The vernal equinox, with its equal parts daylight and night, arrives on Monday, March 20 coinciding with the new moon and a spell of afternoon daylight low tides. The equinox is a significant moment in many communities, signifying the beginning of the planting season and the end of the deprivations of winter. The Celtic or Saxon tradition of Ostara, the coming of the light, is the origin of the Easter holiday.

Amidst waves of rain and grey skies are many reminders of the oncoming spring. The first tule elk calves were born, the first chocolate lily was noted at Chimney Rock and gray whales are visible from the lighthouse as they migrate north to Alaska.

Northern elephant seals continue to depart, the new pups sporting a pink tag on their flipper that will allow researchers to note which ones make it back ashore at their natal Point Reyes beaches in years to come. Some will remain and others will return to molt and grow new fur. Their solitary life begins as males move north and females move northwest.

Downed trees on many park trails remain a challenge, and crews have been clearing them on a regular basis. As spring approaches, this work is balanced against the needs of nesting bird species, such as northern spotted owls. A quiet forest allows birds to build their nests and the young to fledge.