Stories

Lana Salvador (center) with her fellow healthcare workers in San Francisco.
Nature’s lessons help a nurse in the midst of global pandemic

Lana Salvador, a respiratory isolation nurse in San Francisco, reflects on the lessons she learned in nature 10 years ago as a LINC intern, and how she still uses those lessons today.

Colored pencils next to a piece of paper titled "Parks at Home: Activity Pack"
Download free "Parks at Home" activity pack for kids

Each activity includes fun facts about animals and people in the park, helping kids connect with nature even when they can’t get outside.

So what are you waiting for? Download the free activity pack now and get playing!

Yellow wildflowers on hill at Mori Point
Spring 2020 guide to the parks

This year, since we’re all sheltering in place, we invite you to celebrate these milestones from your home or backyard.

A monarch butterfly in nature.
Backyard BioBlitz: See the parks from wherever you are

In times of great uncertainty, reconnecting to nature and grounding yourself in the outdoors can be a calming practice. Here are a couple of suggestions on how to get started.

A teacher connected with her students via video for their trout release.
Teacher releases trout on video for students: Good news from the parks

A teacher connecting with her students virtually. Young people comforting each other through poetry and photography. Even some hilarious 1-star Yelp reviews can help comfort us all during these times. 

Tissue box with recycled paper covering its exterior and made to look like a bobcat in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
How to make coyotes or bobcats from tissue boxes

You should always respect wildlife from a distance, that's why crafting your own critters from recycled products is one of the best ways to celebrate awesome biodiversity.

Make you own Golden Gate Bridge collage from magazines
How to Make Your Own Golden Gate Bridge Collage

Stuck indoors? Picture the Golden Gate Bridge using snippets from magazines. Follow these instructions to make your own!

Make your own NPS ranger badge at home
How to make a paper NPS Junior Ranger badge

Make your own National Park Service (NPS) Junior Ranger for the park of your choosing. If you need local inspiration, here's our guide to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Twist ties and butterfly wings
How to make endangered Mission blue butterflies from toilet paper rolls

Make a recycled replica of the federally endangered mission blue butterfly using these steps.

Coloring page of Golden Gate Bridge
Download free coloring pages from Views of San Francisco book

Unplug and unwind with free downloadable pages of the Views of San Francisco: A Calming Coloring Book. Immerse yourself in San Francisco’s neighborhoods, natural spaces, and colorful history with intricate illustrations by designer Charles House.

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