POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE

September 1 - December 31, 1993 Activities Regulations Information "ree

Restoration: 1. reinstatement in a former position. JNSIDE 2. restitution for loss, damage, etc. 3. a putting or bring­ Earthquake Trail ing back into a former and other short walks normal, or unimpaired state or condition. page 7 Entrusted with preserving areas of cultural, historical or natural signifi­ cance, the National Park Service tries to Longer Hikes protect these areas from unnatural changes and restore what has been lost page 6 or damaged as accurately as possible. But when is complete restoration achievable? And is it worth the time Fall Birdwatching and expense? Research and careful planning is essential before removing page 2 what is damaged or does not belong. Cautious implementation renews and can revitalize what remains. Restoration at Pierce Ranch is an on-going project. Photo by Margaret Pearson Pinkham Over the years, the National Park Naturalist Activities Service has restored or is in the process page 4 of restoring many historic structures at Point Reyes. The Lighthouse has been FORWARD INTO THE pAST restored, many buildings at the Pierce Dairy Ranch have been renovated to Kid Stuff their 1880s look, and the Lifeboat Sta­ National Park Service guidelines de­ Other introduced, non-native plants tion at Chimney Rock as well as one of fine "native" as that which existed be­ often out-compete and overrun indig­ page 3 its motor lifeboats all have been skill­ fore the coming of European man. The enous plants. These foreign species can fully restored. controversy over the eucalyptus tree is be difficult, time-consuming and costly As extensive as these projects were, a good example of whether a species to control. The limited resources of the they pale in comparison to the complexi­ should be removed simply because it resource management team must be Take a Class ties of repairing native living systems. was brought in by man. focused on those plants most easily con­ page 8 Historically, herds of up to 2000 tule Many animals, however, have trolled, most obnoxious or most recently elk roamed the vast California peren­ adapted to these "unnatural" changes encroaching. nial bunch grass plains now mostly con­ in their habitats. Do we cut down non- Removal of plants like thistle, broom sumed by urban growth and agricul­ and capeweed is an on-going park project Visitor Centers tural needs. However, since those vast Wlien is complete made possible by thousands of hours ol and Exhibits unbroken plains no longer exist and volunteer help. natural predators have also disap­ restoration achievable? Restoration is a continual balancing page 5 peared, there was no way to return their And is it worth it? act of ideals, realistic expectations and habitat to its original form. the passage of time. There is much tc In 1978, the Park Service reintro­ native trees at the expense of the wild­ learn from examining the paths we have duced about 10 tule elk to the Tomales life using them? Or is it even possible to chosen and these lessons are invaluable Where are the frogs? Point area. The Point Reyes herd now totally eradicate this tree, now found in guiding where we step next and how page 8 numbers over 240. over much of the state? large a footprint we leave behind. mmtfTa •••••••••••••••••• NATIONAL PARK SERVICE BULK RATE POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE U.S. POSTAGE When to see whales Please let us know ... PAID POINT REYES STATION, CA 94956 U.S. DEPARTMENT page 5 OF THE INTERIOR PERMIT NO. G-83 • Delete my name from your list.

Community Services Q New Address (at right). page 7 • Add my name to your list. 2 POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE Bird life abounds during fall migration

Whether it is a chance to add a new Three reasons make fall the best bird to your life list or just relax and enjoy time of year for birdwatching at Point the beauty of our feathered friends, Point Reyes. First, since this year's young Reyes National Seashore is one of the have just left the nest, the number of best spots in California -- over 430 species Going, going... BACK! birds is at an annual high. Second, of birds have been identified here. many of these young birds get lost and Extinction. The process connotes a sense of somber finality; a warning become the vagrants so many cry calling humankind to wake up to a greater awareness. birdwatchers look for. Finally, the Birds are a sensitive indicator of the health of the environment, and weather is best here at this time be­ many species have been squawking about the imbalance of our modern cause there are many calm, sunny days world. Point Reyes is unique in its diversity of ecosystems, and the and less fog along the coast. peninsula serves as refuge for several species whose continued existence is in doubt. Where should you go to look for birds? If you are searching for those Seasonal residents include the endangered brown pelican wieL'•"••pep rare vagrants, check at the visitor cen­ egrine falcon. Populations of both of these birds were destroyed through­ ters for current information. The trees out most of North America in the 1950s and1960sdue to the widespread around A and B Ranches (located on use of DDT and related pesticides. the road between South Beach and the These toxins become concentrated in'bfjxis-'h^^pn\^h4/dWl chain, and Lighthouse), around the historic build­ the pelican and falcon were especially'affected. Reproductive failure ings near the Chimney Rock parking resulted from abnormally thin eggshells lot and the trees along the walk to the DDT in the United States was largely banned in 1972, and bird lighthouse are particularly good for populations began to recover, ^v vagrant songbirds. At Point Reyes National Seashore, the reneUidtqfihPialcon has been Some are year round residents, most actively aided by theT^easeand^ care o/"3©ung p^inegrines near Tomales Please use good judgement in re­ are migrants who are here only season­ Point. In 1987, 1988, and1990, six peregrines Mere Released each year, specting the privacy of residents who ally as they pass through the area, and and a majority of these birds> reachedIndependctyde^ live near these areas, and be sure to the rest are vagrants, which means they pull over safely and park your car com­ The brown pelican is also thriving at Point Reyes: watch for groups are outside of their normal range and pletely off the road. Limantour and flapping in formation along the shore or bbmbingfhe waters in search of probably lost. These vagrant birds can be Drakes Beaches and their esteros, Ab­ fish. the most unusual and exciting for the botts Lagoon and Tomales Bay are all Point Reyes is aperrndnent home to the threatened snowy plover and serious birdwatcher. good spots for shorebirds and other spotted owl. Theplover's nests are simple depressions in the sand along Many of these lost birds have been waterfowl, especially at low tide. Many the QpsapHedch (especially hear Abbotts Dagoon) and along Limantour seen at Point Reyes only a few times, and species of ducks can be seen at Five SpitWPeople, horses and dogs can unknowingly destroy these exposed occasionally a bird that has never been Brooks Pond, Muddy Hollow Pond and nests. The raven, however, is its greatest predator. seen before in California or even the Horseshoe Pond. Since Point Reyes does not exist in a protected bubble, its proximity to entire United States appears here for the urban areas contributes to an abnormally abundant population of ravens. So, whether you are a veteran birder first time. Due to its unique geography What to do? In current decline along the California coast, the snowy or a beginning birdwatcher, fall and climatic conditions, Point Reyes is plover population has not been monitored at Point Reyes since 1990. Wire well known as a vagrant trap, and the fence exclosures have been successful in protecting plover nests near sighting of a rare bird can send a wave of Monterey - implementation at Point Reyes is being considered. phone calls throughout the birdwatching community It is thought that 10-12 pairs of spotted owls nest in the forests of Inverness Ridge, yet little is known of their specific location, breeding^ For the more relaxed birdwatcher, see­ success and local diet. ing thousands of shorebirds buzz over the Indeed, a great deal of work remains to be done in the monitoring of mud flats at low tide, or patiently watch­ threatened and endangered bird species at Point Reyes and elsewhere. birdwatching at Point Reyes is hard to ing a blue heron or egret stalk fish in the However, long-term solutions to the extinction problem will depend on our beat. Grab your spotting scope, put shallows can be a very satisfying experi­ ability to change our attitude toward the earth. And it is just for such your binoculars in the car, pack alunch, ence. Hawks, too are common in the fall inspiration that Point Reyes National Seashore exists. and bring plenty of warm clothing for over the rolling hills and are fascinating the unpredictable weather. to watch as they glide and soar so freely. The birds will be here.

Welcome Some Point Reyes Restoration Projects

Many projects at Point Reyes have been ones of 1972 Houses along Limantour Spit are removed. Natural grading to restore slope. restoration ~ designating an area as wilderness, 1978 About 10 tule elk are reintroduced to Tomales Point. Today there are over 240. renovating an old barn, restoring a historic land­ 1982 Major restoration is completed on the Point Reyes Lighthouse. mark or removing invasive alien plants. 1987 Peregrine falcons are released from Tomales Point and again in 1988, 1990. Restoration, however, is hardly limited to places 1990 The Life Boat Station at Chimney Rock is renovated. or things - people, too can be renovated, renewed, 1991 Biologists burn an area above Pierce Ranch; rare wildflowers bloom in abundance rejuvenated - and many have done just that by visiting and enjoying this beautiful seashore. the next spring. I invite you to do the same — come and restore 1991 Over 10,000 broom plants removed from Divide Meadow. yourself! 1992 National Park Service carpenter restores the 36' motor lifeboat. 1992 With voluntt help, the roundhouse at Rule Lojdo is completely rebuilt. John L. Sansing 1993 Restoration oi barns and other structures continues at the Pierce Ranch. Superintendent POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE 3

Kid Stuff Connect-the-dots Scavenger Hunt Look for these things that have been restored by the park or by and color-in. themselves. They could be animals, buildings, trails or plants! What did you see in the park that is not on the list?

O Tule elk O Coyote

O Elephant seals O Lifeboat Station

O Historic Lighthouse O Mountain lion

O Peregrine falcon O Pierce Dairy Ranch

O Divide Meadow O Brown Pelican

O Bat O 56' motor lifeboat

O Limantour Spit O Brushed trail

O Osprey O

O Fenced wetland O

O Gray whale O.

In the early fall, listen for the bugle of this big brown animal near Tomales Point.

Restoration Round-up D I V I D E M E A D O W Match the words on the top with the descriptions below. Then S A L A M A N D E R E G look for these words in the square at the right. The words can be forwards, backwards, up, down or diagonal. Circle or blacken the words you find. The letters left over spell a secret message! H B E L P C O Y O T E R . 1. Tule elk . 2. Brown Pelican . 3. Coyote U T A O B E F I L H C A . 4 Bats . 5. Divide Meadow . 6. Wetland . 7. Lifeboat . 8. Pierce . 9. Grizzly .10. Firs .11. Limantour .12. Gray whale S U R T E S T A 0 I R Y 15. Thistle 14. Salamander 15. Restore

A. This dog-like animal seems to be making a comeback on its own. R L E P S o N I N S E W B. A Park Service carpenter restored this 56 foot motorized craft. C. These flying mammals will use old buildings to nest and roost. S E T R E D Y E S T I H D. A housing subdivision was planned for this long "spit" of sand dunes. E. This marine mammal was recently taken off the endangered species list. F. The place alongBear Valley Trail where 10,000 alien plants were removed. R E G R I Z Z L Y L P A G. This ranch by Tomales Bay is being restored to look like it did in the 1880s. H. These sensitive areas are protected from cows with fences. I. DDT (a pesticide) nearly made this bird extinct. I L R E S T O R E E I L J. A park biologist is looking for this, along with frogs and toads. K. Should the Park reintroduce this bear, now extinct in California? F K I L. Over 240 of these large, reintroduced animals roam near Tomales Point. L M A N T O U R E M. Ospreys like to make nests at the tops of these trees. N. "Putting back into a former condition." N A C I L E P N W O R B O. One of the alien (non-native) plants the park is trying to get rid of.

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October

Saturday, October 2 9:00am Coastal Cleanup Drakes Beach 10:00am Kule Loklo Workday 7:30pm Legends of the Night

Saturday, October 9 11:00am Traces of the Past November September 7:00pm Evening Lighthouse Tour Saturday, October 16 Saturday, November 13 Saturday, September 4 8:00am All Day Bird Blitz 10:00am Birds of Five Brooks 10:00am Kule Loklo Workday 11:00am Traces of the Past 11:00am Traces of the Past 11:00am Traces of the Past 7:30pm Legends of the Night 3:30pm Tidepools of Chimney Rock 4:30pm Transition into Night December Sunday, September 5 Saturday, October 23 5:00pm Evening Lighthouse Tour 9:00am Sand Castle Contest 11:00am Traces of the Past Saturday, December 4 Drakes Beach Saturday, November 20 10:00am Birds of Limantour Estero 11:00am On Shaky Ground Saturday, October 30 11:00am Flocking to Limantour 4:30pm Transition into Night 10:00am Birds of Limantour Estero Saturday, September 11 6:00pm Transition into Night Sunday, November 21 Thursday, December 9 7:30pm Evening Lighthouse Tour 6:30pm Evening Lighthouse Tour 2:00pm Encounters with an Owl 7:00pm Holiday Open House 8:00pm Legends of the Night Bear Valley Sunday, October 31 Saturday, November 27 Visitor Center Saturday, September 18 2-4pm Open House at the 3:00pm Tidepools of Chimney Rock 10:00am Birds of Bear Valley Lifeboat Station 5:00pm Evening Lighthouse Tour Saturday, December 11 11:00am Traces of the Past 10:00am Birding Along Abbotts Lagoon 7:00pm Transition into Night Sunday, November 28 11:00am Traces of the Past 8:00pm Legends of the Night 2-4pm Open House at the 2:30pm Tidepools of Chimney Rock Lifeboat Station 4:30pm Transition into Night 5:00pm Evening Lighthouse Tour Sunday, September 19 2:00pm Encounters with an Owl Sunday, December 12 Saturday, September 25 2:00pm Encounters with an Owl 10:00am Birds of Five Brooks 6:45pm Transition into Night Saturday, December 25 7:00pm Evening Lighthouse Tour All Visitor Centers Closed

Sunday, September 26 Sunday, December 26 2-4pm Open House at the 2:30pm Tidepools of Chimney Rock Lifeboat Station Exhibits Kule Loklo Earthquake Trail Morgan Horse Ranch Pierce Point Ranch

Kule Loklo, a Coast Miwok Cultural Located near the Bear Valley Visitor This working horse ranch is one of the The renovated Pierce Ranch, estab­ Exhibit, is located 1/4 mile from the Center, this 1/2 mile loop trail follows locations in the National Park Service lished in 1858, is one of the oldest dairy Bear Valley Visitor Center. Exhibits along the fracture zone of the San An­ where horses are trained for use by ranches on the Point Reyes Peninsula. along the trail provide information. dreas Fault. The self-guided walk in­ National Park Rangers. Self-guided Today the ranches are under National Cultural demonstrations are often sched- cludes pictures of the damage done by exhibits, corrals and demonstrations are Park Service management, dedicated aled and bring to life the traditional the 1906 San Francisco quake and a all a part of the ongoing interpretive to the preservation of the Park's cul­ vays of the Coast Miwok. Festivals are clear story on present day theories about program of the Ranch located behind tural heritage. A short self-guided trail affered each year; ask at the Visitor earthquakes. Consult the Naturalist the Bear Valley Visitor Center. Call the provides information about the historic Center for more information or arrange- Activities schedule for guidedprograms Ranch or the Visitor Center to schedule structures as you wander through the nents for group programs. on the weekends. programs for groups. ranch complex.

dours: Hours: Hours: Hours: Dpen seven days a week Open seven days a week Open seven days a week Open seven days a week sunrise to Sunset Sunrise to Sunset 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Sunrise to Sunset mone: (415) 663-1092 Phone: (415)663-1092 Phone: (415)663-1763 Phone: (415) 669-1534 POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE 5 Description of Activities

Birds of Limantour Estero Join a naturalist for a 12 th Annual look at the wetlands of Limantour, a haven for migrat­ ing shorebirds and waterfowl. Bring your binoculars Holiday Open House Sandcastle Contest and bird field guide. Meet at the Limantour parking at lot. 2 hours. Thursday Drakes Beach Coastal Cleanup Be a part of the solution to ocean December 9, 1993 pollution! Help make the beaches of the Seashore Registration cleaner and safer for everyone. Meet a ranger at the 7:00 - 9:00 pm starts Drakes Beach parking lot with your work gloves. Call (415) 663-1092 for more information. Bear Valley Visitor Center at 9:00 am Encounters with an Owl The Seashore cares for a Refreshments, music, kid's activities non-releasable western screech owl obtained from the s. • All Day Bird Blitz Join a naturalist for an all day Santa Rosa Bird Rescue Center. Join a ranger to learn Open House at the Lifeboat Station Tour the bird watching excursion. We will meet at Five Brooks about the amazing adaptations this winged hunter historic Chimney Rock Lifeboat Station and learn Pond at 8:00 am and visit other popular locations uses to catch its prey. Meet in the Bear Valley Visitor about maritime history and lifesaving at Point Reyes. throughout the day. If you have any questions, call Center. xh hour. 63 This National Historic Landmark will be open from the Bear Valley Visitor Center. 2:00 - 4:00 pm, with a slide presentation at 2:00 pm. Evening Lighthouse Tour Experience the Point Park at the Chimney Rock Trailhead and walk down Birding Along Abbotts Lagoon Join a naturalist Reyes Lighthouse as many keepers have over the the paved road to the right about half a mile. on an easy three mile round trip hike to search for years. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight for a dusk flocks of migrating shorebirds. Learn tips to help lighting of the giant crystal lens. Call (415) 669-1534 Tidepools of Chimney Rock Explore some of the identify them and gain knowledge about their lives the same day for reservations. Limited space on this tidepools of Drakes Bay and encounter the creatures and journeys between north and south. Bring binocu­ popular program. 1 hour. that call this rocky environment home. Wear rubber lars and a bird field guide. Meet at Abbotts Lagoon boots or shoes that can get wet! Meet at the Chimney parking lot. 2 hours. Flocking to Limantour Bring binoculars and wear Rock parking lot. 1.5 hours. shoes that can get muddy for this one hour hike Birds of Bear Valley We will hike some of the loop through the wetlands of Limantour. Discover some of Traces of the Past: A Walk to Rule Loklo Join a trails in the vicinity of the Bear Valley Visitor Center the wondrous adaptations of the plants which border ranger for a short walk to Rule Loklo, a recreation of in search of the residents and migrants of this region. the salt marsh and experience the variety of birds a Coast Miwok village. Learn about the cultures of the Easy walking. Bring field guides and binoculars. which feed in this rich environment. 1 hour. Coast Miwok and others who have lived here before Meet at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. 1 hour. us. Meet at the trailhead to Rule Loklo. 1 hour. Rule Loklo Workday You are invited to join other • Birds of Five Brooks Pond A gentle walk along the volunteers in the maintenance of the structures in Transition into Night Meet a naturalist in front of half mile loop offers a unique opportunity to see some this village which offers a glimpse of life in prehistoric the Bear Valley Visitor Center to take a short hike to f secretive waterfowl and forest-dwelling songbirds. California. Rain cancels. Meet at Rule Loklo in your observe the retiring of the day animals and the emer- \ Bring your binoculars and a field guide. Meet at the work clothes and gloves at 10:00 am. Call (415) 663- gence of the nocturnal animals. 1.5 hours. Five Brooks Trailhead. 1 hour. 1092 for information. y s Legends of the Night Discover the autumn constel­ Winter Whale Watching All Visitor Centers lations and the ancient tales describing their origin. California gray whale migration Dress warmly and bring a flashlight and a cushion or will close on blanket to sit on. Meet at Rule Loklo. 1 hour. End of December - Mid March On Shaky Ground Dare to walk the trace of the San Best viewing from the Lighthouse Saturday, December 25 Andreas Fault where in 1906 the earth's crust sepa­ rated and moved 16 feet apart! Meet a ranger at the or Chimney Rock Earthquake Trailhead for this half mile guided walk Take the free shuttle from Drakes The park will remain open. which includes a discussion on local geology and earthquake preparedness. 1 hour. Q Beach on busy weekends Visitor Centers Lighthouse Bear Valley Ken Patrick

Located on the rocky promontory of the Point Reyes Housed in a barn-sized building, the Visitor Center This visitor center is located at beautiful Drakes Headlands, this visitor center has exhibits on whales, provides an orientation to the natural and cultural Beach. The facility has been expanded to provide wildflowers, geology and lighthouses. It is a short 0.4 history of Point Reyes National Seashore. A variety additional space for viewing and exhibitry focusing mile walk from the parking area. The lighthouse is of exhibits provides an introduction to the plants, on 16th century exploration and the marine environ­ 300 steps down from the visitor center, an excellent animals and people of this area. Reservations and ment. A salt water aquarium has been installed and place for watching marine wildlife. The lighthouse permits for backpacking can be obtained here. A 20 is home to plant and animal life from the Bay. A stairs are open 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, weather permit­ minute orientation film, Something Special, and a minke whale skeleton can be viewed up close. This ting. Dress warmly as weather conditions are un­ dramatic slide program, The Enchanted Shore, are facility offers an eel's eye view of life beyond the surf. predictable. The Lighthouse itself is often closed available for viewing upon request. This is a good Rangers are on hand to answer your questions. during the noon hour. place to begin your visit.

Hours: Hours: Hours: Open Thursday - Monday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Weekends and holidays 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Closed Tuesday and Wednesday Weekends and holidays 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Closed for lunch Noon-12:30 pm Phone (415) 669-1534 Phone (415) 663-1092 Phone (415) 669-1250 6 POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE

What You Need to Know

J-JIKING uphill side, stand quietly and do not touch the ani­ pick up a free flyer on pet regulations here and in mals. nearby parks. •Owners not adhering to these regulations will be Three short signed informative trails traverse the •There are no lifeguards on duty at any of the cited. Bear Valley area: the Earthquake Trail, the Wood­ beaches at Point Reyes National Seashore. Severe pecker Trail and the trail to the Rule Loklo Coast rip currents exist along North and South Beaches, glCYCLING Miwok Cultural Exhibit. Each trail is less than one and sneaker waves can knock you down without mile round trip. notice. Average water temperature is 55 degrees. Over 35 miles of trails are open to bicycles at Point For longer hikes, keep these suggestions and regu­ JYOGS Reyes National Seashore, and over 10 miles more in lations in mind: the adjacent Golden Gate National Recreation Area. • Stay on trails to avoid poison oak, stinging nettles Pets are wonderful creatures that give much com­ Stop by a visitor center to pick up a free trail map and ticks. Do not shortcut switchbacks, this causes fort to humankind, however, a national park is not which defines these areas. Safety, courtesy and erosion and damages trails. the best place for them. Dogs can transmit diseases respect for the wilderness are key points to remember •Stay away from cliff edges. Loose soil can give to the wild animals here, their scent left behind can while bicycling on trails at Point Reyes. way suddenly, sending you crashing to the rocks disturb natural territories and other visitors may not •When on a bicycle trail, travel no faster than below. want to be disturbed by someone else's pooch. If you 15 miles per hour and slow down around blind •Dress appropriately. Wear layered clothing and must bring a pet, please observe the following regu­ curves. Equestrians and pedestrians have the right be prepared for wind, rain, fog or sunshine (any time lations: of way. of year). •Pets are allowed at: Kehoe Beach, Limantour •Bicycles are not allowed off-trail or in designated •Carry water and some food for longer hikes. Beach (south only), Palomarin Beach and North and wilderness areas, nor can they be walked or carried Dehydration is a common cause of exhaustion, fa­ South Beaches. They are allowed in parking lots and while on pedestrian trails. tigue and headaches. Do not drink from streams: the the Bear Valley picnic area. Pets must be on a leash •Bicycles are not allowed on the Earthquake Trail, protozoan Giardia lamblia may be present and can no longer than six feet long at all times. the Woodpecker Trail or the Rule Loklo Cultural cause severe illness. Ih-inking water is available only •Pets are allowed on some trails in the Golden Exhibit. at visitor centers and campgrounds. Gate National Recreation Area adjacent to Point •Cyclists found not adhering to these rules will be •If horses need to pass you on the trail, step to the Reyes National Seashore. Stop by a visitor center to cited and their equipment possibly confiscated. Selected Point Reyes Trails

Starting Ftoint Destination Distance Difficulty Approximate Time Notes (oneway) (oneway) Bear Valley Trailhead Mt. Wittenberg 1.6 miles steep 1.5 hours Make a loop by returning (via Sky Trail) (1300'gain) via Meadow Trail Bear Valley Trailhead Divide Meadow 1.6 miles easy 1.0 hours (to Glen Trail junction) AxchRock 4.1 miles easy Z0 hours 69 r^omarin Trailhead WUdcat Clamp 5.5 miles easy-moderate 3.0 hours You can see Alamere Falls (via Coast Trail) from Wudcat Beach

Coast Trailhead Limantour Beach ZOmiles easy 1.0 hours (to Coast Camp) Coast Camp Z8 miles easy 1.5 hours Tomales Point Trailhead Tomales Point Trail 3.0 miles easy 1.5 hours The place to see (Rerce Dairy Ranch) Tomales Point 4.5 miles easy-moderate Z5 hours tuleelk! McClures Beach Trailhead McClures Beach 0.6 miles steep 45 minutes Watch the tides! Rehoe Beach Trailhead Rehoe Beach 0.6 miles easy 30 minutes BO Abbotts Lagoon Trailhead Abbotts Lagoon 1.5 miles easy 45rninutes (to Lagoon) ( Kl first half mile) S Estero Trailhead Drakes Estero Z4 miles easy-moderate, 1.5 hours ( 61 first mile) steep in parts •

QAMPING JvTEARBY gACKPACKING allowed in the campsites or anywhere else. Use charcoal in the grills or use a backpacking stove to There are no facilities at Point Reyes National Point Reyes National Seashore operates four hike- cook. Seashore for car or RV camping. Overnight parking in wilderness campgrounds on a free permit system. •Store food securely from animals in the food is allowed only at established trailheads for users of Reservations are recommended and can be made up storage lockers. Dispose of scraps in waste contain­ our wilderness campgrounds. Pick up a complete list to eight weeks ahead by calling the Bear Valley ers or carry out. Wash dishes away from water of campgrounds at any visitor center. Visitor Center at (415) 663-1092, Monday through spigots. •Samuel P. Taylor State Park (415) 488-9897. For Friday, 9:00 am to noon. Permits must be picked up •Quiet time is after sunset. Please respect your reservations: MISTLX 1-800-444-7275. Six miles at this visitor center before starting your trip. neighbor's wilderness enjoyment. east of Bear Valley Visitor Center on Sir Francis •Each campground has pit toilets and drinking •Stay within the designated site. Camping out of Drake Boulevard. water. Do not drink from streams or lakes. bounds is illegal and only destroys the wilderness you •Olema Ranch Campground (415) 663-8001. One •Each campsite has a picnic table, charcoal bra­ have come to enjoy. mile from the visitor center, north of Olema on High­ zier and a food storage locker. Over 20,000 visitors camp at Point Reyes National way 1. Private RV (with full hook-ups) and tent •Wood fires are allowed on beaches below the high Seashore each year. We hope that your visit here is campground. tide mark with driftwood only. Wood fires are not a safe and memorable one. POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE 7 Community Services

Information Centers Service Stations Restaurants and Delicatessens INVERNESS Bear Valley Visitor Center 663-1092 DRAKES BEACH Drake Highway Garage 669-1017 Bear Valley Recorded Weather, Whale, and Info. 663-9029 Drakes Beach Cafe 669-1297 POINT REYES STATION Ken Patrick Visitor Center 669-1250 INVERNESS Bud's Auto Service 663-1177 Lighthouse Visitor Center 669-1534 Barnaby's 669-1114 Cheda Chevrolet 663-1227 Morgan Horse Ranch 663-1763 Gray Whale 669-1244 Tomales Bay State Park 669-1140 OLEMA Inverness Inn 669-1109 Olema Ranch Campground (gas only) 663-8001 Manka's Restaurant 669-1034 Perry's Deli 663-1491 Stables Vladimir's 669-1021 Five Brooks Stables 663-1570 Campgrounds POINT REYES STATION The Inn at Point Reyes Ranch 663-8888 Point Reyes National Seashore 663-1092 Mike's Cafe 663-1536 Stewart's Horse Camp 663-1362 Olema Ranch Campground 663-8001 Station House Cafe 663-1515 Samuel P. Taylor State Park 488-9897 Taqueira La Quinta 663-8868 Bike Rentals Golden Gate National Recreation Area 331-1540 OLEMA Trailhead Rental 663-1958 Mount Tamalpais State Park 388-2070 Olema Farm House 663-1264 Lawsons Landing (707) 878-2443 Olema Inn 663-9559 MARSHALL Coin Laundry Tony's Seafood 663-1107 Olema Ranch Campground Lodging Bed and Breakfast Cottages Nick's Cove 663-1033 of Point Reyes 663-9445 Post Offices Coastal Lodging of West Marin 663-1351 General Stores Olema 663-1761 Inns of Point Reyes 663-1420 INVERNESS Point Reyes Station 663-1305 Point Reyes Youth Hostel 663-8811 Inverness Store 669-1041 Inverness 669-1675 Seashore Bed and Breakfasts 663-9373 Inverness Park Groceries 663-1491 West Marin Chamber of Commerce 663-9232 POINT REYES STATION West Marin Network 663-9543 Whale Watching Boat Trips Ed's Superette 663-1495 Oceanic Society Expeditions 474-3385 Palace Market 663-1016 Churches OLEMA Education Centers Sacred Heart (Catholic, Roman) 663-1139 Olema Store 663-1479 Point Reyes Field Seminars 663-1200 St. Columba's Episcopal Church 669-1039 Point Reyes Bird Observatory 868-1221 St. Eugene's Hermitage (Orthodox) 669-1705 Bakeries Marine Mammal Center 289-7325 Point Reyes Presbyterian 663-1349 Bovine Bakery 663-9420 Marin Wildlife Center 454-6961 Marin Coast Baptist Chapel 663-8815 Knave of Hearts 663-1236 Telephone Device for the Deaf Bolinas Bakery 868-0211 Bear Valley Visitor Center 663-1092 Aclministration Building 663-8522 EMERGENCY Oyster Companies 9-1-1 Hog Island Oyster Company 663-9218 Medical Services Johnson's Oyster Farm 669-1149 West Marin Medical Center 663-1082 Tomales Bay Oyster Company 663-1242 Point Reyes Clinic 663-8666

Bear Valley Visitor Center Area Point Reyes National Seashore

Parking Areas Restrooms

Phone Wheelchair Accessible Interpretive Trail

Trails Roads

North

Self-guided interpretive trails:

Woodpecker Trail 0.7 miles loop

Earthquake Trail 0.6 miles loop

To Kule Loklo 0.5 miles one way

Pets allowed in parking and picnic areas only and must be on a leash at all times. Looking Where have all the froggies gone? Amphibian loss spurs studies for Frogs axe disappearing and its starting to make These researchers are wading through a range of headlines. A worldwide disappearance of some spe­ aquatic habitats from creeks along the coast to moun­ cies of frogs and salamanders has inspired numerous tain lakes and meadows in the Sierra, searching for research projects and international conferences with frogs and salamanders in all their life history phases, hopes of revealing why amphibian populations are from eggs, tadpoles, larvae to adults. In Point Reyes, Frogs declining. biologists are searching for red-legged frogs, foothill Some biologists believe this decline may be an yellow-legged frogs, Pacific treefrogs and western indication of the ill health of the environment. While toads. In the Sierra, mountain yellow-legged hogs It is a muddy proposition, but biologists are people breathe with lungs on the inside of their bodies, and Yosemite toads are of considerable interest, as searching high and low for frogs and toads in many most frogs and salamanders exchange gases primarily they appear to be declining very quickly. ofCalifornia's National Parks. Where to find these through the moist skin which covers them. Therefore, Surveys for amphibians began in the spring of this amphibians? Water is a key ingredient. Armed amphibians directly exposed to acid rain, pesticide year and are scheduled to continue for three years. By ioith dipnets (something like giant aquarium nets) pollution or increases in ultraviolet radiation may be the end of the study, biologists hope to have a picture and a seine net which is capable of capturing particularly susceptible to these substances on their of distribution or location, and abundance of several hundreds of tadpoles at a time, they creep through skin. species of frog and salamander populations through­ streams and meadows, and wade in ponds in Other factors may be responsible — loss of habitat to out many National Parks in California. search of signs of amphibian life. real estate development and agriculture, introduction The focus of the project will turn to conservation They look for frog eggs attached to rocks and of non-native predatory fish and natural causes like issues once biologists have a better understanding of vegetation, straining the water for frog tadpoles or drought. It is not surprising that amphibians are the health and location of amphibian populations. larvae, which are often resting on the bottom of a disappearing when they lose Long-term monitoring projects to survey pond, or hiding in aquatic vegetation. Scanning habitat, however, it is very the banks of ponds and streams, adults are com­ alarming that they are dis­ monly basking only a frog's leap away from water. appearing from natural Shining flashlights to detect the eyeshine of habitat that is minimally im­ frogs, they also survey at night. And they listen. pacted directly by humans. During the breeding season, the chorus of some Recent frog surveys in the Si­ species of male frogs can be deafening! erra Nevada in Yosemite, Sequoia On the coast, in Point Reyes National Seashore and Kings Canyon National Parks and Redwood National Park, preliminary results reveal that there has been a dramatic of these amphibian surveys are-hopeful, pointing to decrease in the numbers of frogs in the healthy populations of native true frogs (foothill past 50-70 years. yellow-legged and red-legged frogs), as well as Unfortunately, little historical data ex Pacific treefrogs and western toads. ists on amphibian populations, and biologists The picture is grim in the Sierra Nevada. While j are faced with the problem of not knowing how Pacific treefrogs and western toads are present, not I fast, and to what extent they are missing. They are a single population of red-legged or foothill yellow- ( basically starting from scratch in some areas when legged frogs has been located after several months ; trying to understand and measure this loss. of surveying. The National Park Service is addressing this very Biologists in the Sierra Nevada surveying for i large problem through a research project directed by the health of existing populations will be developed, as frogs at higher elevations, in the backcountry of Dr. Gary Fellers at Point Reyes National Seashore. well as plans to reestablish frogs where they once Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, hope they Biologists are currently gathering information in nine existed. will meet with more success in finding healthy frog National Parks including Point Reyes National Sea­ This experimental plan is a step towards the resto­ populations. shore, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Lassen and Redwood ration of amphibian life which once flourished not too National Parks. long ago.

Field Seminars Newspaper Staff To further enhance your enjoyment of the National RAPTORS-MONARCHS OF THE SKY Seashore this fall and winter why not enroll in one of SEPT 25 & 26 $64.00 Editor/ Layout Margaret Pearson Pinkham our weekend seminars? Point Reyes Field Seminars Fall is an incredible time to observe hawks, falcons, John Dell'Osso offers weekend classes for adults in natural history, and other raptors as they soar effortlessly above, photography, environmental education and the arts. many on their journey south for the winter months. Contributors Scot Anderson To receive a free brochure, please write This weekend will combine study of the hab­ Bert Dyer Point Reyes Field Seminars, Point Reyes its and ecology of these splendid birds Carlin Finke Kathleen Freel National Seashore, Point Reyes, CA with a special opportunity to observe Ray Henton 94956, or call (415) 663-1200. them in their southern migration from Hallie Larsen Following is a select listing of Fall/ high atop "Hawk Mountain." Instruc­ Mark Neuweld Winter classes: tor: Diane Williams Leslie Price

HUNTER'S MOON AT ABBOTTS PINHOLE PHOTOGRAPHY Masthead photo Marty Knapp LAGOON SEPT 25 $20,006-10 pm OCT 16 & 17 $70.00 Clear, crisp weather should help us This two-day workshop offers a unique greet this special Hunter's Moon, which and simple approach to photography. We CHRISTMAS WREATHS DEC 12 $50.00 in days gone by signified a time for will learn how to make cameras from found The green wreath you make will be adorned with gathering provisions for the winter sea­ containers (i.e., oatmeal boxes) and how to berries, cones, seeds or ribbons of your choice-all son ahead. Our easy 11/2 mile hike will bring make black and white negatives and prints from designed to add a personal and festive welcome greet­ us to the lagoon and the surrounding sand dunes from "pinhole" images. Materials will be supplied. Basic ing to your door. Instructor Ane Rovetta will guide whence we will witness the gentle transition from day camera and darkroom experience required. Instruc­ you during this instructive and productive workshop to night. Instructor: Michael Ellis tor: Douglas Madeley and provide an ample dose of happy, holiday spirit.