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
The 1974 uniform regulations brought forth the fourth uniform change for women in fourteen years.
Park E-Ventures Article
Take a fascinating look back at National Park Service uniforms for women—from the “Army corps” look to the “stewardess” outfit. As Women’s History Month draws to a close, we explore how the evolution of NPS uniforms reflects women’s long struggle for equality in the workforce.
Nursery program at Oceana High School in Pacifica
Park E-Ventures Article
Just as it is for the home gardener, spring means planning and planting seeds for our park nurseries. See how we’re gearing up for another big season of growing plants for restoration projects in the Golden Gate National Parks.
Poison Oak
Park E-Ventures Article
“Leaves of three, let it be. If it’s hairy, it’s a berry. If it’s shiny, watch your hiney.” That famous rhyme can help you pick out poison oak—for part of the year. But, because Toxicodendron diversilobum is deciduous, what about the other seasons?
Sweeney Ridge
Park E-Ventures Article
It seems remarkable that we can pinpoint an exact date—November 4, 1769—when Europeans first caught sight of San Francisco Bay. Afterward, nothing would ever quite be the same, ecologically or anthropologically, in this grand watershed. Or would it?
Volunteers take a break in Muir Woods
Park E-Ventures Article
It’s time to head out to your nearby national parklands for lots of spring cleaning and restoration. Celebrate Earth Day, National Volunteer Week, National Youth Service Day, and National Park Week by pitching in for your Golden Gate National Parks. There’s something for everyone!
Beach Hut Cafe
Park E-Ventures Article
The Institute’s Food for the Parks program convened food service leaders in New York last week to expand the healthy and sustainable food options in parks and other establishments across the country. Read on to learn how the Institute made an impact.
Mobile Trailhead, Roving Ranger
Park E-Ventures Article
Spring has arrived, and while the flowers are blooming and the birds are chirping, we have a new arrival of our own: the Roving Ranger. Learn more about the Golden Gate National Parks’ “mobile trailhead”—rolling to a park near you!
A group of adults sit outside on a sunny day eating lunch at a picnic bench under eucalyptus trees while surrounded by camping tents
Park E-Ventures Article
On April 20 and 21, 2013, Bay Area teens will participate in Backyard Bound, the outdoor summit organized by the Center’s I-YEL youth leaders. This year’s theme is “How to Connect Youth to Their Environment.” Watch a video to see what this summit is all about.
A gorgeous sunset from GGNRA shoreline
Park E-Ventures Article
Grab your cameras and head for the coast—it’s sunset season! With Daylight Savings coming on March 10, soon we’ll have an extra hour to capture those late-winter sunsets. One of our talented photographers shares his must-visit locations in the parks for any photo enthusiast.
Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum)
Park E-Ventures Article
While the East is still buried under 3 feet of snow, harbingers of spring have begun to bloom all across the Golden Gate National Parks. What can you expect to see in March, as you explore one of our many park trails?
Rancho Corral de Tierra
Park E-Ventures Article
Have you been dreaming of those beautiful granitic rocks in Yosemite? Well, don’t worry! You don’t have to wait for summer to make that trek. We’ve got our own wondrous boulders right here in the Golden Gate National Parks—at Rancho Corral de Tierra.
Northern Harrier
Park E-Ventures Article
Follow the trials and triumphs of a Golden Gate Raptor Observatory intern, as told through several encounters with a particularly mysterious species of raptor—the Northern Harrier.