 August 13, 2024Dear John, Time spent at the Seashore leaves an impression on youth visiting Point Reyes through our Youth in Parks (YIP) program, and in turn, those of us fortunate to join them as guides have the privilege of witnessing their joy and wonder. Here, PRNSA Educators Celeste Chavez Hernandez, Francesca Dezza Parada, and Biret Adden share some of the thoughts, feelings, and images that have stayed with us after meaningful moments this spring.  Divide Meadow, April 2024. Sonoma Mentoring Alliance.Leap and tumble, tag in the meadow.Poke the rotting wood, chase the lizard, everyone’s on the log!Soil investigation activity? Not needed, goes back in the pack.Learning through adventure, through play, through joy in nature.Log is the best teacher today!“I feel calm inside here, I feel like myself here” they said.My heart aches with the rightness. This is my hope for children. Muddy Hollow and Limantour Beach, May 2024. Davidson Middle School’s Newcomer families.Smiles grow as shy families share childhood memories of nature and connection to land Baby swaddled on her mother’s back as we gaze toward the Estero: ‘the nursery of the natural world’Found objects are gathered in living art as we share hopes and dreams for our futuresA crab shell for the hope to see the ocean againKelp in hope that these natural spaces continue to be protected and valued A sand dollar in gratitude for the community that gathered for a wonderful day at the beachWe all have more in common than we realized.  Abbotts Lagoon April 2024. Radical Monarchs Troop, SF/OaklandGlimmer of hope and morning greetings from SunSun guides us to the trails where Gravel changes to Mud and Mud to SandSand shifting and moving as dunes are meant to To be free, finally. The wild strawberries are back Back in full bloom with space to sprawlSprawling feet and jumping and leaving marks all over Overflowing with joy as we spend time with Snowy PloverSince January of this year, over 1,200 youth and their leaders/caregivers have experienced the park through YIP programs with PRNSA. Thanks to your support, this is the powerful impression that you are leaving alongside us. Together we are making a lasting impact. With gratitude,Francesca Dezza Parada, Celeste Chavez Hernandez, & Biret AddenPRNSA Environmental Education Team West Marin Environmental Learning Alliance We are grateful to the West Marin Fund for providing a $150,000 Collaborative Impact Grant for PRNSA and eight local partners to launch the West Marin Environmental Learning Alliance! Coordinated by PRNSA, partners will collaborate with the Shoreline and Bolinas-Stinson school districts to develop a system-wide, curriculum-connected plan for youth in every classroom to receive outdoor learning experiences that build environmental literacy and an appreciation for these inspiring lands. Thank you, WMF!Upcoming Classes & EventsQi and Creativity in NatureSat, Aug. 17, 10am – 4pmLearn Qigong (energy cultivation) techniques to connect with nature & express your discoveries through mixed media collage.Learn More & RegisterDrawing Sun FlowersSat, Aug. 17, 10am – 4pmDraw beautiful summer flowers and explore various colored pencil and botanical illustration techniques. All levels welcome!Learn More & RegisterAccessible Trees of Bear ValleySat, Sept. 7, 10am – 1pmWheelchair accessible hike with a great variety of trees. Polish your plant identification skills while learning the stories of the forest.Learn More & RegisterWe have several upcoming volunteer opportunities! These are both recurring, so feel free to mark them on your calendar ahead of time! Contact Volunteer Manager Cristobal Castañeda (cristobalcs@ptreyes.org) with any questions.Join our “Thursday Weeders” volunteer event to remove invasive plant species from coastal dune habitats in the Abbotts Lagoon area. These workdays will be held every other Thursday from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Advance registration is encouraged, but not required.Upcoming dates: August 22nd, September 5th, and September 19th.  We need your help pulling invasive ice plant from the North Beach area on Sept. 8th from 11am-1pm! All tools will be provided. Advance registration by emailing Volunteer Manager Cristobal Castañeda(cristobalcs@ptreyes.org) is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome too.Upcoming dates: September 8thThank You, Youth Conservation Corps!  Over the past eight weeks, our Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) was hard at work maintaining trails and trail structures around Point Reyes! Participants worked on projects such as replacing bear boxes at Wildcat Campground, constructing fences at the Morgan Horse Ranch, and maintaining the Sky Trail. In addition, they participated in a variety of on-the-job classes and learned about stewardship and land management ethics. “You’re never really bored,” says Aiden, YCC member. “You’re doing something new every day.” Thank you to the incredible 2024 YCC crew for your service to the Seashore!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 info@ptreyes.org | www.ptreyes.org |
Point Reyes Youth in Parks Program
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