Despite a lapse in federal appropriations (also called “government shutdown”) that began on Saturday, December 22, many park sites and visitor facilities in the Golden Gate National Parks remain open.

This new feature will take the time to thank and highlight some of our regular volunteers who have enriched our parks and our lives.

Come take a moment to lift up a log or peer closely at a fallen branch and you might be surprised at what you find. But what is that spongy-looking thing? And is that orange moss growing on that tree? Don’t worry, the Parks Conservancy has you covered in this “fun guide."

The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy staff, interns, and volunteers look forward to participating in this day of service every year.

Take a minute to read a poem about a beautiful bird we see throughout our San Mateo park sites. 

With all the stigma surrounding them, it’s important to understand all sides to the story. Bats play a major role in the balance of an ecosystem, in California and around the world.

Last month, the stewardship crew worked in the Presidio Bluffs along some of the many scenic viewpoints of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. The windy days didn’t stop our great turnout of volunteers!

Visitors are encouraged to do their part to help preserve our unique parklands, by leaving no trace and taking public transportation when possible.

From hermaphroditic slugs to big cats on the prowl, discover the wild mating rituals of animals in the Golden Gate National Parks. This Valentine’s Day, delight your date with these bizarre factoids.