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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

Hawk watch
Exploding the Myth of the Raptor Peak Week

The fall raptor season is upon us, and that means Peak Week is coming quickly. What is Peak Week, you ask? Peak Week is the mini-season of absolute high-count, high-banding days each year at the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory.

hiking at Muir Woods
Go Car-Free to the Parks, Win Prizes

Ditch the automobile. Forgo the parking hunt. Sit back, relax, and arrive at your favorite park. With Transit and Trails as your guide, go for a walk, hike, run, or ride in a whole new way. Document your adventure and win prizes!

book
Four Must-Reads for Innovation and Insight

As the summer draws to a close and the Institute at the Golden Gate moves into its next phase of programming, the team is reading a number of great sources for inspiration. What are the staff’s essential end-of-summer reading picks?

Presidio Native Plant Nursery
Help Name a Shady New Building

The Presidio Native Plant Nursery—one of six nurseries in the Golden Gate National Parks—will soon open a long-awaited structure: a new 75’ by 110’ shadehouse! Learn why this building is so important—and submit your ideas for what we should name it.

RYC Rollin': Part 3

2:03 pm: Stress release—and all other motivating factors—are waning. One hour into the afternoon session, the crew members are slowing considerably; some are leaning on their weed wrenches, some are sitting on the grass; some are declaring their need for naptime. “I’m having an existential crisis!…

RYC Rollin': Part 2

 

11:05 am: After a brief but intense climb, Price brings the caravan to a rest stop as he points out Angel Island in the Bay, and Mount Tamalpais looming before them.

RYC Rollin': A Day with the Restoration Youth Crew

The surfer. The artist. The Boy Scout. The nature lover. The self-described “girly girl.” These aren’t stereotypical characters stenciled into a new reality TV show. They’re some of the fascinating—and fantastic—high school students who were a part of this summer’s Restoration Youth Crew (RYC).

It's "Awww"gust: Baby Season in the Parks

With cute baby animals out and about, now’s a great time to explore your Golden National Parks. Click to see a slideshow of some of the parks’ budding young stars, and then gather up your own little ones for an “awww”-some park adventure.

Here Again, Gone Again: Red-necked Phalaropes

For just a few weeks each year, Red-necked Phalaropes visit Rodeo Lagoon in the Marin Headlands. This brief migratory stopover for these slender shorebirds allows birders a good view of this unique species. Click to learn why these birds are so unusual.

Tennessee Valley trail
The Wildlife Wonders of Tennessee Valley

As one of the few staff working in Tennessee Valley, Liz Ponzini (manager of our Tennessee Valley Nursery) is well-acquainted with the natural wonders of the area—including the local wildlife. Read on to get the inside scoop for your next hike in this remarkable valley.

Green Gulch Trail and farm
Take a Hike: Meander in Marin

Ditch the summer fog for the sunny peaks of our Golden Gate National Parks in Marin County. Have some fun in the sun on this eight-mile hike and finish it off with a frothy pint at the local English inn!

Crissy Field Center Summer Camp Slideshow

Crissy Field Center Summer Camps are in full swing! Check out this slideshow to see all the fun our kids are having! Through this student-made video, get a glimpse of their art projects, field trips, outdoor experiences, and more.