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Community Science

Volunteers gathered on a dirt hilltop against a blue sky, looking through telescopes on tripods. In the foreground one person points up.
Hawkwatch and Banding Return August 2025 while Hawk Hill Gets a Makeover

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!

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.

Looking for fungi and mushrooms in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Fungi Walk in the Presidio
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Join us for an easy and adventurous walk in the Presidio to learn about and find local fungi

Funeral bell mushroom on Mt Tam's Kent Lake area
Roy’s Redwoods Mushroom Hike
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Join us to discover the mushrooms of Roy’s Redwoods Preserve.

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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.

Hypogymnia schizidiata lichen.
Lichen & Friends Bioblitz
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Join us on Mt. Tamalpais for a naturalist adventure!

Register
Hypogymnia schizidiata lichen.
Lichen & Friends Bioblitz
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Join us on Mt. Tamalpais for a naturalist adventure!

Register
Two women carrying bug nets in a grassy field inspect specimen vials
Community Science

The Parks Conservancy community science program blends landscape-scale science with community engagement and education.

Two women carrying bug nets in a grassy field inspect specimen vials
One Tam Community Science Program Finds Rare Bee Lost for Decades

SAN RAFAEL, CA—(August 6, 2024)—The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy working with the National Park Service, California State Parks, Marin Water, and Marin County Parks as the One Tam partnership, announces the finding of the rare San Francisco leaf-cutter bee (Trachusa gummifera) in Marin County.