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

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Muir Woods volunteer
Park E-Ventures Article
Muir Woods Earth Day is the longest-running event in the Golden Gate National Parks. It’s also one of the most enjoyable volunteer opportunities of the year. And it’s on January 26, 2013. Find out why we celebrate “Earth Day”—in the middle of winter.
Volunteers at Coast Cleanup Day
Park E-Ventures Article
As 2012 draws to a close, we want to give an enormous and heartfelt THANK YOU to all park volunteers! We are incredibly grateful that you choose to give the gift of your time and energy to these parklands. Read on to see your amazing year of accomplishments.
technology in the parks
Park E-Ventures Article
Experiencing the outdoors and engaging with electronics need not be mutually exclusive. Learn how Crissy Field Center staff—and educators across the country—are harnessing new technologies to connect young people with parks and open space.
Beach Hut Cafe
Park E-Ventures Article
As we enter 2013, the Institute at the Golden Gate is lining up a series of ground-breaking pilot programs, cutting-edge reports, and innovative partnerships in their core focus areas: public health, food, and climate change. See what we’ve got cooking!
turkey
Park E-Ventures Article
At your next holiday feast, impress friends and family with some fresh knowledge. Read on to learn the origins of popular holiday foods and discover their closest relatives, found in our parks. Please don’t forage for these items (quite a few are inedible)—but fill your plate with some food for...
toyon, Christmas berry
Park E-Ventures Article
This plant, erroneously identified as “holly,” gave Hollywood its name. And its merry berries certainly lend a festive air to the parks during the holiday season. Read on to unmask this mystery plant.
Park E-Ventures Article
Read about our National Park Service School Programs intern and her artistic talents, love of French, and passion for environmental education.
Turkey Vulture
Park E-Ventures Article
We fear them not because they would kill us, but because their mere company means we may already be dead. Our imagination conjures a thirsty miner, crawling across the desert, exhaling a last gasp, and—poof!—he is theirs. Here’s an alternate view of vultures.
Acorns
Park E-Ventures Article
How many times have I walked under the same trees and failed to look up, staring at my own two feet as I walk? Well today was different, someone told me that the oak trees of California are masting, and I wanted to see if it was true.
Dipsea Trail (Mount Tamalpais)
Park E-Ventures Article
It’s the big eating season. Here in the Golden Gate National Parks you can have your cake (umm, pie) and eat it too. Manage the holiday feasting and stress with three great park trails that will have you feeling fine and ready to dine (again)!
The Golden Gate Bridge along the Presidio
Park E-Ventures Article
The Institute at the Golden Gate is ready to take flight in its fifth year. Learn how the Institute plans to emerge as a catalyst—and then a leader—in meeting some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges of our time.
park volunteers planting
Blog
Ready, set, go! Planting season has begun and we have more plants than ever to get into the ground before the winter rains dry up in the parks—over 200,000 seedlings and 36 pounds of seed. We need you! Learn how to lend a hand this season.