Park Stories

Fong Bing Wah, or Wallace B. Fong, was a San Franciscan and Chinese-American engineer with a unique link to the lights of the Golden Gate Bridge. He was also the grandfather of Katherine Toy, our Executive Vice President of Partnerships and Programs. 

Park Ranger Lara Volski is relatively new to the National Park Service (NPS), but she’s already made a big impact for Marin Headlands visitors. Working at Point Bonita Lighthouse, the Nike Missile Site, and other locations, Ranger Lara talks about climate resilience and history in unique ways.

“Why do living things move?” and “What is the importance of migration?” are a few of the essential questions that leaders recently dove into with participants in the Crissy Field Center’s Migratory Story program. In the most recent iteration of the program, the CFC team provided impactful online programs and virtual Hawk Hill field trips to numerous 5th grade classes…

Meet professional ultrarunner and high school teacher YiOu Wang, who enjoys our parks for mega-runs and hikes with students. With every step, she sees the effects of climate change and the chance to inspire young people toward action.

Why not take a walk in the parks? There's a lot to see out there.

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. 

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. 

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.

Building a more expansive and intentional language is an ongoing process. These five steps can help you get started.

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.

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. 

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.