Park Stories

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.

We’re thrilled to report that 2013 may have been the most successful year yet for the Institute at the Golden Gate. Look back on a remarkable year of influential reports, national convenings, and impactful pilot programs tackling some of society’s most pressing challenges.

The year 2013 was an eventful one for the Crissy Field Center. We were able to serve more youth, said goodbye to some dear staff, welcomed new colleagues, celebrated life events, and even had a few special visitors. Hear what our staff had to say about the memorable year.

One of the things winter visitors in the Marin Headlands might notice is the abundance of waterfowl at Rodeo Lagoon. Most people brush the birds off as just “ducks,” but a closer look reveals a far more complex avian world.

As you stand in the new parking lot at Muir Beach, you may notice the expanse of tan fabric covering the restored floodplain. What is this strange, straw-looking material? The simple answer is jute fabric—but what exactly is it?