Park Stories

Even Charles Darwin, the preeminent biologist, had trouble defining a species. The more we learn, the harder it gets. Life does not always supply black-and-white categories—which can impact how we conserve and protect the species around us.

The park has partnered with SFSU and CCSF to engage college students in semester-long Academic Internships. The spring semester pilot in 2013 has been an incredible success and we’ve had the honor to work with some amazing young adults. Hear them share their experiences!

2013 marks the 175th birthday of "The Father of the National Parks"—John Muir. Many of us know him as a naturalist, but did you know that John Muir was also an engineer, writer, explorer, botanist, geologist, and the founder of the Sierra Club?

In the wake of releasing a new report, Climate Change in the Parks: Innovative Climate Change Education in Parks, the Institute is building momentum for a two-day conference that will gather educators and park leaders to forge new ways to engage the public.

Take a fascinating look back at National Park Service uniforms for women—from the “Army corps” look to the “stewardess” outfit. As Women’s History Month draws to a close, we explore how the evolution of NPS uniforms reflects women’s long struggle for equality in the workforce.

Just as it is for the home gardener, spring means planning and planting seeds for our park nurseries. See how we’re gearing up for another big season of growing plants for restoration projects in the Golden Gate National Parks.

“Leaves of three, let it be. If it’s hairy, it’s a berry. If it’s shiny, watch your hiney.” That famous rhyme can help you pick out poison oak—for part of the year. But, because Toxicodendron diversilobum is deciduous, what about the other seasons?

It seems remarkable that we can pinpoint an exact date—November 4, 1769—when Europeans first caught sight of San Francisco Bay. Afterward, nothing would ever quite be the same, ecologically or anthropologically, in this grand watershed. Or would it?

It’s time to head out to your nearby national parklands for lots of spring cleaning and restoration. Celebrate Earth Day, National Volunteer Week, National Youth Service Day, and National Park Week by pitching in for your Golden Gate National Parks. There’s something for everyone!

The Institute’s Food for the Parks program convened food service leaders in New York last week to expand the healthy and sustainable food options in parks and other establishments across the country. Read on to learn how the Institute made an impact.

Spring has arrived, and while the flowers are blooming and the birds are chirping, we have a new arrival of our own: the Roving Ranger. Learn more about the Golden Gate National Parks’ “mobile trailhead”—rolling to a park near you!

On April 20 and 21, 2013, Bay Area teens will participate in Backyard Bound, the outdoor summit organized by the Center’s I-YEL youth leaders. This year’s theme is “How to Connect Youth to Their Environment.” Watch a video to see what this summit is all about.