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

Refine
Mission blue butterfly (Icaricia icariodes missionensis)
Park E-Ventures Article
A bright flash passes by, triggering someone to yell “BLUE!” Team members nimbly make their way through a mosaic of summer lupines at Oakwood Valley. Quickly but carefully, one person follows the butterfly until it lands. “It’s a mission blue, male, resting on a lupine.” Read on to learn more.
Park E-Ventures Article
Trail Mix. Scroggin. Gorp. Studentenfutter. Schmogle. Great names for a great snack! Try one of our specially formulated blends on your next park outing. Read on for some of our favorite recipes.
Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary
Park E-Ventures Article
We’ve all hosted parties. But what happens when the party spans a weekend, your guest list includes 250,000 people, and it takes an army to get ready? You enlist volunteers! Find out from one Parks volunteer what it was like to be part of San Francisco’s biggest party of the...
Park E-Ventures Article
To build excitement for National Trails Day on June 2, 2012, we are putting you to the (trail) test. Flex your brain muscles to identify the park and the trail in the photos below and discover what type of trail aficionado (or not!) you are. (Scroll down for the answers)...
Park E-Ventures Article
In the 21st century, Bald Eagles have become a more common than rare sighting in the Bay Area, mostly seen in the wintertime near a supply of ducks or fish. In the spring or summer, nesting Balds may even stake a claim near a large Bay Area lake or reservoir...
seeds
Park E-Ventures Article
As you are out enjoying the parks this summer, be sure to take a closer look and appreciate the many ways that plants have adapted to ecological conditions to disperse their seeds.
Institute at the Golden Gate Director Chris Spence
Park E-Ventures Article
New Institute at the Golden Gate Director Chris Spence tells us about his vision for the Institute—and his formative childhood experiences in the “spectacular countryside” of Bingley, England. 1. Can you give us a short highlight tour of your history? I was born in England and spent most of my...
European beachgrass
Park E-Ventures Article
Invasive species cause an imbalance to native communities and upset the food web that has long been established.
Junior rangers
Park E-Ventures Article
Summer Camp at the Crissy Field Center offers an experience full of fun and adventure—imbued with environmentalism and excitement for our national parks.
The moon rises above the bridge
Park E-Ventures Article
The Golden Gate Festival is coming up and Crissy Field Center’s Inspiring Young Emerging Leaders (I-YEL) will debut their YEL project—Unmasking Media—at the community celebration on Sunday, May 27, 2012. Come experience their activity booths and explore how the media influence today’s youth.
owl at Muir Woods
Park E-Ventures Article
International Migratory Bird Day has been celebrating migratory birds for 20 years, and here in the Golden Gate National Parks a free IMBD event has been held for 12 years running. Join us at Muir Woods on May 12, 2012 for bird walks, demonstrations, games and activities, and a chance...
Healthy Parks Healthy People
Park E-Ventures Article
Wondering when you’ll start to see healthy and sustainable food in national parks? Momentum is building, thanks to the Institute at the Golden Gate’s Food for the Parks initiative. The Institute and Golden Gate National Parks Superintendent Frank Dean are helping develop the National Park Service’s ground-breaking Healthy and Sustainable...