Conservation

A colorful San Francisco garter snake in the grass with red, black, and turquoise stripes.
Colorful, endangered San Francisco garter snakes are getting a big boost in national parks

One of the San Francisco Bay Area’s rarest species is getting a new lease on life through a special headstart program, while the Parks Conservancy and our partners work to improve habitat so this endangered species can thrive.

Two people hold up coffee grounds for a park project
Grab and grow: How your Crissy Mocha helps Crissy Field native plants thrive

Thanks to a collaboration between staff from the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and National Park Service, used coffee grounds from every cup sold at the Warming Hut are helping nourish native plants nearby. 

Volunteers gathered on a dirt hilltop against a blue sky, looking through telescopes on tripods. In the foreground one person points up.
Hawk Hill gets a makeover as Hawkwatch, Banding return

Hawkwatch and banding are on and we can’t wait to begin a new season of documenting the annual migration of thousands of birds of prey! While we normally welcome visitors during the season, Hawk Hill's summit will be closed to the public this fall due to the Hawk Hill Visitor Improvement Project. Check out our other suggested viewing spots!

White and purple star-tulip flower
Bloom boom: A banner year for rare flower following prescribed burn

Prescribed fire set the stage. This spring, rare star-tulips returned by the thousands. See what fire can renew—and what’s blooming next. 

Rock Spring landscape
Why Do Forests Need Beneficial Fire?

A prescribed fire was conducted at Rock Spring in October 2023 as part of Marin Water’s approach to a more resilient, ecologically healthy watershed.

Marin City: Forest Health and Heritage

This self-guided tour explores the connection between the health of local forests and Marin City’s history.

Dark brown, wet tree bark in a rippled pattern with scattered green patches of lichen.
Self-guided forest walk at Roy’s Redwoods Preserve

Roy's Redwoods Preserve is a magical place, home to especially large redwood trees and other inhabitants like the California giant salamander. It's one of only four parks in Marin County to enjoy old-growth redwoods, and the only one accessible to people of all abilities.

Tam Van at Rock Spring Trailhead
Self-guided forest hikes around Mt. Tamalpais

These self-guided walks offer a glimpse into what forests need to be healthy, and how our One Tam partnership is working to address these threats on our public lands, improve forest health, and evolve our understanding of caring for forests.  

A brownish Red-tailed hawk perches on green evergreen branches with a blue sky background.
How are rodenticides affecting raptors?

Anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) are used to control pests, but secondary exposure can affect non-target species like raptors. Researchers tested juvenile Red-tailed Hawks to learn more. 

A small bird sits in the center on a branch with a white sky background and many green oak leaves and brownish twigs below.
What's causing changes in Kestrels?

Data from seven fall raptor migration sites show that not only have kestrel numbers have been declining across North America, they've also been getting smaller. 

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