Much has been written in recent years about the disconnect between the current generation of young people and the natural world, along with concerns that national parks are not seen as relevant by Americans from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Both issues aren't helped when field trips to parks and other off-site areas are often among the first casualties of tight school budgets. One solution is being provided by the National Park Foundation's "Ticket to Ride" grant program.

It's the stuff of legends, of treasure seekers. Somewhere, not far from land, lies buried treasure in the seabed of Drakes Bay. Within the remains of the 16th century Spanish galleon San Agustin there could be priceless heirlooms, or merely shards of porcelain dishes that the ship was carrying from the Philippines to Mexico. What is known is that the wreck of the San Agustin in 1595 in waters now within Point Reyes National Seashore is the first recorded shipwreck on the West Coast.

An adverse ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court, while disappointing, does not automatically signal the end of oyster farming at Point Reyes National Seashore, according to the owner of Drakes Bay Oyster Co.

Point Reyes National Seashore on the California coast offers a mix of habitats and settings, places where you might spot a sea otter, or maybe a great egret wading through a marsh in search of a meal. Sit back and spend five minutes enjoying this setting.