Park Stories

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

The top ranger at Golden Gate National Recreation Area, General Superintendent Chris Lehnertz, shares her thoughts on the Proposed Rule for Dog Management in the park—and invites the community to share comments before a final rule and plan is released later this year.

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, 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).

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.