Park Stories

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.

We know you choose to volunteer to give back to the community and the parks. But it’s alright to enjoy the fruits of your labors, too! Take a look at four fantastic benefits of volunteering in the Golden Gate National Parks—and share these with friends who are thinking about pitching in.

While five international design teams work on conceptual ideas for the 12 new acres of national parkland atop the Presidio Parkway, YOU have an opportunity to share your own creative vision for this “Presidio Gateway.” Learn more about this project—and how to submit your ideas.

Music and song—like the Golden Gate National Parks—are wrapped around so many of our best memories. We asked park staff to share their favorite songs that evoke the landscape, the spirit, their adventures, and their work across the parklands. Check out these solid-gold hits at Golden Gate—then share your own!

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!