Most trail names are self-explanatory; they take their monikers from the area’s geographic features or natural resources. But some are a little more cryptic and obscure. In honor of National Trails Day on June 1, we did a little sleuthing into 10 mysterious trail names.
In honor of the upcoming Rio Olympics, we asked: Which animals are the best swimmers, divers, and fliers in these parklands and waters? They’re competing tooth-and-nail (and claw-and-tail) to claim the “gold” at Golden Gate! Find out which species stand atop the podium.
In January 2016, a record number of Western snowy plovers were spotted at Ocean Beach. What are some possible reasons for this sky-high count? Read the latest on park monitoring of these threatened species—and learn what you can do to help their chances of survival.
In May 2016, just outside the Golden Gate (and off the coast of our Golden Gate National Parks), humpback whales were gathering in record numbers—and blue whales were making extremely rare spring appearances. What explains this massing of these mammoth mammals?
In November 2015, four staff members from our parks showed a group of 3rd to 5th grade girls that women play an important role in heavy-duty ecological field work. In response, one young student shared her love for working in the mud too—through a poem.
In the wake of releasing a new report, Climate Change in the Parks: Innovative Climate Change Education in Parks, the Institute is building momentum for a two-day conference that will gather educators and park leaders to forge new ways to engage the public.
Rob Hill in the Presidio is the only overnight campground in San Francisco—and it takes a special leader to bring groups camping there. In this new video, learn about Camping at the Presidio (CAP) Trained Leaders—and their two-day training course.
How can we help make the world a healthier, happier place? The Institute at the Golden Gate believes the answer is: “One piece at a time.” Institute Director Chris Spence shares how his team is pulling the pieces together—and building on strengths—to make a difference.
Interested in studying hawks, falcons, and eagles as a volunteer with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory? Learn about May recruitment meetings, and hear about the wonder of this work from current banders and hawkwatchers—some of whom have been volunteering for over two decades!
It was three years ago that the Franciscan manzanita was discovered along the old Doyle Drive. How is that manzanita doing in its new home? And what are the plans to re-establish a sustainable population of the plant and the other species that historically grew with it?
