Tuesday, September 15, 2015
As the equinox approaches next week on Wednesday, September 23, fall color decorates Olema Valley with crimson poison oak and golden big leaf maples dropping leaves. Purple eggplant-colored bay nuts are ripening on the trees. The full moon on September 27 will bring a lunar eclipse.
Checking on the seasonal changes in weather? There is a new address for the Lighthouse webcam for a view of the Great Beach (as well as occasional glimpses of carpenters working on new exhibits!): https://go.nps.gov/PORECAM
Saturday, September 19, is the California Coastal Cleanup Day at Drakes Beach. No preregistration is needed for this annual event and the work gets under way at 10 am. (Note: leave the family pet at home; no dogs are allowed at Drakes Beach).
A small, 1/4-acre grass fire was put out last week [Friday] in the park off L Ranch Road. There was also a "tiny" wildfire in the community of Seahaven adjacent to and south of Tomales Bay State Park on Sunday. These serve as reminders that fall brings the warmest, driest weather in the area and fire danger remains a concern until winter rains.
New citizens will be welcomed at Bear Valley picnic area on September 25 at 11 am; the naturalization ceremony is open to the public.
Point Reyes rangers will be on hand for the Sonoma Birding's annual Optics and Nature Festival on Sunday, September 20 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Sonoma Barracks on the Plaza in Sonoma. Information on parks and recreation will be available as well as binoculars and optics.
Families with 4th graders: if you are heading to the California Coastal Cleanup Day or the Optics and Nature Festival, go online to www.everykidinapark.gov and print your voucher to exchange for your free Every Kid in a Park pass. California Coastal Cleanup Day attendees may stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center on the way out to Drakes Beach. Optics and Nature Festival attendees should look for the Point Reyes booth!