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

Refine
Ocean Beach
Park E-Ventures Article
Flanking San Francisco’s westernmost edge, Ocean Beach’s thunderous surf seems inviting on those rare hot days in San Francisco. But the hidden forces beneath those waves should give you pause before cooling off with an afternoon swim.
A small group of people focus on individual tasks while working outside on a trail overlook a body of water
Article
Learn more about the process of new trail construction, and become inspired to join us out on the trail.
A large group of volunteers poses outside on a sunny day
Article
What can we learn when we’re given the opportunity to observe ancient practices and traditions? Read about one intern’s experience volunteering alongside the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, and the many things he was able to take away from the exciting opportunity.
A volunteer smiles while seated in front of a blooming hedge
Article
This season, we’d like to take the time to thank and highlight some of our regular volunteers who have enriched our parks and our lives. For this spring, we’d like you to meet Paul Barrows, who has been volunteering regularly at Lands End for the last year and a half!
Three people stand on a hillside overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge
Article
Caring doesn’t happen everywhere; some jobs are a means to an end, or summer flings. They must have meaningfulness to create a sense of care in the worker.
A group of volunteers replacing post and cable fencing at Baker Beach.
Article
The Trail Stewardship crew members have been busy bees this past month as the rain was slowly letting up—welcome to spring in the Golden Gate National Parks!
A black and yellow Anise Swallotwail butterfly sits on a plant with its wings open
Marin Parks Stewardship Newsletter Article
The San Francisco Bay Area is a biodiversity hotspot for flora and fauna—there are around 144 species of butterflies that call the region home! But factors such as urbanization, invasive plants, and climate change have made the lives of our four-winged friends in the Bay Area quite difficult.
Biologist Sarah Allen records data in a notebook next to rocky California coastline.
Park E-Ventures Article
Go behind the scenes of park science with Dr. Sarah Allen, who's dedicated her career to elevating science and conservation in National Parks. Learn about her journey as a scientist in her own words, from the sparks of her career to adventures researching penguins in Antarctica.
Pole covered in yarn with Fort Point and Golden Gate Bridge in background.
Park E-Ventures Article
See our favorite photos of the multicolored and thought-provoking Immigrant Yarn Project at Fort Point (open now through May 19).
Chris Lehnertz
Park E-Ventures Article
Just talk to the new President & CEO of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy for a few minutes. Whether she’s talking about the history embedded in a place like Fort Point or how to inspire park journeys for more people, her passion for parklands shines through.
Yellow wildflowers on hill at Mori Point
Article
Where can you enjoy the array of seasonal flora in the Golden Gate National Parks while minimizing your impact? Follow these tips.
Hiking in the Marin Headlands
Article
Here at the Golden Gate National Parks, there are so many opportunities to celebrate National Park Week 2019!