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Browse the latest press coverage, press releases and announcements, videos and photo galleries from the Parks Conservancy below.

For more about the Parks Conservancy, visit our About Us page, see our mission and values, meet our executive team, and find out more about our long history of connecting people to parks. Contact the Parks Conservancy media team at media@parksconservancy.org .

Press Releases

A gray fox sits atop a log in the woods of mount tamalpais scratching its ear with its foot.

Technology Boosts Wildlife Research in Marin

SAN RAFAEL, CA. (January 10, 2024)—The National Park Service, California State Parks, Marin Water, Marin County Parks, and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy working in partnership as One Tam announces a new partnership with Conservation International and Google Wildlife for Marin Wildlife Watch (formerly called Marin Wildlife Picture Index Project).

A foggy photo of the forests of Mt. Tam with the rising sunlight filtering in.

One Tam partners release 10-year Forest Health Strategy for Marin

SAN FRANCISCO (September 5, 2023)—The National Park Service, California State Parks, Marin Water, Marin County Parks, and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy working in partnership as One Tam, have released the Marin Regional Forest Health Strategy (Forest Health Strategy), laying out a new model for understanding and caring

Michele Gee stands in front of a green background in the parks.

Michele Gee named deputy chief executive officer of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy today announced the appointment of Michele Gee as its Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

Adam Bad Wound Named Chief Development Officer of The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy today announced the appointment of Adam Bad Wound as its Chief Development Officer.

Rendering of a cliff walk at Presidio Tunnel Tops opening July 2022.

OPENING DATE ANNOUNCED! Presidio Tunnel Tops Opens to All Starting Sunday, July 17, 2022

The most anticipated visitor attraction ever planned for the Presidio of San Francisco – Presidio Tunnel Tops – now has an official opening date. The new national park destination welcomes all visitors starting Sunday, July 17, 2022, revealing a spectacular “must see” San Francisco attraction for Bay Area locals and visitors from around the world.

Katherine Toy in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Katherine Toy to Lead California’s Outdoor for All Initiative, Spearheading Efforts to Improve Access to Parks and Public Lands

This month, Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Katherine Toy to a newly created role in his administration, Deputy Secretary for Access in the Department of Natural Resources for the state of California.

Press Coverage

Topic List - Press Coverage

Flowers in bloom at Alcatraz Historic Gardens

Celebrate Earth Day at Alcatraz

Axios

Axios covers Earth Day on Alcatraz, with events from the Alcatraz Historic Gardens to crabbing off the island.

Plants in the sunshine on Alcatraz Island.

Op-Ed: National Parks Need More Than Love Right Now—They Need Lasting Investment

National Parks Traveler

In this opinion piece, Chris Lehnertz and Cassius Cash, leaders of the Parks Conservancy and Yosemite Conservancy, come together to urge bipartisan reauthorization of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA).

Experts have candid advice for national park visitors

The Hill

"Go with an expectation that when you visit this year, you are like an honorary park ranger. You are a steward of that park." Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy President & CEO Christine Lehnertz offers advice on visiting parks responsibly this summer.

A group of hikers on a trail at Roy's Redwoods

Marin serves as state model for fire prevention

Marin Independent Journal

The Marin Independent Journal covers the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force and $10.9 million in funding for forest health improvement and wildfire prevention project, awarded to the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and One Tam.

Spend Earth Day—or Every Day—With the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

Nob Hill Gazette

Christine Lehnertz, President & CEO of the Parks Conservancy, talks about how to give back to parks amid uncertainty about their future: “During this time when we’re seeing so much change for federal agencies, we will have to do more to ensure that these parks are here for future generations."

Parks Conservancy President & CEO Christine Lehnertz at a press event on Crissy Field.

What we can do for national parks right now

CBS News

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy President & CEO Christine Lehnertz talks with CBS News Bay Area about how nonprofit friends groups are working with the National Park Service to support parks through uncertain times.

Aerial perspective rendering of the China Beach rehabilitation project.

Major renovation project at beloved S.F. beach to start after three-year delay

San Francisco Chronicle

Claire Mooney, Vice President, Park Projects and Conservation at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, gives an update on project to renovate the historic bathhouse at China Beach.

People walking a path in the Presidio Tunnel Tops with the Golden Gate Bridge viewed in the background.

What Trump's Order to 'Dramatically Reduce' Presidio Trust Means for the Beloved Park

KQED Forum

Parks Conservancy President & CEO Christine Lehnertz visits KQED Forum to talk about the recent executive order to direct changes at the Presidio Trust.

Two efforts identify species and habitats most vulnerable to climate change in the Golden Gate region, offering a critical new tool for managers working to save them

Golden Gate Biosphere Network

The Golden Gate Biosphere Network (GGBN), in partnership with the climate-focused organization EcoAdapt, recently completed a climate vulnerability assessment for 21 key species and habitats within its 28,000-mile boundary. The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy is a partner of the GGBN.

Sunlight shines through canopy at Muir Woods

Marin park managers complete Roy’s Redwoods revamp

Marin Independent Journal

“The new trails at Roy’s Redwoods offer something for everybody with a variety of ways to explore the preserve,” said Rob LaPorte, a senior project manager at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. “If we have done our restoration work well, all will feel welcome visiting and have a great experience of discovering a thriving redwood forest.

A view of Alcatraz Island with a text title reading Trails Forever on the Rock, 22nd annual Gala

The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy Raises $1.1 million

Nob Hill Gazette

More than 420 guests voyaged to Alcatraz to attend the 22nd annual Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy "Trails Forever" fundraising gala on October 19, raising $1.1 million in the process for projects such as park maintenance, the construction of a new welcome center near Pier 31 and youth education and leadership programs.

Rendering shows people enjoying the Alcatraz Embarkation Plaza

Big Alcatraz Island ferry plaza redo advances as new restaurant sought

San Francisco Examiner

“What we really want to do is make sure this is a gateway to a national park” — a vibrant hub that highlights the cultural and natural history of Alcatraz and the broader Golden Gate National Recreation Area, said Chris Lehnertz, CEO of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the nonprofit agency managing the ferry landing for the National Park Service.