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
Students embark on an exploration of Crissy Field Marsh
Park E-Ventures Article
Summer Camp 2013 at the Crissy Field Center is finished! We had a great summer with the campers and can’t wait to do it again next year! Check out our video slideshow to see some of the fun we had.
California Poppy
Park E-Ventures Article
The California poppy is the much-loved, vivacious floral icon of the Golden State. But is it actually illegal to pick the poppy? Discover the truth behind this rumor—and more fun facts about one of the most recognizable blooms in our parks.
Tennessee Valley trail
Park E-Ventures Article
Here's our hand-picked list of the best hikes for kids in the Golden Gate National Parks, at Mori Point, Lands End, and Tennessee Valley. Bring the whole gang for a family-friendly nature adventure.
Volunteers at Coastal Cleanup Day
Park E-Ventures Article
It’s time to grab your reusable gloves, buckets, bags, and litter-picking tools! Gear up for California Coastal Cleanup Day, Saturday, September 21, 2013, and head to your local shorelines and parklands to provide some much-needed TLC and fall cleaning.
Searching for migrating hawks
Park E-Ventures Article
Hawk Hill isn’t just a spot for watching raptors. In the fall, visitors who point their binoculars at smaller birds might be treated to the aerial acrobatics of migrating swifts. Learn more about these amazing—and mysterious—insectivores.
Snowy Plover
Park E-Ventures Article
To humans, bird vocalizations can be inspiring and soothing—or annoying, in the case of those early morning arias. But for birds, they perform critical communication functions. Read on to learn about five types of vocalizations, and what they teach us about birds’ surroundings.
Park E-Ventures Article
In a rapidly urbanizing world, parks and public lands are seen as vital to human, social, and ecological health. Learn how the Institute will highlight innovative programs that leverage parks to make stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities.
Stinson Beach
Park E-Ventures Article
Raging Waters general admission ticket: $35.99. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, general admission: $61.99. Disneyland one-day “park hopper” ticket: $137. A full day of exploration in the Golden Gate National Parks with the entire family: FREE. Discover free activities every day in August (and every month of the year)!
Park E-Ventures Article
For the first time, Crissy Field Center has two high school interns running our Media Lab for summer camp. Read about how Luciana and Nathaniel have stepped up to the challenge of creating an educational and fun environment for our campers!
Mori Point
Park E-Ventures Article
As the Conservancy’s Park Stewardship Program approaches its 20th anniversary, we’re celebrating places transformed by the program, such as Mori Point, and people who have made the transformation possible, like Ron Maykel. Learn more about one of the park’s “renaissance men.”
Park E-Ventures Article
Not as obvious as leaves or as ostentatious as flowers, seeds are often overlooked in our appreciation of plant life. But don’t miss out on their beauty! In this guide, one of the Parks Conservancy’s seed experts picks her favorites.
snowy egret
Park E-Ventures Article
Feathers are a uniquely avian adaptation—or are they? While feathers can only be seen on birds today, evidence has shown that many dinosaurs also had feathers. Read on to learn about the variety—and possible purposes—of dinosaur feathers.