Park E-ventures Newsletter Archive

How the Enigmatic Ensatina Sheds Light on “Species”

On a misty day during a walk through Muir Woods, I saw a small brown and orange salamander.  It was a brief look, and I am a poor herpetologist, but I suspect it was an Ensatina—or Ensatina eschsholtzii to those with a systematics bent—that occurs in habitats from coniferous forests... more >>

School’s Out, But Learning’s Still In Session

Summer is an exciting time for kids, but a big concern for parents and educators alike is the three-month lapse in learning that often accompanies those school-free months. At the Crissy Field Center, we recognize the need to produce a day-camp experience that stimulates and captivates each camper, while presenting... more >>

Youth Take Charge in the Presidio Nursery

Every summer, as the fog rolls in, so do our wonderful youth who come to cheer our spirits and give us the most marvelous gift: their leadership in service. A variety of community groups come to the Presidio native plant nursery, from high school students seeking leadership skills to Boy... more >>

Muir Beach Closed July 8-Mid December, 2013

Muir Beach will be closed July 8–late November (see update below), while the parking lot is realigned and wetlands restored. The parking lot, all parking in the area, and all services, including restrooms, will be closed during construction. The Pelican Inn will remain open, as well as trails leading from... more >>

Growing Expertise on Green Space in Cities

For the first time in human history, more than half the world’s people now live in cities. This rapid urbanization is set to continue. Between 2010 and 2050, the Earth’s population is expected to rise by another two billion people—almost all of them living in urban centers.

Here in the Bay... more >>

Giving Back to the Trails at Golden Gate

In a park like Golden Gate, it’s easy to take for granted our well-maintained and highly accessible trail system. Golden Gate National Parks boasts over 250 trails, stretching over 140 miles from Marin to San Mateo County. National Trails Day, celebrated on the first Saturday of... more >>

Art in the Parks: Mark di Suvero at Crissy Field

On May 22, an exhibition of eight large-scale steel sculptures by renowned artist Mark di Suvero—known for his bold, exuberant works that have shaped the language of modern sculpture—will open at Crissy Field in the Golden Gate National Parks. Mark di Suvero at Crissy Field is presented by the San... more >>

Kids Write Back: Postcards to the Parks

By Kaitlin de Blanc, National Park Service Education Intern at the Crissy Field Center

Have you ever sent a postcard of the Golden Gate Bridge to someone? In Crissy Field Center school programs this year, we had participants send their postcards to us! Check out some of the kids’ postcards, depicting... more >>

Freshly Picked, Tasty Tea Recipes

If you’re like me, you have a variety of teas at home that promise you sleepy dreams, good digestion, immune boosters, and more. The sheer number of teas can sometimes be overwhelming—and quite costly. Rather than going to your local grocery store, have you ever considered going out to your... more >>

Trail Anatomy 101: Name That Feature!

National Trails Day is just around the corner and we couldn’t be more excited! On June 1 people from across the country will join forces to celebrate over 200,000 miles of trail that have enhanced the landscape. In order to build excitement for more >>