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Point Reyes National SeashoreSunset Beach at low tide
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Point Reyes National Seashore
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The Point Reyes peninsula is remarkably covered with numerous layers of human activity that have left sometimes overt, other times subtle changes on the landscape. Those changes, imposed upon a rugged coastal environment, were filtered through the lens of cultural values, traditions, lifeways, economies and technologies of people who emigrated from small and great distances over a period of several millennia though current time. Point Reyes' also preserves a number of historic structures, from farm houses, barns, and creameries to lighthouses and radio stations, which represent the ranching and maritime culture of the central California coast.

Bull elephant seal © Richard Allen  

Did You Know?
Four species of pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) rest onshore or breed at Point Reyes: the Northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris), the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus), and the Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus).

Last Updated: December 08, 2007 at 18:04 EST