Park Stories

To humans, bird vocalizations can be inspiring and soothing—or annoying, in the case of those early morning arias. But for birds, they perform critical communication functions. Read on to learn about five types of vocalizations, and what they teach us about birds’ surroundings.

In a rapidly urbanizing world, parks and public lands are seen as vital to human, social, and ecological health. Learn how the Institute will highlight innovative programs that leverage parks to make stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities.

Raging Waters general admission ticket: $35.99. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, general admission: $61.99. Disneyland one-day “park hopper” ticket: $137. A full day of exploration in the Golden Gate National Parks with the entire family: FREE. Discover free activities every day in August (and every month of the year)!

For the first time, Crissy Field Center has two high school interns running our Media Lab for summer camp. Read about how Luciana and Nathaniel have stepped up to the challenge of creating an educational and fun environment for our campers!

As the Conservancy’s Park Stewardship Program approaches its 20th anniversary, we’re celebrating places transformed by the program, such as Mori Point, and people who have made the transformation possible, like Ron Maykel. Learn more about one of the park’s “renaissance men.”

Not as obvious as leaves or as ostentatious as flowers, seeds are often overlooked in our appreciation of plant life. But don’t miss out on their beauty! In this guide, one of the Parks Conservancy’s seed experts picks her favorites.

Feathers are a uniquely avian adaptation—or are they? While feathers can only be seen on birds today, evidence has shown that many dinosaurs also had feathers. Read on to learn about the variety—and possible purposes—of dinosaur feathers.

If you’ve got free time, come volunteer in the parks! Not only is it free, but it’s a fun, rewarding, and healthy way to spend a summer day. And it’s easy to get involved. Give volunteering a try—you’ll be glad you did!

With the help of the Institute at the Golden Gate’s Food for the Parks program, the National Park Service has announced new standards for healthy and sustainable food options at parks across the country. Get a taste of this important change—here at Golden Gate!

A treasure of the Golden Gate National Parks, the Cliff House marks its 150th anniversary in July. It opened in 1863, in a city famous for its multitude and variety of restaurants. But why so many dining establishments, and how did San Francisco’s culture of “dining out” develop?

Working with native plants all the time you begin to develop a huge soft spot for them and it becomes easy to forget that not everyone shares the same love and appreciation for our home-grown plants. But the question remains: why?

Experience a play about a boy and girl who discover the value of their city through the struggle of love. This completely student-produced play, the annual I-YEL youth project, aims to teach audiences something new about San Francisco.