Park Stories

Asphalt has its faults. Once an acceptable trail-building material, it poses a threat to ecosystem health in Muir Woods. As part of an ongoing replacement process, the Trail Crew recently installed a new area of boardwalk among the redwoods. Find out where—and why.

A green lawn all year-long? Nowhere near as fascinating or entertaining as the transformation of native plants from one season to the next.

Ravens are among the most fascinating birds to observe here in the Headlands. Their antics are unpredictable, and you never know what these ultra-intelligent “corvids” will be up to next.

Bioblitz (March 28–29) offers the entire community a chance to appreciate the full biodiversity of our parks, all across life’s spectrum. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity to tally species—and take a colorful quiz to test your organism ID skills!

On the heels of a productive 2013, the Institute at the Golden Gate has released Change Makers, a report summarizing the Institute’s five years of leveraging parks as places to address some of society’s most pressing challenges.

In 2014 at the Crissy Field Center, a National Park Service-supported program will provide more opportunities for kids to visit Alcatraz, a new program will give youth-group leaders the tools they need to lead park trips, and Summer Camp will get in shape with a Fitness Consultant!

Threatened by Sudden Oak Death, wildfire, and the proliferation of invasive species, the oak and bay trees of Oakwood Valley face a tenuous future. But a recently completed stewardship project gives us reason for hope—and a way to help.

Redwood Creek, which starts on the slopes of Mount Tamalpais and empties into the Pacific Ocean, has now been restored to its natural floodplain at Muir Beach. It’s time to see the major improvements to the landscape—and visitor amenities.

Valentine’s Day not exactly your favorite holiday? Just for you incurable curmudgeons—here’s a bouquet of plants with some less-than-romantic names that you certainly won’t be hearing about in any love sonnet.

Large and majestic, the Ferruginous Hawk is arguably one of the most beautiful raptors we see at the GGRO. And it’s spotted from Hawk Hill no more than 20 times in a given year—adding to its allure and mystique.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s a time to show some love for those who have made a positive and lasting impression on our lives. Here in the Golden Gate National Parks, one incredible community stands out—our PARK VOLUNTEERS.

Stirring. Stunning. Surprising. Beguiling. These words describe our Golden Gate National Parks—and 13 unforgettable photographs that capture the essence of these parklands and the people who steward them. See the best images from 2013, handpicked by your E-ventures editors.