In a special ceremony at Crissy Field, 32 young people were honored as new U.S. citizens and the next generation of public lands and public library users. They heard from author Dave Eggers, who said “this country’s greatness depends on you."

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.

The story of how a partnership with the Up on Top after-school and summer program has inspired ‘love and beauty’ in its enigmatic program director, Marquis Engle.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area has achieved carbon-neutral park operations. But what does that really mean? Let's break down what goes in to our park's carbon footprint, take stock of what we've accomplished so far, and think about where to go from here in our continuing effort towards sustainability.

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.

Our trees may not change even a hue and our weather may not get much chillier, but you can find hints of more “traditional” autumn phenomena in the Golden Gate National Parks. Save yourself the plane ticket to the Northeast, and find the fall in the national parks in your backyard.

It’s been “Arma-goat-don” for the weeds at Fort Mason’s East Black Point. This past month, a herd of the quirky, cloven-hoofed critters cleared the area of invasive vegetation. Learn where the goats came from, why they’ve been in our parks, and how you can carry on their work.

Sure, the newly formed Tamalpais Lands Collaborative (TLC) will play a major role in the long-term stewardship of majestic Mount Tamalpais. But you can make a difference by bringing your own “TLC” to a special hands-on volunteer day, April 26, 2014.

Life is not all river otters and coyote pups. Some organisms in these national parks simply give us the heebie-jeebies—justifiably or not. With Halloween a few days away, here’s our list of the scariest and grossest creatures. For the squeamish, turn away. For the stout-hearted, read on—if you dare.

A chapter of San Francisco history will come to a close on Alcatraz Island as members of the Alcatraz Alumni Association will gather for the final official reunion on the Rock. But their stories will continue to be told.