Park Stories

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.

The trailside discovery of a Great Horned Owl tail feather sparked this rumination: What are some of the many adaptations that make owls such proficient hunters in the dark, quiet night? Take wing and learn more about their unique traits.

The Parks Conservancy has a new Trails Stewardship Manager! Meet Jaimie and join the Trail Crew this summer 2013 as drop-in volunteer days, every third Saturday, are in full swing. Read on for all the details.

On June 1, 2013, parks and health organizations around the Bay Area kicked off Healthy Parks, Healthy People: Bay Area—an effort to provide welcoming, culturally relevant programs for all communities. Learn how you can participate in the next round of events!

The native plant nurseries in the Golden Gate National Parks follow a unique cycle. Since we rely on the park itself for the seeds and plant material we propagate for restoration projects, the nurseries follow the natural cycle of the land. Right now? Transplanting time!

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!