Park E-ventures Newsletter Archive

The Mission Blues of Oakwood Valley

During the late spring and early summer, the Park Stewardship’s Restoration Team goes through the exciting process of monitoring the endangered mission blue butterfly. Each year, the team ventures out to the grassy hills of Oakwood Valley to collect details on the butterfly’s life—its behavior, its numbers, and its location.... more >>

The Trails According to Gorp

Regardless of what you call it, we all love trail mix. You get your sweet, salty and even spicy all in one snack. It’s lightweight, doesn’t need to be refrigerated, and gives you a little energy burst to tide you over until your next meal. It’s no wonder that some... more >>

Volunteering for a Very Special Party

By Kim Skeltis
Golden Gate National Parks Volunteer

A few weeks ago, I was preparing my home for a very large party with a long guest list. Outfitted in grubby jeans and work gloves, I started the day outside, weeding pesky invasive plants... more >>

Time to Play: Name that Trail!

To build excitement for National Trails Day on June 2, we are putting you to the (trail) test. Flex your brain muscles to identify the park and the trail in the photos below and discover what type of trail aficionado (or not!) you are. (Scroll down... more >>

Bay Area Bald Eagles: Slow but Steady Growth for the National Bird

In the 21st century, Bald Eagles have become a more common than rare sighting in the Bay Area, mostly seen in the wintertime near a supply of ducks or fish. In the spring or summer, nesting Balds may even stake a claim near a large Bay Area lake or reservoir.... more >>

How a Seed Gets on the Move

If you’ve been out in the Golden Gate National Parks walking your dog recently, you may have noticed that your furry friend was covered in burrs. Plants are relentless in spreading their future generations far and wide—even going so far as to hitch a ride on your pet. In the... more >>

Institute Welcomes a New Director

New Institute at the Golden Gate Director Chris Spence tells us about his vision for the Institute—and his formative childhood experiences in the “spectacular countryside” of Bingley, England.

1. Can you give us a short highlight tour of your history?
I was born in England and spent most of... more >>

The Importance of Knowing What "Invasive" Means

Native. Indigenous. Non-native. Exotic. Invasive.

What do these words mean to you? No matter what the context, these terms have strong connotations. It's no wonder that volunteers sometimes balk when we use these hot-button terms to describe plant species existing in the Golden Gate National Parks. Also, we all make the... more >>

Junior Rangers on Patrol

Summer Camp at the Crissy Field Center offers an experience full of fun and adventure—imbued with environmentalism and excitement for our national parks. One program that conveys these values is Junior Rangers.

What makes Junior Rangers different from other offerings? It’s all off-site! The program centers on the idea of teaching... more >>

7.5 Ways to Celebrate the 75th

You have 75th anniversary fever. You’ve assembled your International Orange outfit. You’ve baked Bridge-shaped cookies. You’re forming Bridge towers out of your mashed potatoes. Now what? Here are the top seven-and-a-half ways to celebrate this momentous year for the Golden Gate Bridge—that international icon in the heart of our national... more >>