Park Stories

We had a blast on National Trails Day, thanks to all of our amazing volunteers and generous sponsors—and beautiful weather and great service projects!

Most trail names are self-explanatory; they take their monikers from the area’s geographic features or natural resources. But some are a little more cryptic and obscure. In honor of National Trails Day on June 1, we did a little sleuthing into 10 mysterious trail names.

Learn how populations of the Ensatina split in the Central Valley and discover how this little salamander—the textbook definition of a “ring species”—vividly illustrates how nature frustrates the human compulsion to classify and categorize species.

Although Muir Beach will be closed through November, visitors—and the environment—have a lot to gain. When the area reopens in late fall, there will be improved amenities and better habitat for threatened and endangered species. Read on for details.

Are you worried about your child experiencing a summer learning lapse? Enroll your child in a Crissy Field Center camp, where we explore your backyard national parks, innovate with hands-on activities, and bridge the gap between summer fun and learning!

Do you enjoy being outdoors? Curious about our amazing world of plants? Want to meet other youth interested in stewardship and develop your leadership skills? Read on to see the difference young people make in the Presidio native plant nursery.

When the National Trails Systems Act of 1968 established a network of federally recognized trails across America, it also gave all of us a specific role and privilege. Learn what that is, and how National Trails Day (June 1) provides a chance to fulfill that duty.

Between 2010 and 2050, the Earth’s population is expected to rise by two billion people—almost all of them living in urban centers. Learn how the Institute is highlighting parks as vital factors for human and environmental health in an urbanizing world.

Welcome to an art gallery as big as the parks. Starting on May 22, 2013, Crissy Field—in the heart of our Golden Gate National Parks—will be a free exhibition space for eight steel sculptures by world-renowned artist Mark di Suvero.

Rather than going to your local grocery store, have you ever considered going out to your backyard for tea ingredients? You don’t need to look far to find plants that benefit your health, taste delicious, and—best of all—cost virtually nothing.

Ever sent a postcard of the Golden Gate Bridge to someone? In Crissy Field Center school programs this year, we had the kids send their postcards to us! 

National Trails Day is right around the corner (June 1). So put on you thinking caps—or your hard hats—and grab a shovel, because you’ll need to dig deep into your memory and knowledge. It’s time to play Name That Trail Feature!