Skip to main content

Gateways Article

California poppies seen in the Marin Headlands.
Beyond the super bloom: Why wildflowers are so important to Bay Area parks

Although the wildflowers are numerous and diverse in a super bloom, there are still reasons to not step on or pick your local wildflowers. (As a reminder, it is illegal to pick or collect plants in national forests, parks, and monuments without a permit!)

Volunteers at work
Traits of a Park Superhero

Superhero movies might be trendy, but being a hero to the parks never goes out of style—especially during times of need (ahem, partial federal government shutdown).

Bruce Fowler's Future ID is on display with others at Alcatraz through October.
Q&A: How a 'Future ID' helps Bruce Fowler envision a life after prison

Bruce Fowler is currently incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison. Through the San Quentin Arts in Corrections program, he participated in the Art in the Parks installation Future IDs at Alcatraz. Fowler’s artwork, depicting a sailboat and his captain’s license, is on display along with other IDs in the New Industries Building at Alcatraz through October. 

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy President & CEO Greg Moore.
Tangible impact: Greg Moore's forever parks legacy

In 33 years with Greg Moore at the helm, the Parks Conservancy and its partners have helped transform and restore Crissy Field, Lands End, and Fort Baker, ushered in the Presidio as its own national park, and built thousands of miles of trails.

Ranger Rik Penn leads a program with youth at Fort Point in March 2018.
Ranger Rik Penn on his retirement, Buffalo Soldiers' lessons today, and more

Beloved Ranger Fredrick—or Rik—Penn is retiring after 30 years of public service. Penn is passionate about storytelling, sharing the history and impact of the Buffalo Soldiers, and increasing visitation to our public lands for all people.