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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Warming Hut
Park E-Ventures Article
Make sure you stay hydrated and well-fueled at these excellent (and ’grammable) nosh spots between Fort Mason and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Muir Woods with ranger and kids
Park E-Ventures Article
One hundred years ago on this date (Aug. 25), President Woodrow Wilson signed the Organic Act that created the National Park Service.
Park E-Ventures Article
What’s even better than catching a rare Pokémon? Spotting a seldom-seen raptor from Hawk Hill.
Golden Gate Bridge and fog
Park E-Ventures Article
August (aka “Fog-ust”) is descending upon us like a slick and clammy shroud. As you huddle together to preserve body heat, amaze your friends with five fun facts about the fog.
sea lion
Park E-Ventures Article
In honor of the upcoming Rio Olympics, we asked: Which animals are the best swimmers, divers, and fliers in these parklands and waters? They’re competing tooth-and-nail (and claw-and-tail) to claim the “gold” at Golden Gate! Find out which species stand atop the podium.
Humpback Whale
Park E-Ventures Article
In May 2016, just outside the Golden Gate (and off the coast of our Golden Gate National Parks), humpback whales were gathering in record numbers—and blue whales were making extremely rare spring appearances. What explains this massing of these mammoth mammals?
Mission Blue Butterfly
Park E-Ventures Article
In April 2016, a team of scientists hatched a daring plan to save some endangered mission blue butterflies from a Milagra Ridge site ravaged by a plant pathogen. See how—and why—they relocated a couple of endangered butterflies to another spot on Milagra.
Barry Spitz
Park E-Ventures Article
Mount Tamalpais Trails is your one-stop, must-have resource for exploring Mt. Tam. In this exclusive interview, author Barry Spitz—one of the preeminent authorities on Tam—shares his favorite spot, his recommended hikes, and his greatest challenge in walking every single trail on the mountain.
Library Summer Stride Reading
Park E-Ventures Article
It’s time for an adventure—in the pages of a book or on a path through our parks! Learn about free and fun activities from the San Francisco Public Library, National Park Service, and Parks Conservancy—including reading programs, ranger talks, park shuttles, and more.
Volunteers at work
Park E-Ventures Article
Get a sneak preview of National Trails Day, coming up on June 4. Sign up for action-packed projects (including a key segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail on Milagra Ridge) and learn about some easy trails you can explore with your whole family.
Tennesee Vallery Nursery
Park E-Ventures Article
Established in 1987, the Tennessee Valley Nursery closed its nearly 30-year run in May 2016. Thanks to dedicated volunteers, the facility produced thousands of plants for habitat restoration sites all across the parks. In this video, hear from some of the amazing people who made it all possible.
Studying at the MIS school in December 1941
Park E-Ventures Article
In honor of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month in May, learn the legacy of Japanese Americans who fought for their country—while their families were incarcerated by their government. And discover the unassuming building—rebuilt along Crissy Field—where they trained at a top-secret school.