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.

Thar she blows! Your coastal parklands are parallel to a marine passage for migrating humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, orcas, and so many more leviathans. We talked to the experts about what you can do to enhance your chances of spotting a whale spout on your next visit.

This summer, feed your sense of adventure at free and fun activities from the San Francisco Public Library, National Park Service, and Parks Conservancy—including the fourth edition of our StoryWalksⓇ series on Crissy Field, reading programs, ranger talks, park shuttles, and more.

The scene reminded me of something you might see in a movie, so I took a few paces back and took some time to silently admire the sound of the waves crashing below and the smell of salt in the air.

There’s no way to encapsulate everything that you—our park volunteers—accomplish in a year. But, for 2014, we tried—with one summary infographic. As you can see, you give Golden Gate the most precious gifts of all: your time, energy, care, and dedication. Thank you!

The national parks have a never-ending “to-do” list, and a great portion of this list is taken on by our amazing volunteers. This season we’re pointing a spotlight on a very special volunteer who has been working with us for almost six years!

Entering its milestone 10th year, Camping at the Presidio—a program based at the only campground in San Francisco—has been an unqualified success. Its legacy, which continues to grow, is powerful and enduring: giving thousands and thousands of children their very first camping experience.

Critters might crawl into a hole and hibernate through the winter, but that’s no reason for you to do the same! Learn about some fun activities that you and your family can enjoy in the coming days and weeks…it’s our “hot list” for the cold months!

Several former guards and other Alcatraz residents embodied the living history of the island at the last formal reunion of the Alcatraz Alumni Association. But the stories of Alcatraz residents will still be told.

As a new year approaches, full of possibilities, I think keeping an eye on the pair of red-tailed hawks at Lands End will continue to serve as a glorious symbol.