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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 small group of high school students learn to use environmental testing tools with an educator from the Crissy Field Center
Community Group Programs Grow Park Awareness, Education

Crissy Field Center often works with schools and individual students—but did you know that we also work with community organizations? Our Community Group Programs lead programs and trainings throughout the year, all over the park. Learn how you can get involved!

GSM transmitters at GGRO
Fresh Tracks: GGRO Continues Innovative Raptor Monitoring

In addition to our annual hawkwatch, banding, and radiotelemetry programs, the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory has launched several new research projects to further understand raptor movements and health. Read on to discover how you can help!

Alcatraz, youth, education
How Can Parks Help Teach Climate Change?

Do parks have a role in educating us about the local impacts of climate change? Would you listen? This November, the Institute at the Golden Gate’s will convene Parks: The New Climate Classroom to contribute to the growing movement for meaningful, practical, and local climate change education and communication in parks and communities nationwide.

Mountain Lake Park
Mountain Lake’s Underwater Vegetation: Adventures with Stinky Plants

You may have heard about the incredible restoration effort going on at Mountain Lake in the Presidio, but did you know that this project also entails learning about and growing mysterious (and slightly stinky) submerged aquatic plants? Plunge in for a soggy adventure.

Student-Made Commercial Mixes Spoken Word, Park Volunteer Programs

Three students from Ex’pression College lent their talent this semester to produce a commercial, aimed at youth, for the park’s volunteer programs. We think they deserve an “A”—and two thumbs up! Watch their awesome work; we think you’ll agree.

Tennessee Valley trail
Summer Crews Step Up to Improve Tennessee Valley Trail

Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, and see how the Golden Gate Trail Crew—alongside teams of dedicated youth volunteers—restored a portion of the Tennessee Valley Trail. Learn about the wonderful properties of a favorite trail feature: the box step.

Students search for migrating raptors
Rapturous Raptors: Insider Tips on Watching the Fall Migration

Every autumn, up to 19 species of birds of prey make their annual appearance over the Marin Headlands. With tens of thousands of raptors counted during the fall migration, it’s the largest flight of its kind in the western U.S.! Read on for hawk-watching tips from our Golden Gate Raptor Observatory program.

Students embark on an exploration of Crissy Field Marsh
Crissy Field Center Summer Camp Slideshow

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
Is the Prohibition of Poppy Picking Purely Poppycock?

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
Outdoor Fun with Kids: Three Hikes for All Ages

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
Surf’s Up for California Coastal Cleanup Day

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
The Speedy Swifts: Living Up to Their Name

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.