No box of stale chocolate. No ugly sweater. And no fruitcake. Only the warm fuzzy feeling of protecting the most-visited national park in America. Give a Conservancy membership, which your loved one will treasure as much as a trip to Muir Woods or Crissy Field.

Across the parks, volunteers root out nonnative plants to help restore wildlife habitat. But did you know that those weeds can be quite tasty? Just in time for holiday meals, enjoy these recipes that use nonnative species found in the Bay Area!

OneTam.org is the new web portal recently launched by the Tamalpais Lands Collaborative, features a new trail map, stunning videos, event listings, and more.

“Going to Chrissy Fields is as amazing as a kid not getting homework for the rest of the year.” See how school kids described their trips to Crissy Field Center, in words and pictures. Share in their inspiration and delight as they give thanks to the parks!

In the heart of 49er country, two GGRO volunteers are working to monitor the Bay Area’s population of osprey (aka “sea hawks”). Learn how these citizen scientists are harnessing the power of the people to protect these magnificent birds.

Most of the year, we like to feature soft, picture-perfect native plants that beckon you to frolic in the parklands. But for Halloween, we’re profiling the ghoulish wild cucumber, which features some diabolically scary fruit—and a terrifying rate of growth.

On Oct. 4–5, 2014, our friends at the Presidio Trust are inviting the entire community to celebrate the grand reopening of the newly rehabilitated Officers’ Club—San Francisco’s most historic building and now a new cultural destination. Preview eight highlights of this exciting visitor gateway!

The school year’s just begun, but for students it’s not too early to think about summer internship opportunities! Read about two young people who enjoyed their LINC internship so much last summer that they came back to the park this past summer—as Presidio nursery interns.

Marine debris pollutes aquatic ecosystems, endangers wildlife, and impacts human health and safety. Help turn the tide against trash in waterways and the ocean; pitch-in for California Coastal Cleanup Day on Sept. 20. Be a part of the solution, not the pollution!

The Golden Gate Raptor Observatory turns 30 this fall. With the GGRO at a stage of maturity and reflection, Director Allen Fish tells the tale of the people who founded this pioneering citizen science program. Also, discover its many volunteer-driven accomplishments—and inventions!

In 1997, there was no organized nursery program, restoration work was relatively small-scale, and greenhouses were made of pipes and plastic sheets. From that humble start, Betty Young led nursery staff and dedicated volunteers in growing over 2 million plants. On the eve of Betty’s retirement, hear her story.