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
Osprey with fish
Park E-Ventures Article
In the heart of 49er country, two GGRO volunteers are working to monitor the Bay Area’s population of osprey (aka “sea hawks”). Learn how these citizen scientists are harnessing the power of the people to protect these magnificent birds.
Wild Cucumber, or California Manroot, (Marah fabaceus, Cucurbitaceae family), along the Battery East Trail, Presidio
Park E-Ventures Article
Most of the year, we like to feature soft, picture-perfect native plants that beckon you to frolic in the parklands. But for Halloween, we’re profiling the ghoulish wild cucumber, which features some diabolically scary fruit—and a terrifying rate of growth.
Presidio Officers' Club
Park E-Ventures Article
On Oct. 4–5, 2014, our friends at the Presidio Trust are inviting the entire community to celebrate the grand reopening of the newly rehabilitated Officers’ Club—San Francisco’s most historic building and now a new cultural destination. Preview eight highlights of this exciting visitor gateway!
people weeding
Park E-Ventures Article
The school year’s just begun, but for students it’s not too early to think about summer internship opportunities! Read about two young people who enjoyed their LINC internship so much last summer that they came back to the park this past summer—as Presidio nursery interns.
Park E-Ventures Article
Chew on this: cattails, those distinctive wetland plants, make for a tasty snack (or entrée)! Step into our Park Stewardship test kitchen as we share tips on preparing and cooking different parts of the cattail. You’ll find these recipes to be the cat’s pajamas!
MLK Day of Service
Park E-Ventures Article
Marine debris pollutes aquatic ecosystems, endangers wildlife, and impacts human health and safety. Help turn the tide against trash in waterways and the ocean; pitch-in for California Coastal Cleanup Day on Sept. 20. Be a part of the solution, not the pollution!
bird watching
Park E-Ventures Article
The Golden Gate Raptor Observatory turns 30 this fall. With the GGRO at a stage of maturity and reflection, Director Allen Fish tells the tale of the people who founded this pioneering citizen science program. Also, discover its many volunteer-driven accomplishments—and inventions!
Presidio Native Plant Nursery staff
Park E-Ventures Article
In 1997, there was no organized nursery program, restoration work was relatively small-scale, and greenhouses were made of pipes and plastic sheets. From that humble start, Betty Young led nursery staff and dedicated volunteers in growing over 2 million plants. On the eve of Betty’s retirement, hear her story.
Volunteers at work
Park E-Ventures Article
We know you choose to volunteer to give back to the community and the parks. But it’s alright to enjoy the fruits of your labors, too! Take a look at four fantastic benefits of volunteering in the Golden Gate National Parks—and share these with friends who are thinking about pitching...
Presidio Parklands Project
Park E-Ventures Article
While five international design teams work on conceptual ideas for the 12 new acres of national parkland atop the Presidio Parkway, YOU have an opportunity to share your own creative vision for this “Presidio Gateway.” Learn more about this project—and how to submit your ideas.
Trail Mixer, musician
Park E-Ventures Article
Music and song—like the Golden Gate National Parks—are wrapped around so many of our best memories. We asked park staff to share their favorite songs that evoke the landscape, the spirit, their adventures, and their work across the parklands. Check out these solid-gold hits at Golden Gate—then share your own!
Mountain Lake Park
Park E-Ventures Article
Dive back into the weird world of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), as we see how nursery staff and interns are demystifying the growing process for these fascinating plants that live beneath the surface of Mountain Lake in the Presidio.