Park Stories

Highlighting the people, engaging programs and beautiful places that make the Golden Gate national parks special. Can't get enough? Sign up for our monthly E-ventures newsletter, and become a member today to receive our gorgeous Gateways Magazine. More about our publications here. 

A working dog sniffs a tray of specimen in a makeshift lab environment.
Plants' best friend: Pathogen-detecting dogs visit Presidio Nursery

Why are these dogs sniffing around our native plant nurseries? Find out how a few good pups may help our staff and volunteers as we care for a large volume of plants, with many destined for the national parks of the Bay Area.

Amy Meyer at National Trails Day, 2014
Our Q&A with Amy Meyer, the ‘Mother of the GGNRA’

Read inspiring words from Amy Meyer, who was crucial to the formation of the GGNRA 50 years ago.

Jess Schlarbaum prepares to release a newly-banded juvenile Red-tailed Hawk back to the migration
Vulture Ecology Study: 2020 Update

The Vulture Ecology Study: 2020 Update is part of the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory (GGRO) 2020 Pacific Raptor Report. It was authored by biologist Teresa Ely, GGRO’s Banding Manager and resident vulture expert since 2016.

Sunset at Mori Point
How to take your time in the parks

The right time to get to the parks is whenever you can make it! Here are a few ideas on how to spend time in the parks whether you've got 5, 15, 30, or 60 minutes. 

Nudibranch observed in a park tidepool
Guide to tide pools in the GGNRA

Visit a small but dynamic area of the GGNRA and learn why tide pools are being monitored closely for possible changes.

Coffee at the Warming Hut
Best ways to do coffee in the GGNRA

You can basically smell the coffee being brewed at nearby cafes from many Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) park sites, which neighbor some of the best coffee shops in the Bay Area. You can take their coffee anywhere, but we think it tastes best while roaming through the parks. 

San Francisco: Walk along the Golden Gate Bridge with an Equator Latte 

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Leslie and Susan

We recently caught up with Silver Lupine Circle member Leslie, who shared with us her long connection with Ocean Beach and Lands End.

Person holds a tote bag with forest scene while gazing at the Golden Gate Bridge.
Gifts for park lovers 2021: Unique, local items that help support parks

Looking for that perfect holiday gift for the park lover in your life? Check out these fun items, plus ideas for giving experiences and giving back to the parks.

Jan Blum

Jan Blum made a lasting impact with her time, energy, and resources on the health of our parks and for current and future generations of habitat as well as visitors, combining her passion for both parks and community.   

Visitors examine information about incarceration on red and black panels around the new 'Big Lockup' exhibit.
'The Big Lockup' and more: New experiences at Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is full of doors that lead to the past, and right now there are several unique and new experiences on the island to check out.

Adventure Guides sit at a park bench, stamping Presidio Adventure Passports.
Prepare for Adventure at Presidio Tunnel Tops

Create your own adventure in the parks with the help of the Leo Helzel Adventure Guides. Launching at the opening of Presidio Tunnel Tops in spring 2022.

Ranger Rebecca Au poses with a butterfly drawing in a flower field.
Parks are a Universal Language with Ranger Rebecca Au

In 2016, Park Ranger Rebecca Au, a former art teacher with a Master’s degree in museum education, drove from Massachusetts to California. She estimates she visited around 10 national parks along the way, including Badlands, Grand Tetons, and Bryce Canyon.

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