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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A silver lupine brush at the Presidio Tunnel Tops, Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands in the background.
Legacy News article
Erica Becker is a longtime member of the Parks Conservancy and the Silver Lupine Circle, a group of supporters who have named the Conservancy as a beneficiary of their estate plans.
Ranger Mia Monroe in Muir Woods.
Gateways Article
Park Ranger Mia Monroe is the Marin Community Liaison for the NPS, and one of the longest serving employees in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Children playing on Bluff Slide at Outpost
Article
Given the opportunity to climb a tree, a child will choose one of countless ways to navigate from limb to limb. The story of how the Outpost playscape at Presidio Tunnel Tops came together revolves around this concept.
A child plays on the cypress wood benches at Presidio Tunnel Tops.
Article
The story behind the large cypress-wood benches you'll find along the Cliff Walk at Presidio Tunnel Tops.
Picnic at Battery Wallace in Marin
Gateways Article
Here are our picks for top picnic spots, including great out-of-the way destinations for those crowded holiday weekends.
Hiking Rancho Corral de Tierra
Gateways Article
NPS Landscape Architect Kirsten Holder and her planning team are working with the community on a vision for the future of Rancho Corral de Tierra in San Mateo County.
Kids stretch and play, running around the Presidio Tunnel Tops lawn.
Gateways Article
This new 14-acre national park experience includes trails, meadows, play spaces, and overlooks to soak in the 360-degree views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay. Special cultural events and food offerings are being planned, and Presidio Tunnel Tops will be a welcoming destination for people to gather and...
Portrait of Khafre Jay, Founder and Executive Director of Hip Hop for Change.
Gateways Article
We connected with Khafre Jay, Founder and Executive Director of Hip Hop for Change and one of 13 individuals invited by the Parks Conservancy, NPS, and the Presidio Trust to join the Activator Council, to learn about his work and the importance of parks in his life.
Laura Yin running at Crissy Field with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.
Gateways Article
Twelve half-marathons in 12 months through the parks is nothing short of impressive. We were able to talk with Laura Yin about what inspired her to run and support the parks.
Tamalpais Bee Lab macrophotography. Shown is a blue and yellow Osmia coloradensis.
Gateways Article
Thanks in part to the work of Tamalpais Bee Lab volunteers, we now know there are HUNDREDS of different bees on Mt. Tam. As these photos indicate, you never know what amazing, colorful bees you'll see!
East Peak of Mount Tamalpais
Article
In our parks, there are two mountain peaks within five aerial miles of the closest GGNRA beach. In just a few hours, you can take in 360-degree mountain-top views of the Bay Area and walk barefoot through the sand at sea level.
A young volunteer holds up a plant
Gateways Article
One of our Presidio Native Plant Nursery volunteers is so dedicated, he's been volunteering for half his life! Find out what he has to say to fellow volunteers and those thinking about volunteering.