Point Reyes Celebrates World Oceans Day, June 8, 2012

Date: June 5, 2012
Contact: John Golda, 415-464-5136

Point Reyes, California - The oceans are key to the health and the success of the Earth. In recognition of their importance, President Barack Obama has proclaimed June as National Oceans Month. "Healthy oceans, coasts, and waterways are among our most valuable resources--driving growth, creating jobs, and supporting businesses across America," said President Obama. Join us at Point Reyes National Seashore as we celebrate National Oceans Month and World Oceans Day on Friday, June 8, 2012.

Join park staff, in cooperation with the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries as we celebrate World Oceans Day. Activities are scheduled throughout the day.

• Start your day with a walk on the beach with a park ranger. Meet for this hour-long walk at Drakes Beach at 10 am. We will explore one of the most beautiful beaches at Point Reyes.
• Audio-visual presentations throughout the day in the auditorium at the Bear Valley Visitor Center, including the films "Cordell Bank: Blue Water Oasis" and "Point Reyes: The Point of Kings."
• Presentations of the Channel Islands National Park's distance learning program "Channel Islands Live" at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. These live broadcasts are transmitted by divers from the seldom seen underwater kelp forests at Channel Islands at 12:30 pm, 2 pm, and 3:30 pm.

"The oceans are critical to the survival of life on this planet. Somewhere between 50 and 70 percent of the oxygen we breathe comes from the oceans. That's more than all of the rainforests combined," says Cicely Muldoon, the Superintendent of Point Reyes National Seashore. "The ocean has an elemental beauty and power. One can't walk along its edge without being in awe of what it does for us."

The Point Reyes National Seashore, the only National Seashore on the Pacific Coast, was created by Congress in 1962, as a means to protect some of California's undeveloped coastline. And with 80 miles of spectacular shoreline, it is the perfect place to appreciate the role the ocean plays in our lives. The ocean has influenced the region's rich cultural history, the tremendous diversity of native plants and wildlife--more than 1,000 species--and the extraordinary recreational opportunities on nearly 150 miles of trails, backcountry campgrounds, and wild beaches.

The park, an important link in a chain of protected areas, shares boundaries with the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries, Tomales Bay State Park, and Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Combined, these places constitute one of the five most productive off-shore regions on Earth.

For more information:

• To learn more about National Ocean Month: http:///www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/01/presidential-proclamation-national-oceans-month-2012
• To learn more about World Oceans Day: http://worldoceansday.org/
• The "Channel Islands Live" program can also be seen on the Internet at: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/live-programs.htm
• For more information about Channel Islands National Park's "Channel Islands Live" and other programs, contact Yvonne Menard at Channel Islands National Park at 805-658-5725 or at: www.nps.gov/chis/parknews/newsreleases.htm

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