50th Anniversary Commemoration

In 2012, Point Reyes National Seashore, in conjunction with numerous community partners, will carry out a year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary as part of our nation's National Park System. This website will provide up-to-date information about anniversary events and promote public involvement with the park during our anniversary year. Other features will include a photo gallery and a space where people can leave memories of past trips to Point Reyes. The site will be updated with details as anniversary events are developed.

Point Reyes was established as a National Seashore on September 13, 1962, by President John F. Kennedy.

Throughout 2012, Point Reyes, our Cooperating Association, the Point Reyes National Seashore Association, and our other partners will host special events and activities that focus on the park's history and future. Reflecting the relationship that Californians, all Americans, and a growing number of international visitors have with Point Reyes National Seashore, the theme of the anniversary is A Natural Sanctuary, A Human Haven.

Anniversary Commemoration, Tree Planting Ceremony, and Nature Walk
On Saturday, September 8, 2012, Point Reyes National Seashore held a commemoration ceremony for our 50th Anniversary at the Bear Valley picnic area. There was a brief presentation with remarks from Regional Director of the Pacific West Region for the National Park Service Christine Lehnertz and Point Reyes National Seashore Superintendent Cicely A. Muldoon. Following those remarks, participants planted a grove of coast live oaks to commemorate the 50th anniversary. The public was also invited to join a one-hour ranger-guided hike at Limantour Beach in the afternoon.

Point Reyes 50th Anniversary Photo Contest

To commemorate our 50th anniversary, Point Reyes National Seashore is sponsoring a photo contest. From the 308th step at the historic lighthouse to high up on Mt. Vision's bishop pine covered ridge, share your favorite memories of this natural sanctuary. Park visitors were invited to submit their photos in three categories: flora and fauna, landscapes, and people in the seashore.

The competition was open to all park visitors. Submissions were accepted between August 1, 2012, and August 27, 2012. The winners will be announced in September to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the park.

Media coverage

Crowning Glories: Celebrating the Landscapes of Point Reyes
Bay Nature Magazine published a special insert in its July-September 2012 issue entitled "Crowning Glories: Celebrating the Landscapes of Point Reyes".

Crown Jewel
Naturalist Michael Ellis' "Crown Jewel" was broadcast on August 17, 2012, as part of KQED radio's Perspectives series.

Point Reyes National Seashore's Legacy
Superintendent Cicely Muldoon submitted an op-ed entitled "Point Reyes National Seashore's Legacy" for publication in area newspapers on September 13, 2012.

Read the statement that Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey read into the Congressional Record on September 13, 2012, to honor Point Reyes National Seashore on its 50th anniversary.

Read the letter Senator Tom Udall sent to Superintendent Cicely Muldoon congratulating Point Reyes National Seashore on its 50th anniversary. Senator Udall is the the son of Stewart Udall, who was the Secretary of the Interior under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson and who helped shepherd the legislation authorizing Point Reyes National Seashore through Congress.

50th Anniversary Logo designed by Michael Osborne Design.

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