Women's History in the GGNRA

At every turn in GGNRA and national park history, there are women and non-binary people who have overcome adversity to make lasting impacts in and around these lands. Women like LaNada War Jack, who helped lead the Occupation of Alcatraz to advance Indigenous civil rights globally. There is Amy Meyer, who tirelessly fought to establish the GGNRA as a national park. Betty Reid Soskin helped establish our neighboring Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park and became the oldest ranger to work for the National Park Service. Tye Leung Schulze, who worked on Angel Island, became the first Chinese Women to cast a vote in the United States. There are countless other women, especially women of color, whose stories are not currently known or told, who have greatly shaped the parks that we know and love.

Today, women continue to blaze trails throughout the parks as rangers, biologists, visitors, and leaders. Join us in celebrating the lasting impacts women have had in the parks by learning about some of their stories below—if you know of a women’s history story in the parks that hasn’t been told, please let us know at zrqvn@cnexfpbafreinapl.betgro.ycnavresnocskrap@aidem !

What's New
National Park Ranger Alanna Smith, a young woman, stands in the Presidio with the Pacific Ocean visible through the trees behind her.
Learning through the parks with Ranger Alanna Smith

"We’re always on the lookout for what stories are not being told, whose perspectives we have not heard in some of our stories," says Park Ranger Alanna Smith. Meet Ranger Alanna and learn about how she and the NPS are interpreting stories at the Presidio and beyond.

Amy Meyer at National Trails Day, 2014
Our Q&A with Amy Meyer, the ‘Mother of the GGNRA’

Read inspiring words from Amy Meyer, who was crucial to the formation of the GGNRA 50 years ago.

Alison Forrestel looks up for a smile while holding a clipboard among vegetation plots in a hilly grassland habitat.
Scientist Profile: Dr. Alison Forrestel, Natural Resources Chief

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 to find out!

Women's Trail Day volunteers at a past event in the Golden Gate National Parks.
Why do we need a Women’s Trail Day?

What is it about an all-women, volunteer workday that makes us feel important, of value, and special? In the #MeToo movement era, women are committed to making a space for ourselves and to come together as a community.

Women’s Dipsea Hike
Dipsea Hike Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Trailblazing Run for Women’s Athletics

One hundred years ago, a historic “hike” from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach marked a major breakthrough for women’s cross-country running. The Parks Conservancy and One Tam are proud to support a community commemoration of the Women’s Dipsea Hike on April 21, 2018.

Penny Tibbetts
Penny Wise: Trailblazing Trans Ranger Shares Her Story

Penny Tibbetts, a law enforcement ranger at Golden Gate, recounts her journey in becoming the first ranger in the National Park Service to transition genders while on duty.

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