May 23, 2024
Greetings!           
What is your special place at Point Reyes National Seashore? Is there a particular ecosystem, trail, or vista where you feel most deeply connected to the natural world, or which holds an emotional tie? Without hesitation, that place for me is along the beaches of the Seashore’s wild coast. Time spent along the seaside awakens memories of my childhood, and the powerful presence of the ocean leaves me revived, connected.
As PRNSA Park Stores Manager, May is an exciting month of preparation as I ready our three retail spaces with thoughtfully curated interpretive and educational items. This coming season, forty new items (see highlights below) will be added for visitors of all ages to relive their experience long after they’ve left the park.
The next time you visit your special place, please stop by the park store at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. While there, consider strengthening your connection to the park by becoming a PRNSA member and supporting our education, conservation, and community-building work.
As a thank you, you’ll receive a complimentary hiking guide along with a 15% store discount, reduced fees for classes, and invitations to member events.
If you see me in the store, I hope you’ll share with me your special place…I welcome the connection.
Warmly,
Susan Oertel
Retail Manager
P.S. Our Bear Valley Park Store is open from 9:30am-5pm on weekdays, and 9:00am-5pm on weekends. The Lighthouse Park Store is open on weekends from 10am-4:30pm, and the Drakes Beach Store is open on weekends from 11am-4pm.
Park Store Highlights
This season, we'll be adding several children's books to our current selection! These include Tasha's Voice by Carmen Bogan and Mushrooms Know by Kallie George and Sara Gillingham.
We recently redesigned some of our mugs! These mugs are handmade, and the two-toned glaze on each one is slightly different. They're now available in our Bear Valley Visitor Center store!
In Full Bloom
Point Reyes is in full bloom! Check out the wildflowers we've spotted in park this spring, and access a "Splashes of Color" poster featuring the Seashore's floral wonders!
Sticky Monkey Flower: Leaves produce a sticky, protective resin. Spotted at McClure's Beach Trail.
Douglas Iris: Color ranges from light purple to vibrant violet. Admired on Marshall Beach Trail.
California Poppies: Also known as California sunlight. Seen unfurling on Olema Marsh Trail.
Save the Date!
Sat. June 1st, 11am-1pm
Join us for a volunteer workday in celebration of National Trails Day. To ensure safe access for the public—and particularly for those using the park's beach wheelchairs—we will be completing much needed maintenance on the pathways at Drakes Beach that connect the parking lot. Register to volunteer with us!
Annual Pride in Our Park Walk
Fri. June 7th, 4pm - 6pm
Join the NPS and PRNSA for our third annual Pride in Our Park Walk! Starting from Bear Valley Trailhead, we’ll make our way down to Divide Meadow and back (~3 flat miles), pausing for time to reflect on equity at our own park.

We’ll be bringing flags, festive gear, and coffee to share. No registration needed.
Beach Closure for Snowy Plovers
From May 25th to September 2nd, the stretch of beach between the North Beach parking lot and the mouth of Abbotts Lagoon is closed on weekends and federal holidays for the protection of nesting federally threatened snowy plovers.

Learn more about snowy plovers and take a look at the park's additional closures, including Palomarin Road.
Upcoming Classes & Events
The Seashore's incredible ecosystems offer so much opportunity for adventures and new learning experiences. Our classes and events are aimed to support you in your explorations. Check out our full list of classes and events on our website!
Sat, June 8, 9am - 3pm

This is a plein air class with individual instruction and demonstration. We will discuss materials and basic approaches to location painting.
Sat, Jun. 8, 10:30am - 1:30pm

Forest bathing is a practice of deep connection with the natural world and with ourselves. Slow down, take the world in through your senses!
Wed, June 22, 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Crossing over the threshold of Summer Solstice, the sun remains high in the sky waiting to welcome the moon. Join us for a full moon walk at Tomales Point!
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. Support Point Reyes as a High Tide Monthly Supporter!
Point Reyes National Seashore | (415) 663-1200 x 310