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    Point Reyes

    National Seashore California

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Strawberry Festival at Point Reyes National Seashore, on Saturday, April 26, 2003 To Be Cancelled

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Date: April 23, 2003
Contact: John Golda, 415-464-5143

Point Reyes National Seashore mourns the loss of former Park Ranger, Lanny Pinola, who passed away on April 21. Pinola served as a Park Ranger for over fifteen years, and was scheduled to be the Master of Ceremonies at Strawberry Festival. In memory of all that Pinola provided to the public, this year’s Strawberry Festival, originally scheduled for Saturday, April 26, will be cancelled.

During his career, Lanny Pinola educated tens of thousands of school children and park visitors about Native Californian culture and tradition, and he breathed life into Kule Loklo, a cultural exhibit at Point Reyes National Seashore that illustrates a Coast Miwok community prior to European contact.

Strawberry Festival is a traditional celebration and blessing of the first fruits of spring, normally accompanied with ceremonies, dancing, demonstrations, and games. The Native American community, the Miwok Archaeological Preserve of Marin, and the National Park Service have decided to cancel the Strawberry Festival out of respect to Pinola, his family, and friends. Park Superintendent, Don Neubacher, stated, “Lanny Pinola was a special teacher and friend to many of us at Point Reyes. His inspiration and wonderful spirit will be greatly missed.”

-NPS-

Did You Know?

Harbor Seal Pup, © Sue Van Der Wal

Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are present in the waters of Point Reyes year round. Every spring, approximately 7,000 harbor seals, or 20% of the mainland California breeding population, haul out on the beaches of Point Reyes. Look for them in the esteros and in Tomales Bay and Bolinas Lagoon. More...