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

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Member portraits at Fort Cronkhite
Gateways Article
Many thanks to the Conservancy supporters who responded to our fall 2019 members survey. Here are some of the best quotes and thoughts!
Sign labeled "Hopper's Hands" on a fence with the Golden Gate Bridge behind.
Gateways Article
Looking for things to do in the Bay Area? Before your next run to the Golden Gate Bridge, discover the story behind a beloved running tradition in SF.
Outrigger Canoes around Lime Point
Article
Angela Flaviani is the president of the Tamalpais Outrigger Canoe Club, based out of Fort Baker. She sat down with us to tell us more.
Photographer and Waterfall on Steep Ravine Trail
Gateways Article
Nothing beats that moment in a hike when you turn a corner to the sights and sounds of a rushing waterfall. February through April are normally the prime months to experience full falls within the Mt. Tamalpais watershed.
Water bottle covered in park stickers.
Article
You’ve inspired us to find the world’s best national park sticker or patch collection. Do you have a water bottle or laptop that’s messier than the rest? You could win some NEW Golden Gate National Parks stickers!
Cooper's Hawk nest
Article
The autumn raptor migration at the Golden Gate runs August through December. The spring migration is late February through May. So how is it that my neighborhood Bay Area Redtails are nesting in April? Shouldn’t they be migrating north? How exactly does the hawk breeding season fit between May and...
Alison Forrestel looks up for a smile among vegetation plots.
Article
As part of a larger effort to highlight the dynamic women doing science in our parks, we are featuring Alison Forrestel, Natural Resources & Science Chief at Golden Gate National Recreation Area. What’s it like to hold a leadership role at such a huge, urban National Park? Read Alison’s story...
Portrait of Data manager Lizzy Edson smiling on the bridge by Rodeo Lagoon.
Article
Data Coordinator Lizzy Edson is one of the many amazing women doing science in our parks! Her elegant handiwork is behind some of the parks’ most exciting Natural Resource projects: BioBlitzes, bat monitoring, the One Tam Health of the Mountain Project, and more. Read Lizzy's story to get inspired and...
San Francisco Critter Socks Collection.
Article
To help kids learn about park wildlife, we developed our San Francisco Critter Socks Collection. The collection celebrates three species that make their home in our park: raccoons, bobcats, and mule deer.
Walking up to the Alcatraz Cellhouse.
Park E-Ventures Article
Instead of a trip to the movies, why not enjoy a staycation adventure and tour our most famous historic movie location, Alcatraz Island!
Green sweat bee (Agapostemon texanus) on flower
Article
In an era when insect declines are making international news, One Tam decided data about pollinators could help assess the resilience of Mount Tam’s ecosystems.
Sunlight breaking through stormy cloud over Alcatraz
Park E-Ventures Article
Sunlight might be in short supply during the winter months, but your parks have a bright season ahead. Celebrate the new decade by maximizing your time in the parks.