Park Stories

Highlighting the people, engaging programs and beautiful places that make the Golden Gate National Parks special. Can't get enough? Sign up for our monthly E-ventures newsletter, and become a member today to receive our gorgeous Gateways newsletter quarterly. More about our publications here

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Park E-Ventures Article
Whales are common recurring characters in the waters along Crissy Field, but in October 2018, one (artificial) leviathan made its landfall. The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Blue Whale art exhibit on Crissy Field challenges everyday visitors to examine their plastic consumption and the health of our oceans.
Insects spotted in the Golden Gate National Parks, from left, strigamia, Jerusalem cricket, devil's coach horse.
Article
Hello fellow park lovers! Make sure to keep an eye out for a few of these interesting insects found in our Golden Gate National Parks recently.
A red-tailed hawk.
Article
As a new year approaches, full of possibilities, I think keeping an eye on the pair of red-tailed hawks at Lands End will continue to serve as a glorious symbol.
Taking a break at Mori Point.
Article
Take a walk up to Mori Point in the spring and you’ll be amazed by the display of wildflowers. Yet over the years, with higher visitation and more compaction of the soil, we’ve seen a reduction in the bloom. This winter, we’re ready to change that.
Ramaytush Ohlone in a tule boat in the San Francisco Bay, 1816.
Article
Each day I spend with my peers at the Parks Conservancy, and with our passionate and vital cast of volunteers, I endeavor to remember the people who shaped, shared and enshrined these lands and waters.
A humpback whale is seen breaching off the coast of California in 2010.
Article
We have been fortunate to spot humpback and gray whales from the coast at Mori Point, as well as from the mountains at Rancho Corral de Tierra. We recommend heading out to the coast as soon as possible, if you want to bid them adieu.
Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy President & CEO Greg Moore.
Gateways Article
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.
Gateways Article
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.
NPS Redwood Creek Vegetation Crew at Muir Beach overlook.
Park E-Ventures Article
Members of the Redwood Creek Vegetation Crew are specially attuned to the vibrant life that surrounds them while caring for the watershed. Experience their discoveries through a hand-illustrated field guide to the flora and fauna of Redwood Creek.
Our 2018 holiday gift guide: Perfect presents inspired by the Golden Gate National Parks
Park E-Ventures Article
Need some inspiration for your holiday shopping this year? We’ve got you covered.
Youth photographers' images from Crissy Field Center programs during the summer of 2018.
Park E-Ventures Article
These amateur artists were new to DSLR photography before they came through the Crissy Field Center, which makes their heartwarming, hilarious, and artistic shots all the more incredible. See their images and hear their stories.
A Peregrine Falcon defends its nest at the UC Berkeley Campanile tower.
Article
By now, you might have heard about the nesting pair of Peregrine Falcons discovered at UC Berkeley in 2017. Wouldn’t it be great if we could get a closer look?