NPS

Ranger Benny Batom at Alcatraz
Article

Ranger Benny expands the conversation around Alcatraz

For nearly 30 years, Ranger Benny Batom has uncovered Alcatraz Island’s lesser-known history to bring untold stories to visiting students. He works to facilitate dialogue addressing contemporary issues around incarceration and justice. We sat down with Ranger Benny to ask him about his history and this moment.
Western Pond Turtle Release
Article

California’s only native freshwater turtle returns to Rodeo Valley Watershed

The western pond turtle hasn’t been observed in the Rodeo Valley Watershed since 1998. This year, the fourth year of a five-year reintroduction plan, biologists reintroduced 20 turtles to Rodeo Valley and 14 to Redwood Creek Watershed.
The main entrance to Muir Woods National Monument.
Article

Sierra Club denounces John Muir's racist beliefs: The complicated history of Muir Woods

“We share the history of racism in national parklands as tools and reminders for change,” said Chris Lehnertz, President & CEO of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. “We are on the strong side of advocating for a more just world.”
Colorful wildflowers in front of a disused federal penitentiary building on Alcatraz Island.
Article

Just the essentials: How the Alcatraz gardens grow

For two months this year following the shelter-in-place order, the five gardens at Alcatraz grew wild and untended until Shelagh Fritz, the Senior Program Manager on the island, was able to return. The history of the Alcatraz Gardens is one of careful planning, wild growth, and dedicated work.
A teacher connected with her students via video for their trout release.
Article

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.
Golden Gate Bridge and Fort Point.
Article

Coronavirus updates from the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy: Stay safe in the parks

The health and safety of our park visitors, program participants, volunteers, interns, and staff is our top priority. We want to let you know about impacts to our parks as we try to help reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Water bottle covered in park stickers.
Article

Show us your national park stickers!

You’ve inspired us to find the world’s best national park sticker or patch collection. Do you have a water bottle or laptop that’s messier than the rest? You could win some NEW Golden Gate National Parks stickers!
ranger preparing for Boy Scout troop
Article

A hearty happy birthday to the National Park Service!

In honor of its birthday, here is a rapidfire history lesson about the parks and the creation of the agency that helps care for them.
Hawk Hill Trail
Events

Hawk Hill Cleanup Day

Hawk Hill
Many hands are needed to make Hawk Hill a safer and more beautiful place for all who visit! Hawk Hill is a popular visitor destination well known for its beautiful vistas and a place to observe migrating raptors. Join in to paint over unsightly graffiti on military Battery Construction 129...
A group of NPS rangers rally together during the Junior Ranger Jamboree in 2016.
Gateways Article

What’s the story of the iconic National Park Service ranger ‘flat hat’?

As iconic as the National Park Service (NPS) arrowhead emblem, the subtly steepled hat worn by NPS rangers is a symbol of America’s national parklands.