Wildlife

Jess Schlarbaum prepares to release a newly-banded juvenile Red-tailed Hawk back to the migration
Vulture Ecology Study: 2020 Update

The Vulture Ecology Study: 2020 Update is part of the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory (GGRO) 2020 Pacific Raptor Report. It was authored by biologist Teresa Ely, GGRO’s Banding Manager and resident vulture expert since 2016.

Mission blue butterfly seen landing on a yellow flower.
40 for 40: Parks Conservancy celebrates 40 years of connecting parks and people

Wow, 40! It's eye-popping to think of all we've accomplished together since the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy was formed on Aug. 11, 1981. We wanted to look back at some of the people, park sites, and memorable moments that have made the biggest impact on the Parks Conservancy and the GGNRA over our 40 years. 

Orange, black and white monarch butterfly seen landing on purple milkweed flowers.
Here's what we're doing to help protect monarch butterflies

You can almost hear the resounding cry from the East Bay to San Mateo County to Marin: Let's help the monarchs! From our own backyards to the undulating landscape around Mt. Tamalpais, Parks Conservancy staff, partners, and our parks community are marshaling resources to study and help monarch butterflies.

Aerial view showing the Quartermaster Reach wetlands
Restored wetlands offer new habitat for Presidio wildlife

For the first time in over 100 years, the Presidio’s Tennessee Hollow watershed will be connected to the San Francisco Bay.

Black and yellow peregrine falcon with white fluffy chicks in rocky nest
Fledge spotting: Peregrine falcon pair nesting on Alcatraz island

For the first time in recorded history, peregrine falcons have nested on Alcatraz Island!  After months of observating the pair, park biologists have spotted two fledglings.

A coyote explores the Presidio of San Francisco.
Keeping coyotes and all wildlife wild in the GGNRA

Spring is coyote pupping season in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Get tips on how you can safely enjoy the GGNRA alongside the wild animals that call it home.

San Francisco Critter Socks Collection.
Take a walk on the wild side! San Francisco Critter Socks celebrate local wildlife

To help kids learn about park wildlife, we developed our San Francisco Critter Socks Collection. The collection celebrates three species that make their home in our park: raccoons, bobcats, and mule deer.

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.

Lainie Motamedi, left, and Park Ranger Katlyn Grubb ride out from the Horse Mounted Patrol Stables in the Marin Headlands.
The GGNRA’s most unique volunteers: Horse Mounted Patrol keeps parks safe

The Horse Mounted Patrol is the only program in the GGNRA that allows volunteers to ride National Park-owned horses. The 43-year-old program is unique in that it’s run entirely by volunteers—some of whom have served for close to three decades.

Bumble Bee (Bombus sp.) in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Why bees are so important in the Golden Gate National Parks and beyond

It seems we see bees buzzing around just about any plant, but what are their favorite flowers? Bees love native California flora!

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