Park E-ventures Newsletter Archive

Institute Explores Role of Parks in Urban Environments

We’ve seen the statistics. For the first time in history, the majority of people now live in cities. What’s more, urbanization is rising rapidly, with today’s 3.5 billion city dwellers swelling to 5 billion in 2030 and 6.3 billion by 2050.

Is there a role for parks in ensuring that such... more >>

Time For One More Summer Free-For-All

It’s August—one last chance for a big summer outing with the kids! Taking the family to an amusement park this summer can cost hundreds of dollars. Why not bring the gang out to the Golden Gate National Parks, where 80,000 acres of redwood groves, sandy beaches, rocky coastline, secluded coves,... more >>

Intern Spotlight: Luciana and Nathaniel

When our Media Lab Specialist, Jon Shade, had the opportunity to tour Europe this summer, we were excited and supported him on his adventure. We did, however, have the small task of deciding who would run the Media Lab in his stead. Ultimately, we bestowed the challenge on two of... more >>

Making His Point: One Volunteer’s Mori Story

“Renaissance man” is an apt sobriquet for Ron Maykel. A close neighbor of Mori Point in Pacifica, Ron not only has a dazzling array of interests befitting someone with such a moniker—he also played a key role in that park site’s rebirth.

Professionally as a planner, Ron had served on Pacifica’s... more >>

Scouting the “Top Seeds” in the Field

We pay attention to the plant life that colors the trail sides and provides the textured backdrop for our photos. We seek out spring blooms and marvel at nature’s varied flower art.

But when was the last time you stopped to appreciate the seeds that create and propagate these beauties for... more >>

The Origins of Feathers

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a great place to see birds. You can see the largest migration of raptors in western North America in the Marin Headlands, find spotted owls in Muir Woods, or see shorebirds at Lands End (to name just a few).

Arguably, the quintessential part of... more >>

National Food Changes Have Roots in Bay Area

This summer the National Park Service (NPS) announced its commitment to provide healthy, nutritious food at every national park in the country. NPS Director Jonathan Jarvis, joined by Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and White House Senior Policy Advisor on Nutrition Sam Kass, issued new healthy food standards and... more >>

Free Time on Your Hands? Volunteer!

Got some free time this summer? We’ve got some free, fun, and productive activities for you— volunteering in the parks! Volunteering is a great way to get outside, explore your parks, spend time with friends and family, meet great folks, and make a positive impact in your community.

On almost every... more >>

The Cliff House and San Francisco’s Long History of Dining Out

“Everything about San Francisco smells deliciously of money or Sauce Mornay.”
--Lucius Beebe, journalist

Celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, the Cliff House first opened its doors here on the West Coast in 1863—the same year Civil War Union troops repelled General Lee’s Confederate advances during the Battle of Gettysburg! Renowned... more >>

Owls: Custom-Made for Night Hunting

Recently, during a hike on one of northern California’s beautiful trails, I found a tail feather from a Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus). It was a long wing feather—mottled shades of white and brown and covered in fuzz, a signature of many owl species.

The feather was an interesting reminder of... more >>