Park Stories

Did you know that there is an old road that connects the Mission District to the Presidio? Crissy Field Center will explore the historical connection between the Mission and the Presidio on a four-mile history hike.

This year, in 2012-13, the Institute and Cavallo Point Lodge will welcome groups like the Trust for Public Land, Environmental Defense Fund, Public Health Law and Policy, and the Marine Mammal Center through its special Institute group rate.

In November, Future 500 will host its Stakeholder Engagement Workshop, focusing…

If you’ve ever shared your park photos with friends, chances are you’ve caught yourself explaining how the pictures simply don’t do the beauty of the moment justice.

We asked a panel of bike experts for their favorite rides in the Golden Gate National Parks. Read on for the full prescription from these cycle-ologists: directions, descriptions, tips, and more. Then put your mettle to the pedal and get out there!

After a recent visit to Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, a Crissy Field Center staff member reflects on how national parks in rural areas can better connect with younger and more diverse visitors.

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.

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!

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?

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.

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!…

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.

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).