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

Refine
Kids enjoy camping at the Presidio experience at Rob Hill
Park E-Ventures Article
Entering its milestone 10th year, Camping at the Presidio—a program based at the only campground in San Francisco—has been an unqualified success. Its legacy, which continues to grow, is powerful and enduring: giving thousands and thousands of children their very first camping experience.
Marion Weeks holds a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk for radiotelemetry
Park E-Ventures Article
Interested in studying hawks, falcons, and eagles as a volunteer with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory? Learn about May recruitment meetings, and hear about the wonder of this work from current banders and hawkwatchers—some of whom have been volunteering for over two decades!
Annie Leibovitz, New York City, 2012 © Annie Liebovitz
Park E-Ventures Article
Renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz’s new exhibition, “WOMEN: New Portraits,” is only appearing in two cities in the United States. In San Francisco, this free exhibition (through April 17, 2016) will be right here in the Presidio, along Crissy Field. Read on for details and ticket info.
Coho salmon release
Park E-Ventures Article
With Redwood Creek coho salmon on the brink of disappearing, biologists launched a last-ditch attempt to save them: harvesting local fish, raising them to reproductive maturity at a hatchery, and then returning them to the wild. In December, the first captive-raised coho were released.
Western Snowy Plover
Park E-Ventures Article
In January 2016, a record number of Western snowy plovers were spotted at Ocean Beach. What are some possible reasons for this sky-high count? Read the latest on park monitoring of these threatened species—and learn what you can do to help their chances of survival.
Oakland star tulip (Calochortus umbellatus), Marin Municipal Water District, Mt. Tamalpais, © Rob Badger and Nita Winter
Park E-Ventures Article
Supported in part by the Parks Conservancy, an exhibition of wildflower photos by Rob Badger and Nita Winter (through March 27, 2016 at the San Francisco Main Public Library) inspires hope in reducing the impacts of climate change. See more beautiful images, captured in our parks.
Kieron Slaughter
Park E-Ventures Article
As the National Park Service celebrates its Centennial in 2016, a major goal is to bring more diverse and younger visitors to the parks. Here in the Bay Area, Kieron Slaughter is developing programs to do just that—with a little help from the Institute at the Golden Gate.
Allen Fish
Park E-Ventures Article
Allen Fish, director of the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory (GGRO), recently celebrated his 30th year at the helm of the GGRO (founded one year before his start, in 1984).
Buffalo Soldiers
Park E-Ventures Article
On the 150th anniversary of the formation of the African American Buffalo Soldiers regiments, learn about their vital role in the history of the national parks (and of the Presidio)—and discover why Teddy Roosevelt had a special place in his heart for them.
sea lion
Park E-Ventures Article
The Marine Mammal Center, based at Fort Cronkhite, rescued 1,800 animals in 2015—three times the average. Learn about one culprit, domoic acid, and how it’s produced, how seals and sea lions are affected, and why El Niño exacerbates its effects.
Western Snowy Plover
Park E-Ventures Article
Open the Golden Gate to your sweetie’s heart with seven free and cheesy V-Day cards—guaranteed to make them smile (or groan). And if you ever wanted to work “oak savannah ecosystem” into a pickup line, well, these are for you.
Northern Goshawk, GGRO
Park E-Ventures Article
Nearly 400 biologists from 12 countries gathered in Sacramento in January 2016 for a milestone conference on birds of prey. How did it go? Read the reflections of Allen Fish, director of the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory, which helped host the historic event.