. They were both largely replaced by algae.
NPS Photo | H. Marquez
Shell of Globose Kelp Crab (Taliepus nuttallii) found on a rock.
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Weed Warriors
The flower displays this year in the Coastal Area really shows off all the hard work that has been done! Cabrillo Memorial Dr. coming into the park also shows how hard everyone is working. Make sure you take a minute to enjoy the natives! However, there is tons of knee-high clover. Feel free to pull a handful on your way by.

NPS Photo | H. Marquez
Tall patch of four-leafed clover by the walkway close to the Cabrillo Statue.
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Entrance Station
They’ve got questions, do you have answers? Questions about park passes can sometimes be confusing. Luckily, there is a knowledgeable team at your Cabrillo National Monument entrance station who has all the answers! If you get a asked a question that you can’t answer, please reach out to us!
Recently, there have been several questions about getting passes for other people either as a gift or because the person is elsewhere, like at school. All of our passes require the pass purchaser to be physically present so that we can verify their eligibility and have them sign the back of the pass. The only exception to this rule is the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass, which can be purchased by anyone and is the only pass that can be given as a gift.
For more information, please give us a call or stop by the entrance station! You can also learn more at: Fees & Passes - Cabrillo National Monument
NPS Photo | Front side of the 2023 America the Beautiful Interagency Pass.
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Administration
Congratulations, Trystan Stern, and welcome! For the past month, he has been the Acting Superintendent for Cabrillo National Monument. Please take the time to say hi when you see him around the park!
Here's a short bio he would like to share with you all:
"Trystan Stern, a Bay Area native, has spent the majority of his National Park Service career working in the Pacific West Regional office, which is based in San Francisco, CA. The region spans 106 degrees around the globe and includes more than 60 national park sites within the eight states of California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, portions of Arizona and Montana and the territories of Guam, American Samoa, as well as the Northern Mariana Islands.
Trystan's position with the regional office is the Chief of Commercial Services where he oversees four main program areas: Concessions, Leasing, Commercial Use Authorizations, and Fee Collection. He's excited to join the Cabrillo National Monument team and help support all the great work they do."
NPS Photo | T. Stern
Trystan Stern smiles beside the low wall near Whale Watch Overlook, after visiting with a friend's son.
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Update on February's The Portland Commercial Shipwreck
We are sorry to hear that February’s Did You Know? would not open for readers. Thank you for letting us know! With the fixed link below, you may now access the article explaining why the establishment of San Diego’s first lighthouse was so long delayed.
Thank you, Kim Fahlen, for providing February's "Did You Know?"! Read more about this maritime disaster below.
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Have a "Did You Know?" message you would like to share with other VIPs? Send your submissions to cabr_volunteers@nps.gov! | |
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NPS Photo | K. Fahlen
In the forefront is a small, out-of-focus statue of a 16th-century galleon. Captured perfectly between the sails, in the distant background, is the dark outline of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse against a blue sky.
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Sculptor dives into the deep end for bronze map of La Jolla canyons | |
"Like you, we love our National Parks and all of the wonderful flora and fauna that live within them. Our mission is to protect and preserve these natural resources for this and future generations. That’s a big task! Have you ever wondered how we at the National Park Service (NPS) keep tabs on the status of everything that lives within the park?...

When you look at data over many years, many times a story begins to emerge. And each vital sign tells its own story. Sometimes, the story is a warning. Other times, it’s a tale of hope and optimism. We invite you to explore three stories from our three parks that we think captures what it means to manage and care for natural resources in southern California."
Check out this short NPS article about the value of long-term monitoring at Cabrillo National Monument, Channel Islands National Park, and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area!
It was written in part by our park's very own Lauren Pandori, and it discusses the research and conservation work that has been done in our tidepools. It's a fascinating read!
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NPS Photo | Unknown
In the left, close-up of tidepool rocks covered by algae, rockweed, mussels, and thatched barnacles. In the center, close-up of the endangered Santa Rosa Island manzanita's distinctive red bark. In the right, a snake monitoring station is set up on the rocky ground between the branches of dry bushes.
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Continued Education Opportunities | |
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Marine Science Day - FREE and kid-friendly!
Sunday, April 16 SDSU Coastal and Marine Science Institute
11 am - 3 pm 4165 Spruance Rd, San Diego, CA 92101
Marine biologists at San Diego State University are opening their marine lab to the public for an afternoon of interactive activities and games, lab tours, touch tanks, SCUBA demos, raffle prizes, food trucks, and seminars by local scientists!
Marine Science Day is FREE and kid-friendly but geared toward all members of the public. Parking is available on-site at no charge.
Check them out!
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This event is organized by SDSU's Marine Ecology and Biology Student Association (MEBSA).
SDSU MEBSA | Flyer
"Introducing Marine Science Day! Sunday, April 16, 11 am - 3 pm. SDSU Coastal and Marine Science Institute. 4165 Spruance Rd., San Diego, CA 92101. Free event." Flyer is in pop art style. A gray shark and a squid drawing stand out in a red background.
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Spring Flowers are in the Air | The atmospheric rivers that have brought much needed rain to the area has also allowed the spring flowers to start blooming. It looks like we are in store for a very colorful Spring... | | | |
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NPS Photo | D. Weider
Endangered Sea Dahlias (Coreopsis maritima) bloom bright yellow between the verdant brushes of Cabrillo National Monument. The sky is a soft blue with wispy clouds overhead.
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