Park Stories

Highlighting the people, engaging programs and beautiful places that make the Golden Gate national parks special. Can't get enough? Sign up for our monthly E-ventures newsletter, and become a member today to receive our gorgeous Gateways Magazine. More about our publications here. 

A map of the restored trails in the GGNRA
Hit the Trail: Park sites that have gotten a 'glow up'

The Parks Conservancy and our partners work hard to improve trails and park sites, and if you want to be a true park insider, you'll hit the freshest spots first.

White and purple star-tulip flower
Bloom boom: A banner year for rare flower following prescribed burn

Prescribed fire set the stage. This spring, rare star-tulips returned by the thousands. See what fire can renew—and what’s blooming next. 

A park ranger greets visitors at Presidio Tunnel Tops.
We the Parks: A message from our CEO

Parks Conservancy President & CEO Christine Lehnertz on how national parks—and places like Alcatraz Island—can help us honor the past, spark connection in the present, and boldly shape a more just, inclusive future belonging to all of us.

A group of people walking down a path at Lands End in San Francisco.
Isolation to connection: The power of GGNRA national park outings with Rafiki Coalition

For the last 8 years, we've partnered with Rafiki Coalition for Health and Wellness, which works to eliminate health disparities and improve wellness for Black and marginalized communities in San Francisco.

Alcatraz staff member Edwin Sera stands in the Alcatraz Cellhouse.
A 'special' spot: Here's what it's like to work on Alcatraz

Alcatraz Island is one of the most unique places to work in the Bay Area, and many Parks Conservancy team members keep coming back year after year. 

People at the Crissy Field Center Teaching Kitchen
Park cooking: Youth find connections at Crissy Field Center Teaching Kitchen

How the Crissy Field Center Teaching Kitchen is helping young people follow their curiosities—and their senses—to more deeply engage with the world around them. 

Veteran Jack Carter Fisher at Lands End in San Francisco.
Veteran's journey: How Jack found recovery through science in the GGNRA

Veteran Jack Carter Fisher has found connection and healing in GGNRA parks, thanks to the W.A.R.I.O.R. Program through the San Francisco VA Health Care System, the National Park Service, and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

Ranger Jace is holding up a a branch with redwood needles and pointing to it in their uniform.
Meet the Park Ranger: Turning to the trees with Ranger Jace 

Jace Ritchey never dreamed of becoming a park ranger, but today you'll find Ranger Jace greeting visitors and starring in social media posts from Muir Woods National Monument.

Dennis Mabasa
Q&A: Dennis Mabasa on community and outdoor connections

Dennis Mabasa is the dynamic new Vice President of Community and Youth Programs for the Parks Conservancy. We chatted with Dennis about their connection to the outdoors and the importance of community. 

A sea lion at The Marine Mammal Center in the Marin Headlands.
Rescue on Alcatraz Island

OK, so a sea lion "walks" onto Alcatraz Island. It sounds like the beginning of a joke, but it’s actually the start of a wonderful story of partnership and conservation. 

Portrait of birder Daniela Sánchez with binoculars on a birding trip.
How to find birds 'slowly' in national parks

Many people flock to birding because they love birds' beautiful plumage, their intricate songs, or their entertaining antics. For Daniela Sánchez, it was serendipity.

A bicyclist rides through water along a pedestrian path in Marin County.
Here's what rising tides tell us about climate resilience

 As storms raged over the winter, flooding paths and ripping apart beach walkways, the message was clear: Watch out!

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