Parks

Jerusalem cricket (Stenopelmatus fuscus)
Park E-Ventures Article
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.
hawks flying over the Golden Gate Bridge in the fog
Park E-Ventures Article
On September 27, 2012, on Hawk Hill, we counted 295 Broad-winged Hawk sightings, 10 times our previous one-day count for that species. We even exceeded our season-total record—248 sightings—in just that one day. Aside from these impressive numbers, why is this exciting?
View of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands from the Presidio batteries
Park E-Ventures Article
On October 27 of 2012, it will be 40 years since President Richard Nixon signed the legislation to create the 34,000-acre Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Since then, the Golden Gate National Parks—as these parklands are popularly called—have grown to more than 80,000 breathtaking acres. So there’s a lot to...
Coyote Brush
Park E-Ventures Article
One sure sign of “summer” in the Golden Gate National Parks is the sight of fluffy white seed blanketing hillsides. But where do these seeds come from? Where are they going? And why do we care? A Presidio seed collector takes a closer look.
Crissy Field at Sunset
Park E-Ventures Article
If you’ve ever shared your park photos with friends, chances are you’ve caught yourself explaining how the pictures simply don’t do the beauty of the moment justice. Shooting a scene can be as easy as pointing and clicking, but capturing the actual experience of that scene is something that even...
Cycling in the Marin Headlands
Park E-Ventures Article
We asked a panel of bike experts for their favorite rides in the Golden Gate National Parks. Read on for the full prescription from these cycle-ologists: directions, descriptions, tips, and more. Then put your mettle to the pedal and get out there!
book
Park E-Ventures Article
As the summer draws to a close and the Institute at the Golden Gate moves into its next phase of programming, the team is reading a number of great sources for inspiration. What are the staff’s essential end-of-summer reading picks?
Park E-Ventures Article
For just a few weeks each year, Red-necked Phalaropes visit Rodeo Lagoon in the Marin Headlands. This brief migratory stopover for these slender shorebirds allows birders a good view of this unique species. Click to learn why these birds are so unusual.
Tennessee Valley trail
Park E-Ventures Article
As one of the few staff working in Tennessee Valley, Liz Ponzini (manager of our Tennessee Valley Nursery) is well-acquainted with the natural wonders of the area—including the local wildlife. Read on to get the inside scoop for your next hike in this remarkable valley.
Green Gulch Trail and farm
Park E-Ventures Article
Ditch the summer fog for the sunny peaks of our Golden Gate National Parks in Marin County. Have some fun in the sun on this eight-mile hike and finish it off with a frothy pint at the local English inn!