Bay Area residents are mighty lucky to be surrounded by parklands and encounter wildlife in our own backyards. But, instead of spotting the occasional raptor, what if you could see all sorts of birds of prey? Here’s your rare chance to identify, count, and band raptors in the Marin Headlands.

Whether you’re an art lover or a volunteer with a penchant for planting, these (hopefully wet) winter activities will be sure to whet your appetite. Here’s the need-to-know lineup for January-March 2019.

They’re green. They’re ghoulish. And they’re right here in the Golden Gate National Parks. Because of their name, their look, or their poison, these boo-tanical specimens are fit for a witch’s brew, a Halloween party, or a little shop of horror. Read on, if you dare….

Welcome to an art gallery as big as the parks. Starting on May 22, 2013, Crissy Field—in the heart of our Golden Gate National Parks—will be a free exhibition space for eight steel sculptures by world-renowned artist Mark di Suvero.

The Horse Mounted Patrol is the only program in the GGNRA that allows volunteers to ride National Park-owned horses. The 43-year-old program is unique in that it’s run entirely by volunteers—some of whom have served for close to three decades.

In 33 years with Greg Moore at the helm, the Parks Conservancy and its partners have helped transform and restore Crissy Field, Lands End, and Fort Baker, ushered in the Presidio as its own national park, and built thousands of miles of trails.

The kids are antsy and the beginning of the school year is weeks and weeks and weeks away. Not to fear—the Golden Gate National Parks are here and near! Here are 10 fun and affordable ways to get the kids outside, in nature, and happily exhausted by the end of each endless summer day.

Muir Woods Earth Day is the longest-running event in the Golden Gate National Parks. It’s also one of the most enjoyable volunteer opportunities of the year. And it’s on January 26, 2013. Find out why we celebrate “Earth Day”—in the middle of winter.

On the 150th anniversary of the formation of the African American Buffalo Soldiers regiments, learn about their vital role in the history of the national parks (and of the Presidio)—and discover why Teddy Roosevelt had a special place in his heart for them.

In the heart of 49er country, two GGRO volunteers are working to monitor the Bay Area’s population of osprey (aka “sea hawks”). Learn how these citizen scientists are harnessing the power of the people to protect these magnificent birds.