Park E-ventures Newsletter Archive

From Intern to Program Manager: A Round-trip Migration

By Chris Briggs

In March 2000, I got a call from Buzz Hull offering me a Parks Conservancy internship here in the Headlands with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory. I was so excited for the opportunity to work with birds of prey,... more >>

Healthy Parks Healthy People Hits the Bay Area

HPHP Bay Area is a high-level collaboration model that aggregates local Healthy Parks Healthy People and Park Prescriptions initiatives into a regional effort, the first of its kind in the Healthy Parks Healthy People space. In June, 30 attendees shared their experiences and insight in administering or working with current... more >>

Why Don't We Just Buy Plants to Restore the Parks?

By Betty Young
Director, Native Plant Nurseries

Some have asked: Why don’t we just buy plants from our local nurseries to restore the park? In short, the Parks Conservancy grows native plants from seed because such a practice increases the chances of the plants’ survival.

Volunteers help us collect seed from close-by... more >>

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 >>