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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Historic image of dignitaries at Muir Woods to remember FDR.
Article
May 19 marks three quarters of a century since diplomats from across the globe ventured into Muir Woods to honor the memory of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Lana Salvador (center) with her fellow healthcare workers in San Francisco.
Article
Lana Salvador, a respiratory isolation nurse in San Francisco, reflects on the lessons she learned in nature 10 years ago as a LINC intern, and how she still uses those lessons today.
Yellow wildflowers on hill at Mori Point
Article
This year, since we’re all sheltering in place, we invite you to celebrate these milestones from your home or backyard.
A monarch butterfly in nature.
Article
In times of great uncertainty, reconnecting to nature and grounding yourself in the outdoors can be a calming practice. Here are a couple of suggestions on how to get started.
A teacher connected with her students via video for their trout release.
Article
A teacher connecting with her students virtually. Young people comforting each other through poetry and photography. Even some hilarious 1-star Yelp reviews can help comfort us all during these times.
A coyote explores the Presidio of San Francisco.
Article
Spring is coyote pupping season in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Get tips on how you can safely enjoy the GGNRA alongside the wild animals that call it home.
Golden Gate Bridge and Fort Point.
Article
The health and safety of our park visitors, program participants, volunteers, interns, and staff is our top priority. We want to let you know about impacts to our parks as we try to help reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Two mission blue butterflies face opposite each other.
Gateways Article
Summer lupine looks similar to the more common silver lupine, but it is a different species and has proved more resistant to a harmful fungal pathogen. Parks Conservancy Silver lupine was the preferred host plant for endangered Mission blue butterflies in the Golden Gate National Parks, but the emergence of...
A volunteer carries large bags of vegetation while walking on a trail
Article
Throughout the year, we enjoy expressing our gratitude to our volunteers who help steward our national parks every week, bringing their stories and a piece of their lives to our programs. We are grateful for our volunteers who have a passion for the outdoors and for spending their time with...
a colorful winged insect stands on a bright green plant
Article
What’s it like to make your way from one corner of the city to the other on foot? How about for an insect? Learn more about how we can help create and connect habitats for our backyard bugs.
mushrooms growing within moss and ferns
Article
What are we really missing from the sunniest winter in California? Mushrooms! Learn about our mush-needed friends and how they can help us tackle global warming.
Groups of serpentinite rocks lay among grass and flowers on a hill
Article
California's state rock serpentine has two real powers: the ability to host rare and unique vegetation and its potential to help climate change.