Our Work

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?

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.

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.

Spring has arrived, and while the flowers are blooming and the birds are chirping, we have a new arrival of our own: the Roving Ranger. Learn more about the Golden Gate National Parks’ “mobile trailhead”—rolling to a park near you!

The Institute’s Food for the Parks program convened food service leaders in New York last week to expand the healthy and sustainable food options in parks and other establishments across the country. Read on to learn how the Institute made an impact.

Have you ever wondered which morning commuter bus is the “cleanest?” Well, our Project WISE students have! On March 20 and 21, 2013, this topic—along with other student-led environmental research projects—will be presented during the WISE Science Symposium at Crissy Field Center.

A month into 2013, some might already be slipping on their New Year’s resolutions. Hopefully, the staff at Crissy Field Center can stay strong on the resolutions they have made. Read on to discover their goals—personal and professional—for the coming year.

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.

A year ago, Monterey pines and Monterey cypresses were removed from Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands to restore endangered mission blue butterfly habitat. How did this affect the birds during fall migration?

Working only in wintertime, National Park Service crews and Trails Forever staff have been designing and building new sections of the Hillside Trail in Muir Woods since 2006. This year, 2013, it will be completed. Go behind the scenes as they “fly” one-ton of drain rock for the trail.