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Science

Green sweat bee (Agapostemon texanus) on flower
Who knew bees could bring Mt. Tam together?

In an era when insect declines are making international news, One Tam decided data about pollinators could help assess the resilience of Mount Tam’s ecosystems.

Researcher wearing white gloves holds a bat delicately in hands
White-nose syndrome danger for California bats: Here’s how to help

The fungus that causes white-nose syndrome, a plague-like disease decimating species of hibernating bats in North America, has been found in California.

Biologist Sarah Allen records data in a notebook next to rocky California coastline.
Scientist Profile: Dr. Sarah Allen, Marine Ecologist and Science Program Lead

Go behind the scenes of park science with Dr. Sarah Allen, who's dedicated her career to elevating science and conservation in National Parks. Learn about her journey as a scientist in her own words, from the sparks of her career to adventures researching penguins in Antarctica.

Oak forests on Mount Tamalpais.
Building resilient forests to face climate change, sudden oak death, and wildfire

How can we brace forest ecosystems against rising temperatures, deadly pathogens, and voracious wildfires? At One Tam’s latest Science Summit, scientists and community members gathered to exchange knowledge and brainstorm solutions.

Alcatraz Historic Gardens
Unearthed: Secrets of Alcatraz Gardens’ Ribbon-Winning Compost

We caught up with “Chief Composting Officer” Dick Miner to get the scoop on Alcatraz Historic Gardens’ award-winning compost—and learn some tips for your own.

Golden Gate Bridge and fog
De-mist-ifying the Fog: Five Fun Facts

August (aka “Fog-ust”) is descending upon us like a slick and clammy shroud. As you huddle together to preserve body heat, amaze your friends with five fun facts about the fog.

Are There Really More Great Whites Off Our Shores?

Media have been buzzing about recent great white shark sightings in the area. But we went to find out the truth about these mysterious (and unfairly maligned) fish, by asking noted biologists such as Parks Conservancy Trustee Dr. John McCosker.

Jerusalem cricket (Stenopelmatus fuscus)
Top 10 Creepiest Critters in the Parks

Life is not all river otters and coyote pups. Some organisms in these national parks simply give us the heebie-jeebies—justifiably or not. With Halloween a few days away, here’s our list of the scariest and grossest creatures. For the squeamish, turn away. For the stout-hearted, read on—if you dare.

Red-tailed Hawk monitoring
Red-tail, Phone Home!

This season, in 2012, the GGRO is able to use brand-new technology to help us track bird movements. On Friday, August 23 we put out a GSM (cell phone) transmitter on a female juvenile Red-tailed Hawk, nicknamed Augusta.