Park Stories

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.

With the overall bee population in decline across the U.S. and California, the Presidio is seeing a growing number of bees. Learn why—and discover expert tips on growing a native-plant garden that encourages pollinators and gives bees a much-needed boost.

When volunteer Christina Cambie “migrated” from England, she had no idea she would find comfort and community in her new home by studying another migration—that of raptors over Hawk Hill.

Featuring a new boardwalk and freshly planted wetlands, the revitalized MacArthur Meadow reached a major milestone with its March 9, 2017, ribbon-cutting.

A free, family-friendly event at Crissy Field on April 23 celebrates the second annual National Park Prescription Day, which showcases public lands and their role nature plays in promoting health and wellbeing.

Jean Fraser made history in the health sector, bringing health care to all San Franciscans. In 2016, she became President & CEO of the Presidio Trust, with a vision for bringing this national park to all. Hear about her journey from public health to public lands.

With the frequent and heavy rains, about a dozen coast redwoods have come down in recent months (winter of 2016-17) at Muir Woods. Learn what happens when a giant falls, how trail crews move a 10-ton redwood, and how the death of one tree gives life to so many other species.

In February 2017, visitors to the Presidio will enjoy a brand-new gateway to this remarkable national park. Located in a Main Post guardhouse built in 1900, the William Penn Mott, Jr. Presidio Visitor Center features state-of-the-art displays, fascinating exhibits, and an information desk.

Many shutterbugs received a drone as a gift over the holidays. We love the amazing images and video that these devices can capture, but unfortunately they’re not allowed in the Golden Gate National Parks. Learn why—and find other options for your flights.

The Baker-Barry Tunnel (aka the “Five-Minute Tunnel”), a main artery into the Marin Headlands, will be closed on January 2, 2017 for much-needed repairs and upgrades. Work is slated to last until early May, and visitors are strongly encouraged to make alternate plans.

We asked some of our most talented staff and volunteer photographers to share their favorite images from 2016. Read the backstory behind the photos, and find out what the photographers were thinking during each unforgettable moment in the Golden Gate National Parks.

With the pressures of the holidays upon us (and the stress of everything else that’s going on in the world), parks can be a great place to escape, re-center, and refocus. Here are some of the most peaceful spots in the Golden Gate National Parks.