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Our Work

Muir Beach
Muir Beach Closed July 8-Mid December, 2013

Although Muir Beach will be closed through November, visitors—and the environment—have a lot to gain. When the area reopens in late fall, there will be improved amenities and better habitat for threatened and endangered species. Read on for details.

Youth education at Crissy Field Center
School’s Out, But Learning’s Still In Session

Are you worried about your child experiencing a summer learning lapse? Enroll your child in a Crissy Field Center camp, where we explore your backyard national parks, innovate with hands-on activities, and bridge the gap between summer fun and learning!

Crissy Field
Growing Expertise on Green Space in Cities

Between 2010 and 2050, the Earth’s population is expected to rise by two billion people—almost all of them living in urban centers. Learn how the Institute is highlighting parks as vital factors for human and environmental health in an urbanizing world.

Volunteers work at Fort Funston
Giving Back to the Trails at Golden Gate

When the National Trails Systems Act of 1968 established a network of federally recognized trails across America, it also gave all of us a specific role and privilege. Learn what that is, and how National Trails Day (June 1) provides a chance to fulfill that duty.

Kids Write Back: Postcards to the Parks
Kids Write Back: Postcards to the Parks

Ever sent a postcard of the Golden Gate Bridge to someone? In Crissy Field Center school programs this year, we had the kids send their postcards to us! 

A New Twist for Park Internships

The park has partnered with SFSU and CCSF to engage college students in semester-long Academic Internships. The spring semester pilot in 2013 has been an incredible success and we’ve had the honor to work with some amazing young adults. Hear them share their experiences!

Crissy Field Center
Parks: The New Climate Classroom

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.

Sweeney Ridge
Un-Discovering SF Bay: Hiking Sweeney Ridge from Sneath Lane

It seems remarkable that we can pinpoint an exact date—November 4, 1769—when Europeans first caught sight of San Francisco Bay. Afterward, nothing would ever quite be the same, ecologically or anthropologically, in this grand watershed. Or would it?

Nursery program at Oceana High School in Pacifica
Growing Season: Nurseries Spring into Action

Just as it is for the home gardener, spring means planning and planting seeds for our park nurseries. See how we’re gearing up for another big season of growing plants for restoration projects in the Golden Gate National Parks.

A group of adults sit outside on a sunny day eating lunch at a picnic bench under eucalyptus trees while surrounded by camping tents
Youth Connecting Youth to Their National Park

On April 20 and 21, 2013, Bay Area teens will participate in Backyard Bound, the outdoor summit organized by the Center’s I-YEL youth leaders. This year’s theme is “How to Connect Youth to Their Environment.” Watch a video to see what this summit is all about.