Some have asked: Why don’t we just buy plants from our local nurseries to restore the park? In short, the Parks Conservancy grows native plants from seed because such a practice increases the chances of the plants’ survival.

Follow the trials and triumphs of a Golden Gate Raptor Observatory intern, as told through several encounters with a particularly mysterious species of raptor—the Northern Harrier.

For 15 years (as of April 2012), students at Oceana High School have been growing plants on campus for restoration projects in the parks. See what they have accomplished at this sixth Parks Conservancy native plant nursery—and learn how they took the initiative to expand their green oasis.

For just a few weeks each year, Red-necked Phalaropes visit Rodeo Lagoon in the Marin Headlands. This brief migratory stopover for these slender shorebirds allows birders a good view of this unique species. Click to learn why these birds are so unusual.

For the first time, Crissy Field Center has two high school interns running our Media Lab for summer camp. Read about how Luciana and Nathaniel have stepped up to the challenge of creating an educational and fun environment for our campers!

Get a sneak preview of National Trails Day, coming up on June 4. Sign up for action-packed projects (including a key segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail on Milagra Ridge) and learn about some easy trails you can explore with your whole family.

Get a real insider’s view of one of the Conservancy’s most innovative—and impactful—youth programs: LINC. A recent graduate of the program returned this summer to produce a video that captures the moments that can change a high schooler’s life.

To build excitement for National Trails Day on June 2, 2012, we are putting you to the (trail) test. Flex your brain muscles to identify the park and the trail in the photos below and discover what type of trail aficionado (or not!) you are.

As one of the few staff working in Tennessee Valley, Liz Ponzini (manager of our Tennessee Valley Nursery) is well-acquainted with the natural wonders of the area—including the local wildlife. Read on to get the inside scoop for your next hike in this remarkable valley.

Fifty years ago, biologists gathered a convening with an unprecedented specific purpose—saving a species on the brink, the Peregrine Falcon. Learn about that pivotal event and how you can support the GGRO’s hosting of an important raptor conference this fall, which continues to draw inspiration from the ’65 meeting.