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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 Magazine. More about our publications here

bat monitoring
New Studies Shed Light on Mt. Tam's Bats

The partners of One Tam—the community initiative of the Tamalpais Lands Collaborative—launched a three-phased, three-year scientific research project to study the mountain's bats.

Crissy Field views
About August 26 Event at Crissy Field

The Conservancy stands directly against all forms of hatred, bigotry, or oppression as anathema to our American ideals, as well as to the values of our national parks as places of welcome and inclusion.

Tunes on Trails outdoor performance at Lands End
Drums, Waves, Wind: Adams’ “Inuksuit” at Lands End on July 29

Up to 99 percussionists, arrayed across Lands End, pound out rhythms that mix with crashing surf and the songs of birds. This is John Luther Adams’ Inuksuit, performed in a partnership of SFJAZZ and the Parks Conservancy. 

A_PRSF_20170803_RCW_79_2x1.jpg
The Presidio in the Summer of Love: The Counter-Counterculture

San Francisco has been celebrating the of the Summer of Love, an epochal moment of free love, artistic expression, and antiwar protests. But, in 1967, what was happening on the Presidio—a venerable Army post with gates only blocks from the heart of Haight-Ashbury?

wind turbines
Crissy Field Center Wind Turbines on the Cutting Edge of Energy

Crissy Field Center isn’t just built on green principles and clean energy—it’s actively advancing sustainability technology. Discover the story behind the wind turbines on the lawn in front of the Center, and how they are generating invaluable data on urban wind energy.

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.

Ranger Michele Gee experiences the Portal
Portal at Crissy Field to Whisk Visitors to Mexico, Iraq, India, and Other Locales

Through the magic of immersive audiovisual technology, Shared_Studios’ Portals bring together people from around the world in real-time, life-size, face-to-face conversations. In Summer 2017, step inside the Portal at Crissy East Beach—and make an unforgettable connection.

Historic Headlands Tunnel Reopens After Repairs

Just in time for summer visitors in 2017, the historic Baker-Barry Tunnel—a main artery into the Marin Headlands that’s popularly known as the “Five-Minute Tunnel”—has been reopened after significant upgrades.

Parks Conservancy staff working on the installation of the StoryWalk at Lands End
Tales Forever: Read a Story, Page by Page, as You Walk a Trail

Through the magic of StoryWalks, pages from two charming children’s books will be placed on signs along trails at Lands End and Mountain Lake (Presidio) this summer. Learn about this project—and other fun programs in partnership with the San Francisco Public Library.

Batteries to Bluffs Trail in the Presidio
Trail Etiquette 101: Ensure Our Parks’ Paths Are Safe and Fun for All

Here’s a handy primer—or a reminder—of some common-courtesy rules of trail etiquette.

Information about the Japanese internment at the Presidio
Exhibition Examines Presidio’s Role in Mass Incarceration of Japanese Americans

During Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month (May), the parks celebrate the community’s contributions—and remember its darkest hours. “Exclusion”—a new exhibition at the Presidio Officers’ Club—looks at the Presidio’s role in the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II…75 years since FDR’s infamous Executive Order 9066.

Alcatraz Historic Gardens
Unearthed: Secrets of Alcatraz Gardens’ Ribbon-Winning Compost

We caught up with “Chief Composting Officer” Dick Miner to get the scoop on Alcatraz Historic Gardens’ award-winning compost—and learn some tips for your own.