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Plants Fungi

California Poppy
Park E-Ventures Article

Is the Prohibition of Poppy Picking Purely Poppycock?

The California poppy is the much-loved, vivacious floral icon of the Golden State. But is it actually illegal to pick the poppy? Discover the truth behind this rumor—and more fun facts about one of the most recognizable blooms in our parks.
Park E-Ventures Article

Scouting the “Top Seeds” in the Field

Not as obvious as leaves or as ostentatious as flowers, seeds are often overlooked in our appreciation of plant life. But don’t miss out on their beauty! In this guide, one of the Parks Conservancy’s seed experts picks her favorites.
California poppies
Park E-Ventures Article

Debunking Myths About California’s Native Plants

Working with native plants all the time you begin to develop a huge soft spot for them and it becomes easy to forget that not everyone shares the same love and appreciation for our home-grown plants. But the question remains: why?
Nursery volunteers
Park E-Ventures Article

It’s Transplantapalooza Season for the Nurseries!

The native plant nurseries in the Golden Gate National Parks follow a unique cycle. Since we rely on the park itself for the seeds and plant material we propagate for restoration projects, the nurseries follow the natural cycle of the land. Right now? Transplanting time!
Presidio Native Plant Nursery volunteers
Park E-Ventures Article

Youth Take Charge in the Presidio Nursery

Do you enjoy being outdoors? Curious about our amazing world of plants? Want to meet other youth interested in stewardship and develop your leadership skills? Read on to see the difference young people make in the Presidio native plant nursery.
Yerba Buena tea
Park E-Ventures Article

Freshly Picked, Tasty Tea Recipes

Rather than going to your local grocery store, have you ever considered going out to your backyard for tea ingredients? You don’t need to look far to find plants that benefit your health, taste delicious, and—best of all—cost virtually nothing.
Nursery program at Oceana High School in Pacifica
Park E-Ventures Article

Growing Season: Nurseries Spring into Action

Just as it is for the home gardener, spring means planning and planting seeds for our park nurseries. See how we’re gearing up for another big season of growing plants for restoration projects in the Golden Gate National Parks.
Poison Oak
Park E-Ventures Article

The Four-Season Field Guide to Poison Oak

“Leaves of three, let it be. If it’s hairy, it’s a berry. If it’s shiny, watch your hiney.” That famous rhyme can help you pick out poison oak—for part of the year. But, because Toxicodendron diversilobum is deciduous, what about the other seasons?
Volunteers take a break in Muir Woods
Park E-Ventures Article

Catch the Spring Service Fever

It’s time to head out to your nearby national parklands for lots of spring cleaning and restoration. Celebrate Earth Day, National Volunteer Week, National Youth Service Day, and National Park Week by pitching in for your Golden Gate National Parks. There’s something for everyone!
Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum)
Park E-Ventures Article

Early Spring Wildflowers: A Viewer’s Guide

While the East is still buried under 3 feet of snow, harbingers of spring have begun to bloom all across the Golden Gate National Parks. What can you expect to see in March, as you explore one of our many park trails?