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Join us Saturday May 23 for the next installment of the Formerly Incarcerated Speaker Series on Alcatraz Island. Willard DeRouen Jr. will explore the deeply personal and often overlooked impact of incarceration on families. Drawing from lived experience as an incarcerated father, he’ll talk about the pain of family separation, rebuilding trust with children, navigating stigma after release, and the journey toward healing and accountability. He’ll also discuss barriers in the system that make reunifying families challenging.

This event is free, but you must purchase a ferry ticket to get to the island. We recommend the 12 PM boat or earlier.

🎟️ http://www.alcatrazcitycruises.com/

The Formerly Incarcerated Speaker Series lifts up and highlights the voices of people who have spent time inside of jails and prisons.Alcatraz Island, being one of the only National Park Service sites that interprets mass incarceration, works directly with people who have experience to share their stories. Speaker events are offered on various Saturdays from May-September 2026, from 1 - 2 PM. To learn more, head to https://go.nps.gov/FormerlyIncarceratedSpeakers

#FormerlyIncarceratedSpeakerSeries #Alcatraz #InternationalSiteofConscience

Join us Saturday May 23 for the next installment of the Formerly Incarcerated Speaker Series on Alcatraz Island. Willard DeRouen Jr. will explore the deeply personal and often overlooked impact of incarceration on families. Drawing from lived experience as an incarcerated father, he’ll talk about the pain of family separation, rebuilding trust with children, navigating stigma after release, and the journey toward healing and accountability. He’ll also discuss barriers in the system that make reunifying families challenging.

This event is free, but you must purchase a ferry ticket to get to the island. We recommend the 12 PM boat or earlier.

🎟️ http://www.alcatrazcitycruises.com/

The Formerly Incarcerated Speaker Series lifts up and highlights the voices of people who have spent time inside of jails and prisons.Alcatraz Island, being one of the only National Park Service sites that interprets mass incarceration, works directly with people who have experience to share their stories. Speaker events are offered on various Saturdays from May-September 2026, from 1 - 2 PM. To learn more, head to https://go.nps.gov/FormerlyIncarceratedSpeakers

#FormerlyIncarceratedSpeakerSeries #Alcatraz #InternationalSiteofConscience

Join us on May 30 for a day celebrating everything pop culture on Alcatraz! Alcatraz is more than a historic landmark, it’s a cultural icon. From movies, to video games, to comics, Alcatraz continues to shape and reflect how we wrestle with ideas of justice, incarceration, and our common humanity.

On both sides of the bars, fandom can be an escape and a source of community. Whatever fandom you’re part of, you’re welcome on Alcatraz. 🤓 For more information, check out https://go.nps.gov/AlcatrazComicBookDay

🎟️To purchase a ticket to the island, head to https://www.cityexperiences.com/san-francisco/city-cruises/alcatraz/
🛥️This event spans both day and evening. For day events, we recommend the 10:35 AM boat. For evening events, get the 5:55 PM boat.

Join us on May 30 for a day celebrating everything pop culture on Alcatraz! Alcatraz is more than a historic landmark, it’s a cultural icon. From movies, to video games, to comics, Alcatraz continues to shape and reflect how we wrestle with ideas of justice, incarceration, and our common humanity.

On both sides of the bars, fandom can be an escape and a source of community. Whatever fandom you’re part of, you’re welcome on Alcatraz. 🤓 For more information, check out https://go.nps.gov/AlcatrazComicBookDay

🎟️To purchase a ticket to the island, head to https://www.cityexperiences.com/san-francisco/city-cruises/alcatraz/
🛥️This event spans both day and evening. For day events, we recommend the 10:35 AM boat. For evening events, get the 5:55 PM boat.

Did YOU volunteer during the restoration of Crissy Field? Do you still have your "Help Grow Crissy Field" T-shirt? If so, we want to hear from you! Let us know in the comments, or send an email with your memories to parksconservancy@parksconservancy.org. 📬🌁💚

The transformation of Crissy Field, 25 years ago this May, was a massive community effort. More than 3,000 volunteers helped remove 230,000 cubic yards of soil and restore Crissy Marsh. Today, the area is a wonderland for birds and other species, thanks to you! If you missed that effort, you can still get out there and volunteer today. Check the websites of the Parks Conservancy, Presidio Trust, and NPS for the latest volunteering opportunities. Thanks for helping Crissy Field grow!
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(📸 Kirke Wrench / NPS)

#MeetMeAtCrissy #CrissyField

Calling All Park Lovers,
These are complex times, and questions abound.
But you may find some answers inside the Presidio Visitor Center on Saturday, May 16, from 11 am to noon, when this historic space hosts Office Hours with the Superintendent, an engaging one-hour Q&A with esteemed GGNRA Superintendent David Smith.
This gathering focuses on park safety, a topic on many park visitors’ minds. However, the informal yet informative conversation may go wherever it leads.
Please join us on this very special, free-to-the-public occasion. Reservations are not required, but seating is limited. Refreshments will be served.
Presidio Visitor Center / 210 Lincoln Blvd / San Francisco, CA / 94129

Photo credit: Don Reuter
#presidio

Calling All Park Lovers,

These are complex times, and questions abound.
But you may find some answers inside the Presidio Visitor Center on Saturday, May 16, from 11 am to noon, when this historic space hosts Office Hours with the Superintendent, an engaging one-hour Q&A with esteemed GGNRA Superintendent David Smith.

This gathering focuses on park safety, a topic on many park visitors' minds. However, the informal yet informative conversation may go wherever it leads.

Please join us on this very special, free-to-the-public occasion. Reservations are not required, but seating is limited. Refreshments will be served. Link in bio.

Presidio Visitor Center / 210 Lincoln Blvd / San Francisco, CA / 94129

Photo credit: Don Reuter
#Presidio

Happy 25th Anniversary, Crissy Field!

Once a concrete Army airfield and parking lot, Crissy Field went through an extensive restoration effort in 1998-2000, that included 3,000 volunteers, the removal of 90,000 tons of contaminated materials, and 230,000 cubic yards of earth moved to bring this stretch of waterfront back to life.

The result: 100 acres of waterfront, 18 acres of restored tidal marsh, 16 acres of dune habitat, and more than 105 species of plants, shrubs, and wildflowers returning to the San Francisco shoreline.

But this place carries a history much longer than 25 years. For thousands of years, the Ramaytush Ohlone @ramaytusholone people lived in relationship with this shoreline, fishing, harvesting shellfish, and calling this estuary home. Restoration means honoring that full story.

Today Crissy Field is a part of the Presidio National Park Site and welcomes everyone: walkers, picnickers, birders, cyclists, and anyone who simply needs to hear the waves crash and feel the green grass. This is what's possible when a community comes together around a shared vision.

We're grateful to the thousands of volunteers, generous donors, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy @parksconservancy, the National Park Service @goldengatenps, and the extraordinary vision of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund whose belief that great places are built by and for the people.

Photo 1: Historic images of Crissy Field via OpenSFHistory

Photo 2: Crissy Field 2025

Happy 25th Anniversary, Crissy Field!

Once a concrete Army airfield and parking lot, Crissy Field went through an extensive restoration effort in 1998-2000, that included 3,000 volunteers, the removal of 90,000 tons of contaminated materials, and 230,000 cubic yards of earth moved to bring this stretch of waterfront back to life.

The result: 100 acres of waterfront, 18 acres of restored tidal marsh, 16 acres of dune habitat, and more than 105 species of plants, shrubs, and wildflowers returning to the San Francisco shoreline.

But this place carries a history much longer than 25 years. For thousands of years, the Ramaytush Ohlone @ramaytusholone people lived in relationship with this shoreline, fishing, harvesting shellfish, and calling this estuary home. Restoration means honoring that full story.

Today Crissy Field is a part of the Presidio National Park Site and welcomes everyone: walkers, picnickers, birders, cyclists, and anyone who simply needs to hear the waves crash and feel the green grass. This is what's possible when a community comes together around a shared vision.

We're grateful to the thousands of volunteers, generous donors, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy @parksconservancy, the National Park Service @goldengatenps, and the extraordinary vision of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund whose belief that great places are built by and for the people.

Photo 1: Historic images of Crissy Field via OpenSFHistory

Photo 2: Crissy Field 2025

Some of you might have read about the coyote that swam to Alcatraz earlier this year. He is not on the island anymore and we don't know where he is, but a couple of mysteries surrounding the animal have been solved: he was a boy from Angel Island State Park.

You can read all the details in the news release on our website. Link in bio.

Some people named the coyote ‘Floyd’ after Floyd Hamilton, an Alcatraz prisoner who swam back to the island after a failed escape attempt. With new DNA information we gleaned from the coyote’s poop (yeah, we did that) maybe a better namesake is former prisoner John Giles who managed to escape from Alcatraz to Angel Island in 1945. We might not ever know what happened to the coyote but maybe, just maybe, he swam back home.

Giles Photo Public Domain
#AlcatrazCoyote
#AlcatrazIsland

Tweet tweet 🐣

Join us at Rodeo Beach to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day!

From 12:00-4:00PM, rangers and staff will have information and activities focused on various bird species found in the Marin Headlands, recent bird research/conservation in our park, and ways you can help our feathered friends.

Additionally, rangers will give a Beginner Birding program from 1:00-3:00PM (Reservations Required). Let’s celebrate these birds’ astounding spring migration together! Head to the link in our bio for additional details.

#migratorybirds #birdday

Tweet tweet 🐣

Join us at Rodeo Beach to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day!

From 12:00-4:00PM, rangers and staff will have information and activities focused on various bird species found in the Marin Headlands, recent bird research/conservation in our park, and ways you can help our feathered friends.

Additionally, rangers will give a Beginner Birding program from 1:00-3:00PM (Reservations Required). Let’s celebrate these birds’ astounding spring migration together! Head to the link in our bio for additional details.

#migratorybirds #birdday

Tweet tweet 🐣

Join us at Rodeo Beach to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day!

From 12:00-4:00PM, rangers and staff will have information and activities focused on various bird species found in the Marin Headlands, recent bird research/conservation in our park, and ways you can help our feathered friends.

Additionally, rangers will give a Beginner Birding program from 1:00-3:00PM (Reservations Required). Let’s celebrate these birds’ astounding spring migration together! Head to the link in our bio for additional details.

#migratorybirds #birdday

Tweet tweet 🐣

Join us at Rodeo Beach to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day!

From 12:00-4:00PM, rangers and staff will have information and activities focused on various bird species found in the Marin Headlands, recent bird research/conservation in our park, and ways you can help our feathered friends.

Additionally, rangers will give a Beginner Birding program from 1:00-3:00PM (Reservations Required). Let’s celebrate these birds’ astounding spring migration together! Head to the link in our bio for additional details.

#migratorybirds #birdday

Tweet tweet 🐣

Join us at Rodeo Beach to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day!

From 12:00-4:00PM, rangers and staff will have information and activities focused on various bird species found in the Marin Headlands, recent bird research/conservation in our park, and ways you can help our feathered friends.

Additionally, rangers will give a Beginner Birding program from 1:00-3:00PM (Reservations Required). Let’s celebrate these birds’ astounding spring migration together! Head to the link in our bio for additional details.

#migratorybirds #birdday

Tweet tweet 🐣

Join us at Rodeo Beach to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day!

From 12:00-4:00PM, rangers and staff will have information and activities focused on various bird species found in the Marin Headlands, recent bird research/conservation in our park, and ways you can help our feathered friends.

Additionally, rangers will give a Beginner Birding program from 1:00-3:00PM (Reservations Required). Let’s celebrate these birds’ astounding spring migration together! Head to the link in our bio for additional details.

#migratorybirds #birdday

Tweet tweet 🐣

Join us at Rodeo Beach to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day!

From 12:00-4:00PM, rangers and staff will have information and activities focused on various bird species found in the Marin Headlands, recent bird research/conservation in our park, and ways you can help our feathered friends.

Additionally, rangers will give a Beginner Birding program from 1:00-3:00PM (Reservations Required). Let’s celebrate these birds’ astounding spring migration together! Head to the link in our bio for additional details.

#migratorybirds #birdday

👋 Meet intern Aries Harris through @environmentamericas, who is gaining hands-on experience in ecological restoration through a year-long internship at @goldengatenps.

A key part of his job is 🌱 invasive plant removal. Key species include Bermuda buttercup, Himalayan blackberry, and Cape ivy, which spread aggressively and reduce habitat for native plants. Restoration work follows with native plantings grown in the Presidio Native Plant Nursery.

Fort Funston is a key restoration site. Between January and February, Aries contributed to approximately 800 native plantings and the release of about 110 variable checkerspot 🐛 caterpillars. The plants included seaside daisy, coastal buckwheat, California poppy, sticky monkeyflower, and other coastal species.

Read more in his blog ➡️ https://environmentamericas.org/author/a-harris/

#FindYourPark #GoldenGate #InvasiveSpecies

👋 Meet intern Aries Harris through @environmentamericas, who is gaining hands-on experience in ecological restoration through a year-long internship at @goldengatenps.

A key part of his job is 🌱 invasive plant removal. Key species include Bermuda buttercup, Himalayan blackberry, and Cape ivy, which spread aggressively and reduce habitat for native plants. Restoration work follows with native plantings grown in the Presidio Native Plant Nursery.

Fort Funston is a key restoration site. Between January and February, Aries contributed to approximately 800 native plantings and the release of about 110 variable checkerspot 🐛 caterpillars. The plants included seaside daisy, coastal buckwheat, California poppy, sticky monkeyflower, and other coastal species.

Read more in his blog ➡️ https://environmentamericas.org/author/a-harris/

#FindYourPark #GoldenGate #InvasiveSpecies

👋 Meet intern Aries Harris through @environmentamericas, who is gaining hands-on experience in ecological restoration through a year-long internship at @goldengatenps.

A key part of his job is 🌱 invasive plant removal. Key species include Bermuda buttercup, Himalayan blackberry, and Cape ivy, which spread aggressively and reduce habitat for native plants. Restoration work follows with native plantings grown in the Presidio Native Plant Nursery.

Fort Funston is a key restoration site. Between January and February, Aries contributed to approximately 800 native plantings and the release of about 110 variable checkerspot 🐛 caterpillars. The plants included seaside daisy, coastal buckwheat, California poppy, sticky monkeyflower, and other coastal species.

Read more in his blog ➡️ https://environmentamericas.org/author/a-harris/

#FindYourPark #GoldenGate #InvasiveSpecies

Have you ever thought about running a business in a National Park, mere steps from the beach and Pacific Ocean? How might ocean breezes and the sounds of surf support your business goals, your ROI, your employee satisfaction? In February, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area hosted a "Leasing Industry Day" at Fort Cronkhite in the Marin Headlands. This event highlighted future leasing opportunities in the park, specifically a walk through and tour of four historic ocean-side buildings that the park is considering for lease. Check out the “Do Business with Us” page of our website to learn more.​

NPS Photos by Jessie Ralph (1, 4-6) and Sally Goloub (2, 3)
#ggnra #marinheadlands

Have you ever thought about running a business in a National Park, mere steps from the beach and Pacific Ocean? How might ocean breezes and the sounds of surf support your business goals, your ROI, your employee satisfaction? In February, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area hosted a "Leasing Industry Day" at Fort Cronkhite in the Marin Headlands. This event highlighted future leasing opportunities in the park, specifically a walk through and tour of four historic ocean-side buildings that the park is considering for lease. Check out the “Do Business with Us” page of our website to learn more.​

NPS Photos by Jessie Ralph (1, 4-6) and Sally Goloub (2, 3)
#ggnra #marinheadlands

Have you ever thought about running a business in a National Park, mere steps from the beach and Pacific Ocean? How might ocean breezes and the sounds of surf support your business goals, your ROI, your employee satisfaction? In February, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area hosted a "Leasing Industry Day" at Fort Cronkhite in the Marin Headlands. This event highlighted future leasing opportunities in the park, specifically a walk through and tour of four historic ocean-side buildings that the park is considering for lease. Check out the “Do Business with Us” page of our website to learn more.​

NPS Photos by Jessie Ralph (1, 4-6) and Sally Goloub (2, 3)
#ggnra #marinheadlands

Have you ever thought about running a business in a National Park, mere steps from the beach and Pacific Ocean? How might ocean breezes and the sounds of surf support your business goals, your ROI, your employee satisfaction? In February, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area hosted a "Leasing Industry Day" at Fort Cronkhite in the Marin Headlands. This event highlighted future leasing opportunities in the park, specifically a walk through and tour of four historic ocean-side buildings that the park is considering for lease. Check out the “Do Business with Us” page of our website to learn more.​

NPS Photos by Jessie Ralph (1, 4-6) and Sally Goloub (2, 3)
#ggnra #marinheadlands

Have you ever thought about running a business in a National Park, mere steps from the beach and Pacific Ocean? How might ocean breezes and the sounds of surf support your business goals, your ROI, your employee satisfaction? In February, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area hosted a "Leasing Industry Day" at Fort Cronkhite in the Marin Headlands. This event highlighted future leasing opportunities in the park, specifically a walk through and tour of four historic ocean-side buildings that the park is considering for lease. Check out the “Do Business with Us” page of our website to learn more.​

NPS Photos by Jessie Ralph (1, 4-6) and Sally Goloub (2, 3)
#ggnra #marinheadlands

Have you ever thought about running a business in a National Park, mere steps from the beach and Pacific Ocean? How might ocean breezes and the sounds of surf support your business goals, your ROI, your employee satisfaction? In February, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area hosted a "Leasing Industry Day" at Fort Cronkhite in the Marin Headlands. This event highlighted future leasing opportunities in the park, specifically a walk through and tour of four historic ocean-side buildings that the park is considering for lease. Check out the “Do Business with Us” page of our website to learn more.​

NPS Photos by Jessie Ralph (1, 4-6) and Sally Goloub (2, 3)
#ggnra #marinheadlands

Happy Earth Day! What're your hopes for our planet - and how do you show the earth that you care?

Over the weekend, 100s of Junior Rangers flocked to Muir Woods to learn about the old growth redwood ecosystem and earn their coveted badges. If you missed junior ranger day, don't fear - here're 5 lessons from the junior rangers themselves:

🎨 Making art in the park is a great way to slow down & notice details, like the different shades of green or the textures of trunks

🔥 Fire shows us how change can be scary but even forests need fresh starts. Thanks to @firesafe_marin for teaching about fire safety at home & and the important role it plays in natural ecosystems

🍀 Plant bingo can help us learn about the plants in our park - so join our 1-hour tour at 11:00AM every Saturday & Sunday to play

🤠 There's no age limit to being a junior ranger - but you have to ✨earn✨ the badge & take seriously the responsibility of wearing it

🌲 Everyone belongs in nature, and we each have a role in protecting the planet

Thanks to everyone - junior ranger or not - who shows care to our parks and planet. How are you celebrating the 56th Earth Day?

#NationalParks #MuirWoods #EarthDay #JuniorRanger #FindYourPark #EnquentaTuParque

Happy Earth Day! What're your hopes for our planet - and how do you show the earth that you care?

Over the weekend, 100s of Junior Rangers flocked to Muir Woods to learn about the old growth redwood ecosystem and earn their coveted badges. If you missed junior ranger day, don't fear - here're 5 lessons from the junior rangers themselves:

🎨 Making art in the park is a great way to slow down & notice details, like the different shades of green or the textures of trunks

🔥 Fire shows us how change can be scary but even forests need fresh starts. Thanks to @firesafe_marin for teaching about fire safety at home & and the important role it plays in natural ecosystems

🍀 Plant bingo can help us learn about the plants in our park - so join our 1-hour tour at 11:00AM every Saturday & Sunday to play

🤠 There's no age limit to being a junior ranger - but you have to ✨earn✨ the badge & take seriously the responsibility of wearing it

🌲 Everyone belongs in nature, and we each have a role in protecting the planet

Thanks to everyone - junior ranger or not - who shows care to our parks and planet. How are you celebrating the 56th Earth Day?

#NationalParks #MuirWoods #EarthDay #JuniorRanger #FindYourPark #EnquentaTuParque

Happy Earth Day! What're your hopes for our planet - and how do you show the earth that you care?

Over the weekend, 100s of Junior Rangers flocked to Muir Woods to learn about the old growth redwood ecosystem and earn their coveted badges. If you missed junior ranger day, don't fear - here're 5 lessons from the junior rangers themselves:

🎨 Making art in the park is a great way to slow down & notice details, like the different shades of green or the textures of trunks

🔥 Fire shows us how change can be scary but even forests need fresh starts. Thanks to @firesafe_marin for teaching about fire safety at home & and the important role it plays in natural ecosystems

🍀 Plant bingo can help us learn about the plants in our park - so join our 1-hour tour at 11:00AM every Saturday & Sunday to play

🤠 There's no age limit to being a junior ranger - but you have to ✨earn✨ the badge & take seriously the responsibility of wearing it

🌲 Everyone belongs in nature, and we each have a role in protecting the planet

Thanks to everyone - junior ranger or not - who shows care to our parks and planet. How are you celebrating the 56th Earth Day?

#NationalParks #MuirWoods #EarthDay #JuniorRanger #FindYourPark #EnquentaTuParque

Happy Earth Day! What're your hopes for our planet - and how do you show the earth that you care?

Over the weekend, 100s of Junior Rangers flocked to Muir Woods to learn about the old growth redwood ecosystem and earn their coveted badges. If you missed junior ranger day, don't fear - here're 5 lessons from the junior rangers themselves:

🎨 Making art in the park is a great way to slow down & notice details, like the different shades of green or the textures of trunks

🔥 Fire shows us how change can be scary but even forests need fresh starts. Thanks to @firesafe_marin for teaching about fire safety at home & and the important role it plays in natural ecosystems

🍀 Plant bingo can help us learn about the plants in our park - so join our 1-hour tour at 11:00AM every Saturday & Sunday to play

🤠 There's no age limit to being a junior ranger - but you have to ✨earn✨ the badge & take seriously the responsibility of wearing it

🌲 Everyone belongs in nature, and we each have a role in protecting the planet

Thanks to everyone - junior ranger or not - who shows care to our parks and planet. How are you celebrating the 56th Earth Day?

#NationalParks #MuirWoods #EarthDay #JuniorRanger #FindYourPark #EnquentaTuParque

Happy Earth Day! What're your hopes for our planet - and how do you show the earth that you care?

Over the weekend, 100s of Junior Rangers flocked to Muir Woods to learn about the old growth redwood ecosystem and earn their coveted badges. If you missed junior ranger day, don't fear - here're 5 lessons from the junior rangers themselves:

🎨 Making art in the park is a great way to slow down & notice details, like the different shades of green or the textures of trunks

🔥 Fire shows us how change can be scary but even forests need fresh starts. Thanks to @firesafe_marin for teaching about fire safety at home & and the important role it plays in natural ecosystems

🍀 Plant bingo can help us learn about the plants in our park - so join our 1-hour tour at 11:00AM every Saturday & Sunday to play

🤠 There's no age limit to being a junior ranger - but you have to ✨earn✨ the badge & take seriously the responsibility of wearing it

🌲 Everyone belongs in nature, and we each have a role in protecting the planet

Thanks to everyone - junior ranger or not - who shows care to our parks and planet. How are you celebrating the 56th Earth Day?

#NationalParks #MuirWoods #EarthDay #JuniorRanger #FindYourPark #EnquentaTuParque

🚴‍♂️ 250 years after the Anza expedition first reached the Golden Gate of San Francisco Bay, Luis Valle completed the same 1,200‑mile journey by bike. This weekend, his family from Spain and Mexico gathered atop Fort Point to cheer him on as he finished this epic ride. @anza250doc

#Anza250 NPS Photo
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250 años después de que la expedición de Anza llegara por primera vez a la Puerta Dorada de la Bahía de San Francisco, Luis Valle completó el mismo viaje de 1,200 millas en bicicleta. Este fin de semana, su familia de España y México se reunió en lo alto del Fuerte Point para animarlo mientras terminaba este épico recorrido. #Anza250