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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Cooper's Hawk nest
Article
The autumn raptor migration at the Golden Gate runs August through December. The spring migration is late February through May. So how is it that my neighborhood Bay Area Redtails are nesting in April? Shouldn’t they be migrating north? How exactly does the hawk breeding season fit between May and...
Alison Forrestel looks up for a smile among vegetation plots.
Article
As part of a larger effort to highlight the dynamic women doing science in our parks, we are featuring Alison Forrestel, Natural Resources & Science Chief at Golden Gate National Recreation Area. What’s it like to hold a leadership role at such a huge, urban National Park? Read Alison’s story...
Portrait of Data manager Lizzy Edson smiling on the bridge by Rodeo Lagoon.
Article
Data Coordinator Lizzy Edson is one of the many amazing women doing science in our parks! Her elegant handiwork is behind some of the parks’ most exciting Natural Resource projects: BioBlitzes, bat monitoring, the One Tam Health of the Mountain Project, and more. Read Lizzy's story to get inspired and...
San Francisco Critter Socks Collection.
Article
To help kids learn about park wildlife, we developed our San Francisco Critter Socks Collection. The collection celebrates three species that make their home in our park: raccoons, bobcats, and mule deer.
Walking up to the Alcatraz Cellhouse.
Park E-Ventures Article
Instead of a trip to the movies, why not enjoy a staycation adventure and tour our most famous historic movie location, Alcatraz Island!
Green sweat bee (Agapostemon texanus) on flower
Article
In an era when insect declines are making international news, One Tam decided data about pollinators could help assess the resilience of Mount Tam’s ecosystems.
Sunlight breaking through stormy cloud over Alcatraz
Park E-Ventures Article
Sunlight might be in short supply during the winter months, but your parks have a bright season ahead. Celebrate the new decade by maximizing your time in the parks.
Tipi on Alcatraz with Golden Gate Bridge in background
Park E-Ventures Article
November 20, 1969. That day marked the beginning of the Occupation of Alcatraz by the Indians of All Tribes, a key milestone in the history of the island, our country, and the broader Native American civil rights movement.
View of wind turbines and solar panels from atop an Alcatraz cruises boat.
Park E-Ventures Article
Golden Gate National Recreation Area has achieved carbon-neutral park operations. But what does that really mean? Let's break down what goes in to our park's carbon footprint, take stock of what we've accomplished so far, and think about where to go from here in our continuing effort towards sustainability.
A volunteer gathers plants on a hill top
Article
The national parks have a never-ending “to-do” list, and a great portion of this list is taken on by our amazing volunteers. This season we’re pointing a spotlight on a very special volunteer who has been working with us for almost six years!
Sun shines through trees onto a stream and walkway in a forest
Article
Are diverse communities stronger communities? It is not as simple as you think.
Cloud hovers over the Golden Gate Bridge
Article
Watch this televised special to learn about the parks’ strong foundations and bright future welcoming all who want to bask in their beauty. Or watch just to enjoy some of that beauty from afar!