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Point Reyes National SeashoreSunset Beach at low tide
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Point Reyes National Seashore
For Kids
Girl with a dipnet

Point Reyes National Seashore is home to nearly forty species of land mammals, and at least a dozen species of marine mammals. Nearly half the bird species of North America have been spotted here. The park is home to one of the largest populations of tule elk and a thriving breeding ground for the once nearly extinct elephant seals. Jutting 10 miles into the Pacific Ocean, Point Reyes offers one of the best spots for viewing the migrations of the California gray whale.

Junior Ranger Program
Point Reyes National Seashore offers lots of fun opportunities for kids. While at Point Reyes, children can discover the wonders of wildlife-watching, hike along a variety of trails, build sand castles, watch for whales, seals and sea lions, discover the lighthouse, check out our visitor centers with interactive displays, or become a Junior Ranger! We have two self-guided Junior Ranger programs. One explores the history of the Coast Miwok people, while the other is a study at the lighthouse. Stop at the Bear Valley Visitor Center or the Lighthouse Visitor Center, respectively, for more information on becoming a Junior Ranger.

Or you can become a Virtual Junior Ranger by downloading, printing, completing and mailing-in our Junior Ranger page!


Point Reyes Summer Camp
Would you like to live in and explore Point Reyes for 4 to 6 days this summer? Do you like to explore mudflats, hike, tidepool, look for critters and have fun? If you are interested in receiving summer camp information, visit the Point Reyes Summer Camp website. The Point Reyes National Seashore Association runs this facility, and fees are charged.


School Reports
Do you need information to complete a school report? Information on wildlife, geology, plants, Coast Miwok Indians, the Point Reyes Lighthouse, and many other subjects is available through our Nature & Science and History & Culture pages.


High School Students
Are you interested in an internship, service learning project, or summer job? We offer a variety of opportunities including paid summer internships for students. Applications for science or science education positions are available online.


Stay tuned for interactive learning opportunities at this site...

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Elephant seals at the main colony at Point Reyes  

Did You Know?
Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) began breeding at Point Reyes in 1981 after being absent for over 150 years. The population breeds at terrestrial haul out sites at Point Reyes Headland, one of only eleven mainland breeding areas for northern elephant seals in the world.

Last Updated: April 20, 2009 at 14:45 EST