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

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Inside the New Industries Building on Alcatraz Island.
Park E-Ventures Article
Robert Lipscomb, a Black man from Cleveland, Ohio, grew up during the Great Depression and, after a traumatic and destabilizing childhood, eventually ended up in the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary where he agitated for social change.
Golden Gate Bridge and the Welcome Center.
Gateways Article
Parks Conservancy products, from iconic park posters to intriguing books, are unlike anything else you can gift. They’re created by local people, using artifacts and inspiration from the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and all proceeds play a vital part in supporting our beloved parklands.
Portrait of coyote wearing a radio tracking color.
Article
Beginning fall 2020, park wildlife biologists will use temporary remote tracking collars to learn about the population size and movements of coyotes in the Marin Headlands.
Pruning plants at the Presidio Native Plant Nursery.
Gateways Article
Building a more expansive and intentional language is an ongoing process. These five steps can help you get started.
Ranger Benny Batom at Alcatraz
Article
For nearly 30 years, Ranger Benny Batom has uncovered Alcatraz Island’s lesser-known history to bring untold stories to visiting students. He works to facilitate dialogue addressing contemporary issues around incarceration and justice. We sat down with Ranger Benny to ask him about his history and this moment.
Lands End
Article
Even though we have not been physically present to enjoy these comings and goings, I hope you know that all the attention and energy you have put into these lands, continues to show and brighten up the lives of many, especially during these trying times.
Alcatraz Island
Article
This year we’ve missed seeing volunteers, program participants, students, and the rest of our park community in person—but we’ve been so inspired by what we’ve been able to do together at a distance. Going into the fall, some sites that were closed throughout the summer are now open and providing...
Adult Red-tailed Hawk
Article
After a 2018 season of smoke and haze, GGRO Director Allen Fish explored impacts of air pollution on birds in his 2019 article for Pacific Raptor 40. As first responders battle wildfires across the state each year, we again wonder what effect these extreme climate phenomenon will have on raptor health and movement.
Color-banded raptor.
Article
Red-tailed Hawks! This season was full of them. The 2018 field season ended with 342 Redtails banded-almost 100 Redtails above our 10-year average.
Visitors enjoy Alcatraz Island.
Article
In this article, we’ll get you set up with some tips to explore Alcatraz like a seasoned park ranger. Visit for those views, for the lush gardens, and the history that ties into present-day social justice movements. Here are some of our insider tips.
Western Pond Turtle Release
Article
The western pond turtle hasn’t been observed in the Rodeo Valley Watershed since 1998. This year, the fourth year of a five-year reintroduction plan, biologists reintroduced 20 turtles to Rodeo Valley and 14 to Redwood Creek Watershed.
Portion of Hawk Hill closed for 2020 Hawkwatch Program
Article
This year, significant changes to the Hawkwatch program protocols have been implemented to allow a limited number of GGRO Hawkwatchers to safely collect migration data from Hawk Hill.