Park Stories

Dennis Mabasa is the dynamic new Vice President of Community and Youth Programs for the Parks Conservancy. We chatted with Dennis about their connection to the outdoors and the importance of community. 

OK, so a sea lion "walks" onto Alcatraz Island. It sounds like the beginning of a joke, but it’s actually the start of a wonderful story of partnership and conservation. 

Many people flock to birding because they love birds' beautiful plumage, their intricate songs, or their entertaining antics. For Daniela Sánchez, it was serendipity.

 As storms raged over the winter, flooding paths and ripping apart beach walkways, the message was clear: Watch out!

On an early morning, a fresh cohort of volunteers for One Tam’s Marin Wildlife Watch community science program sat around a table in a darkened room, ready to see some animals.

Judy's legacy has been transformational in ways that she herself probably didn’t even imagine.  As a gardens volunteer on Alcatraz, she knew that volunteerism promotes compassion and empathy.

When you make a planned gift to the Conservancy, you become a member of the Silver Lupine Circle -- a community of park lovers who, like you, ensure these national treasures will be protected and nurtured for generations to come.

Jean Colvin and Bharat Rawal, residents of San Francisco and members of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy for over 15 years, have long valued the parklands as a respite from the world’s ills.

Mark Lundgren moved to San Francisco from the East Coast 35 years ago. While he loved living in the city, he also felt a deep attachment to the natural world, and the Presidio was his respite.

Ranger Oliver Goodman was raised in a family where "nobody hiked, nobody camped," but attending protests and participating in community events were a part of everyday family life. Alcatraz immediately struck him.

“This is a super exciting time for Bald Eagles in the Bay Area. We must be doing something right for Bald Eagle ecology."

Shane Douglas is an advocate for America’s public lands and for getting people into the outdoors. We caught up with Shane to ask how all his park work overlaps.