Learn how populations of the Ensatina split in the Central Valley and discover how this little salamander—the textbook definition of a “ring species”—vividly illustrates how nature frustrates the human compulsion to classify and categorize species.

With our unusually dry winter, you might be wondering what you can do at home to help reduce water usage. Liz Ponzini (Manager of the Tennessee Valley Nursery) shares her expertise, and tips you can use in your own backyard!

We’re thrilled to report that 2013 may have been the most successful year yet for the Institute at the Golden Gate. Look back on a remarkable year of influential reports, national convenings, and impactful pilot programs tackling some of society’s most pressing challenges.

In the Golden Gate National Parks you can do it all—bike, windsurf, hike, ride a horse, bird watch, and even get married! Looking for the perfect place to hold an outdoor ceremony? Look to your parks—there’s a spot to match any personality!

Make sure you stay hydrated and well-fueled at these excellent (and ’grammable) nosh spots between Fort Mason and the Golden Gate Bridge.

It’s the big eating season. Here in the Golden Gate National Parks you can have your cake (umm, pie) and eat it too. Manage the holiday feasting and stress with three great park trails that will have you feeling fine and ready to dine (again)!

2013 marks the 175th birthday of "The Father of the National Parks"—John Muir. Many of us know him as a naturalist, but did you know that John Muir was also an engineer, writer, explorer, botanist, geologist, and the founder of the Sierra Club?

Many shutterbugs received a drone as a gift over the holidays. We love the amazing images and video that these devices can capture, but unfortunately they’re not allowed in the Golden Gate National Parks. Learn why—and find other options for your flights.

Love is in the air! With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there will be many sweet treats popping up on grocery store shelves and on restaurant menus to entice you and your Valentine. Many will contain one of nature’s sweetest offerings: strawberries.

The Golden Gate National Parks have been selected for the next BioBlitz, an opportunity for the public to participate in documenting the parks’ amazing biodiversity. Mark your calendars for two days of fun, exploration, and science on March 28–29, 2014!