Park Stories

Dive back into the weird world of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), as we see how nursery staff and interns are demystifying the growing process for these fascinating plants that live beneath the surface of Mountain Lake in the Presidio.

This fall, internationally renowned artist Ai Weiwei brings his powerful and thought-provoking work to Alcatraz. Get the latest details about his site-specific installations on the Rock—and learn how to buy your tickets for this much-anticipated exhibition, opening September 27, 2014.

For the first time, the Center is organizing a campout that connects current I-YEL interns with alumni of I-YEL, a groundbreaking youth leadership program in its 13th year. By inviting the extended I-YEL family (and the families of I-YELers), this event builds community across generations.

As part of celebrations nationwide, the Golden Gate Trail Crew will lead five projects across our parks. Find out how you can give back to our amazing trails on June 7, 2014—and help build a brand-new trail connecting some picturesque San Francisco landmarks.

The Institute at the Golden Gate’s Healthy Parks, Healthy People work does more than just encourage new communities to utilize neighborhood parks as resources for improving health. This initiative also creates new advocates for the health of public lands, like the Golden Gate National Parks.

Curious about how and why we need our Native Plant Nurseries to grow plants for restoration? Check out the second installment of the “Seed to Ecosystem” podcast for insightful interviews with nursery staff and one of our star volunteers.

A fresh berry pie is the perfect reward after a vigorous springtime hike at Milagra Ridge—or any of our Golden Gate National Parks. Read on for the delicious recipe, developed by a former Park Stewardship intern with a passion for baking.

In the film “Moonrise Kingdom,” Sam pointed to Suzy and asked: “What kind of bird are YOU?” Now you’ll never get caught without an answer, thanks to our new personality quiz, released just in time for International Migratory Bird Day. Find out your feathered phenotype!

After two intensive days of exploration and documentation, the Golden Gate National Parks BioBlitz (March 28–29) captured a vivid snapshot of the unique biodiversity in the parks.

Youth leaders at the Crissy Field Center are putting the finishing touches on their final project, a free, family-friendly event filled with physical challenges, educational exhibits, and prizes. Held at Crissy Field, the event shows how pollution affects our entire community.

On May 10, bring the whole family to Muir Beach and Muir Woods for International Migratory Bird Day! Learn the history of this unique event, now in its 14th year, and discover festivities in honor of our feathered friends across the Redwood Creek Watershed.

Bay Area residents are mighty lucky to be surrounded by parklands and encounter wildlife in our own backyards. But, instead of spotting the occasional raptor, what if you could see all sorts of birds of prey? Here’s your rare chance to identify, count, and band raptors in the Marin Headlands.