Park News Spring 2003

National Park Service ParkNews U.S. Department of the Interior March, April, May 2003 The Quarterly Magazine of the National Parks at the Golden Gate Sky Stories As earthbound humans, we tend to think more about the land under our feet than the sky over our head. In this issue, however, we look up—up at the fog that cascades over the Marin Head- lands like rivers of smoke, at the stars that pattern the heavens, and at blue skies accented by the hang gliders’ colorful wings. We also look up to determine what we may be missing; currently, light pollution inhibits roughly one in five people in the world from seeing the Milky Way at night. Start with “Weather at the Edge” (page 3), and learn how and why it’s possible to take a short walk almost anywhere in the vast Golden Gate National Parks and change your environ- ment entirely!

From the Superintendent

It is eight in the morning. At Rodeo Beach in the Marin Headlands, it is a foggy 57 degrees under lowering gray skies. Just four miles away at Fort Baker, the sun is shining brightly and the tem- perature is 65 degrees.

Our park has been called “the park that makes its own weather,” a consequence of its unique geography and the micro- climates that geography creates. Harold Gilliam—in his small and useful book, Weather of the San Francisco Bay Region—says “If you don’t like the weather, walk a few blocks.” In the parks, a short hike or bike ride is an equally effective way to change your environment. The sky above the Golden Gate National Parks is a montage of quick- moving marine lay- ers that, depending on the season, will be burned off by the sun to reveal a cloudless, brilliant- blue sky. Coastal winds provide a steady Yo u ’re Invited Starry, Flying source of lift for Fort Funston’s hang gliders or Crissy Field’s windsurfers. to a Star Party Starry Night with Birds Inland, protected areas in Tennessee Amateur or professional, if you’re The NPS not only protects the land Fort Funston is hang glider heaven— Valley, at Muir Woods, or in Olema interested in the stars, there are plenty and its inhabitants, but also the skies find out why, as well as how hang glid- Valley have stretches so sunny and of places to indulge your curiosity in above; learn more about the “dark ers work and how the sport has windless that you need a hat to prevent the BayArea. skies” issue. evolved. sunburn. Across the parklands, bird- 4 6 7 watchers scanning the sky with binocu- lars are frequently rewarded for their efforts.

Inside: Park Programs pullout calendar & “Seasonal Sights” [Continued on Page 2] Behind the Scenes Golden Gate National Recreation Area comprises over 75,500 acres of land, and protects more than 1,250 historic structures, 27 rare and endangered species, and many small “islands” of threatened habitat. NPS staff, volunteers, and partners work hard to take care of the park’s treasures for the millions of people who visit each year, and for future generations.

Same Partner,New Name [Continued from Page 1] This spring, our nonprofit partner, the Golden Gate National Parks sponsoring some special hikes and ral- At night, away from the lights of San lying community enthusiasm to lend Francisco, stargazing programs bring Association, becomes the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. people into the park to view prominent a hand to the trails. We’re at the “trail- As the organization launches its third decade of service to the stars, planets, and galaxies, and perhaps head” of this new program—a pro- Golden Gate National Parks, Conservancy managers and trustees even an occasional comet or meteor gram that will eventually journey to shower. For those inspired by the moon, felt that the new name more clearly signaled its environmental pur- many destinations within our parks. the Sunset Full Moon Walk to Point pose and its deepening role in working with the NPS to conserve To learn more, visit www.parksconser- Bonita Lighthouse is an unforgettable the parklands for future generations. vancy.org and watch for notices of experience. Visiting Muir Woods by moonlight presents a whole new per- upcoming activities. spective on the old-growth forest. While its name is changing, the Conservancy’s commitment to the Big Lagoon Wetland Anyone who has taken the Alcatraz parks endures. Whether serving park visitors, enlisting volunteers, and Creek Restoration Night Tour can testify to the effect of or improving park sites, the Conservancy works side-by-side with Planning Underway the city’s sparkling lights when seen the NPS to ensure that our parks are preserved and open for all to from the island’s quiet vantage points. In cooperation with the San Francisco Surrounded by the black waters of the enjoy. To find out how you can help support our national parks at the Zen Center (owner of Green Gulch bay and punctuated by the lighthouse’s Golden Gate, visit the Conservancy at www.parksconservancy.org. Farm) and the California Department rhythmically rotating beam, Alcatraz at of Fish and Game, the National Park night is a dramatic place. (San Francisco Magazine recently named its night pro- Service is kicking off the planning and on revitalizing, expanding, and main- gram as the “Best tour in the Bay Ocean Beach environmental analysis process for the Lifeguards Begin Their taining the parks’ vast collection of Area.”) trails, trailheads, overlooks, benches, Big Lagoon Wetland and Creek Fifth Season picnic areas, and interpretive exhibits. Restoration project. This project will This issue of ParkNews focuses on the Since 1999, Ocean Beach lifeguards restore wetland and creek ecosystem skies over the Golden Gate National have been kept busy defending visitors function and will benefit threatened Parks. By day or by night, they provide The initiative will also serve as a vehi- the backdrop for some intriguing sights. from the wild waters west of the city. fish (especially coho and steelhead), cle to train students and volunteers So, go out and look up—you’ll find During their tenure, no drownings to be future stewards of our national red-legged frogs, and numerous other something new each time! have been recorded at the beach. Last parklands, preserve native habitats, native wildlife species. The project will season (their fourth), lifeguards effect- link natural corridors, and reach new also improve trails, visitor facilities, ed thirteen aquatic rescues, dozens of and parking in the NPS Muir Beach constituencies through outreach pro- Brian O’Neill cliff rescues, and thousands of safety grams. Many Trails Forever projects area. Look for opportunities to partic- Superintendent contacts. Swimmers were not the only are already underway, ranging from ipate in shaping this project; public ones saved—fifteen sea lions and 150 meetings, workshops, and site walks National Park Service extension of the Bay Trail from the U.S. Department of the Interior oiled birds were also rescued by life- west end of Crissy Field to the Golden will take place over the next eighteen guards. Cooperative efforts with the Gate Bridge to trail restoration plans months. For more information, visit U.S. Coast Guard rounded out 2002 the project website—www.nps.gov/ at Muir Woods and installation of 24 ParkNews Vol. 7, No. 3 and made it the busiest year yet for new interpretive waysides and kiosks goga/admin/planning—or contact pro- March, April, May 2003 the lifeguards. along trails throughout the parks. ject managers Jennifer Vick (561-4942) or Carolyn Shoulders (331-0771). Editors Volunteer Numbers This spring and summer, we’ll be in George Durgerian/NPS Susan Tasaki/Parks Conservancy Crunched the parks at various trailheads, cele- Kodak and National Design/Production Golden Gate National Parks volun- brating our park pathways and intro- Park Foundation Help Bill Prochnow, Mariell Ehlin teers have kept their place as the ducing you to Trails Forever. We’ll be “Visualize” the Parks Parks Conservancy most dedicated in the National Park Thanks to a grant from the National Cover Service, with an astronomical 365,495 Park Foundation through the generous Aerial view of the fogswept Golden hours donated during 2002. More support of the Kodak, Proud Partner Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands; photo courtesy Robert Campbell than 14,000 community members of America’s National Parks, we now joined park staff to restore habitat, Printing have the capacity to make the Golden Alonzo Environmental Printing greet visitors, monitor wildlife, lead Gate National Parks even more visible Hayward, CA outings, and perform clerical work. (and visual) to the American public. A very sincere thanks to each person Using equipment donated by Kodak— ParkNews is published four times a year who give time and effort to the park. a Kodak Ektapro 7020 projector, AV35 as a visitor service by the Golden Gate To j o in this generous crowd, call 561- National Parks Conservancy in coopera- Kodak Ektagraphic IR remote control, tion with the Division of Interpretation, 4755. 2 DX3900 zoom digital cameras and Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Easy Share camera docks, document All correspondence should be directed to Division of Interpretation, Golden Introducing Trails scanner, and RFS 3600 film scanner— Gate National Recreation Area, Building Forever we can make new information avail- 201 Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA This spring, the park and its nonprofit able in close to real-time via our web 94123, Attn: ParkNews. partner, the Golden Gate National site (www.nps.gov/goga), as well as Printed with soy-based inks

Parks Conservancy, are launching PARKS CONSERVANCY COLLECTION enhance our publications and hand- on recycled paper an exciting new initiative designed to Trails appropriate for every age and interest are outs and provide documentation to available in the Golden Gate National Parks. The Read ParkNews on the Web: help everyone discover and enjoy the Trails Forever initiative now getting underway will law enforcement and resource man- www.nps.gov/goga/parknews Golden Gate National Parks. Known revitalize this vast and varied network, which agers. Thanks, Kodak and the National laces together the parks’ hills, valleys, and grass- Experience Your America as Trails Forever, the initiative focuses lands. Park Foundation!

2 ParkNews Weather on the Edge

Warren Blier, Ph.D., Science and Operations Officer, National Weather Service The rain is typically accompanied by including the Golden Gate National moderate to strong southwest winds, Parks, is located in Monterey, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” which enhance the rain on the wind- California, about 90 miles south of

–Mark Twain ward slopes of the coastal mountains; San Francisco. Operating 24 hours a much less rain tends to falls on the day, 365 days a year, and utilizing state- The weather in the Golden Gate for human swimmers, the native plants coastal plain and in lee-side valleys. In of-the-art technology ranging from National Parks can be as dramatic as and animals of our coastal waters the Golden Gate National Parks, long- Doppler weather radar and networks the scenery itself. Where rugged land thrive in this cold and nutrient-rich term average annual rainfall varies of automated surface weather observ- and vast ocean meet at the edge of the water. widely, from only about 20 inches per ing stations to the latest supercomput- North American continent, strong year at Ocean Beach in San Francisco er-based numerical weather forecast influences are exerted on temperature, FOG AND STRATUS to over 60 inches per year in a small model output, the NWS continuously wind, clouds, and rain. The complex Above the vast offshore summer high- area on the slope of Mt. Tamalpais in monitors and forecasts weather condi- terrain, replete with ocean bluffs, pressure system, air slowly sinking Marin County. tions throughout the region. Compre- steep ridges, and protected valleys, can from aloft heats by compression. The hensive current NWS weather data produce dramatic variations in weath- closer to the earth it gets, the warmer WEATHER FORECASTS and forecasts can be found at the web er conditions across short distances. and drier it becomes. At the same The National Weather Service (NWS) site http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/ time, the surface air is being cooled Forecast Office for the greater San Monterey/ or by listening to NOAA On many a summer day, visitors to and moistened by the cold ocean Francisco and Monterey Bay Regions, Weather Radio. the coast bundle up against the cold water. A sharp boundary develops, ocean winds and fog, while just a few usually about 1,000 to 2,000 feet above miles inland—say, in Olema Valley or the ocean, between these two air Trapped in Springtime port (left), but he was too late. Though the Tennessee missed the rocks, at Phelger Estate—sunshine and warm masses. Fog, the Tennessee she beached herself on the sand of the temperatures prevail. Why does this Runs Aground cove that now bears her name. Fortunately, happen? Let’s begin with an overview Fog and low clouds (“stratus”) devel- there was time for the passengers and of the weather and climate of the op in the cold, damp air trapped Marcus Combs, Interpretive Ranger, crew to scramble to safety, and to remove greater San Francisco Bay Region. below and are blown into the coast Muir Woods some of the cargo. By the time notification and the lower slopes of the coastal reached the city and the cold and wet pas- Weather and currents combine to make sengers and crew were rescued, 24 hours THE SEASONS hills by prevailing northwest winds— the San Francisco Bay one of the worst had passed. Our Mediterranean climate (“climate” hence our foggy, cool summer days. ship graveyards in the nation. Over the simply means long-term average At the same time, in the higher hills years, nearly one hundred ships have come In 1853, neither the Lifesaving Service nor weather conditions) is among the (those that extend above the level to grief on the rocks here. One, the SS Coast Guard existed. In fact, there wasn’t rarest and most desirable on Earth. of this marine air boundary) and in Tennessee, lent its name to what is now a single operating lighthouse on the West Its key attributes are a dry summer inland areas protected from the influ- one of the Golden Gate National Parks: Coast. Ironically, at the time of the Tennessee Beach. Tennessee wreck, San Franciscans had been and a wet, mild winter; fall and spring ence of these cold ocean winds, days lobbying for a lighthouse on the Marin side are periods of transition. can be quite hot. The SS Tennessee shuttled passengers and of the Golden Gate. News of the wreck cargo between the Isthmus of Panama and helped cut through the red tape and in During the winter, the jet stream MICROCLIMATES AND MORE San Francisco. On March 6, 1853, laden 1855, the first Point Bonita Light was con- across the Pacific Ocean becomes Under such circumstances, typical both with cargo and 551 passengers, she structed (see the Summer 2002 issue for stronger and generally shifts south- seasonal weather conditions can vary began her entry into the bay. The fog was the whole Point Bonita story). thick, and though Captain Mellus was con- ward, thus enabling rain and wind- dramatically across very short dis- fident, he chose to proceed slowly through Today, while strolling along this seashore tances (despite the fact that the cli- producing weather systems to periodi- what he thought was the Golden Gate. at the lowest tide, you can still see parts cally sweep through the area. As sum- mate of the region as a whole is gener- Through the haze, rocks appeared on the of the old Tennessee. On March 6, join a mer approaches, however, the jet ally classifiable as Mediterranean). The right side of the ship. Assuming these were ranger-led program and hear more about stream weakens and shifts far to the term “microclimates” is used to refer the rocks off Lands End, the captain kept the Tennessee’s story (see the Park north as a large and strong area of to small-scale subregional areas of on until a cry of “Breaker ahead!” rang Programs calendar for details). out. The captain ordered a quick turn to high pressure develops over a broad characteristically different weather region of the eastern Pacific Ocean conditions. The microclimate of the offshore from California. coast is different than the microcli- mate of protected coastal valleys. Air spiraling out from the center of Within the distance of a short drive, the high results in persistent northwest or even along the course of a single winds along the northern and central hike, late spring and summer visitors California coast. Interaction between can experience a wide range of weath- this flow and the underlying coastal er conditions. ocean surface brings cold bottom water up to the surface, a very differ- Microclimates are also in evidence ent situation than along the eastern during the winter season. As a cooler edge of our continent, where the Gulf air mass and less sunshine are more Stream transports warm surface water generally prevalent over the region northward from the tropics. Thus, during this time of the year, less varia- although the Golden Gate National tion tends to be found in the tempera-

Parks are at about the same latitude as tures. The situation is quite different, PARKS CONSERVANCY The steamship Tennessee, lithograph, ca. 1850 the Virginia coast, eastern beach-goers though, regarding rainfall from passing enjoy much warmer summer water storms. temperatures. While not so pleasant

ParkNews 3 Yo u ’re I n v i t ed to a Star Party! Indulge Your Sense of Wonder

Bill Stepka, San Francisco Amateur Astronomers Luncheon and Discussion Association (www.nchalada.org), which meets Of all the wonders of the Bay Area, let us not ignore those that are free and found overhead each quarterly in Chabot’s boardroom. evening. In the San Francisco Bay Area, with its wealth of astronomical knowledge and stargazing Travel to the South Bay for a visit to opportunities, the general public has a plethora of professional and amateur astronomers willing and the Lick Observatory (831-459-2513, able to share their time and their knowledge of the wonders of the universe. This confluence of great www.ucolick.org). Founded in 1888 by the eccentric millionaire James Lick, it universities, astronomical observatories, and a very strong group of amateur and professional astronom- is located 20 miles east of San Jose and ical societies allows anyone interested in the cosmos endless means to indulge that interest. Somewhere managed by the University of near you, a public “star party” is taking place. In the Golden Gate National Parks, look for such parties California. This observatory is open between February and October at Lands End, hosted by the National Park Service and the San dailyand offers tours of the historic Francisco Amateur Astronomers. 36-inch Great Lick Refractor and the 120-inch reflecting telescope.

Whether your interests include the ON THE WEB planets of our Solar System or the fur- Check these websites for further infor- ther reaches of theoretical cosmology mation. Fremont Peak Observatory (the study of the origins of the uni- Association (www.fpoa.net), San Jose verse), you will find a professional Astronomical Association (www.sjaa. astronomer speaking on your topic net), and Peninsula Astronomical several times a year. Society (www.fda.edu/ast/pas). For the San Mateo County Astronomical IN SAN FRANCISCO Society and many other contacts, The Morrison Planetarium (750-7141, investigate the resources at the www.calacademy.org/planetarium) in Astronomical Association of Northern Golden Gate Park hosts the Benjamin California (www.aanc.astronomy.org).

Dean Lecture Series of eminent ROBERT NAEYE More than 25 members of the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers brought telescopes to the most recent astronomers each year. Our own San Mt. Tam Star Party. The Bay Area offers a wealth of astro- Francisco Amateur Astronomers (566- nomical opportunities. Whatever your 2357, www.sfaa-astronomy.org) meets astronomy, they publish Mercury, a public for viewing on Friday and interest, you will find someplace to there on the third Wednesday of the popular bimonthly magazine that is as Saturday evenings. The center spon- satisfy your curiosity and sense of month. The SFAA also hosts many good as (and often better than) the sors a Telescope Maker’s Workshop wonder. If you have never looked famous lecturers, such as the interna- more widely available monthlies. This (founded in 1930) on Friday nights through a telescope, find a star party tionally acclaimed extrasolar planet year’s annual ASP meeting at UC from 7 to 10 PM. and experience the beauty of the night finder, Dr. Geoff Marcy. Berkeley drew more than a thousand sky for yourself. people and featured such famous Chabot also hosts the Eastbay Astro- For public telescope viewing on the astronomers as Drs. Alex Filippenko nomical Society (www.eastbayastro.org), Bill Stepka is past president of the San city’s sidewalks, check out the San and David Morrison. founded in 1924; the society has had Francisco Amateur Astronomers and Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers (289- numerous attendees during its many also proud member of the Astronomical 2007, www.sfsidewalkastronomers.org). The San Francisco Amateur years of existence—Albert Einstein Society of the Pacific and the Eastbay NASA Ames Research Center at Astronomers assisted the ASP in host- attended one of its meetings! In addi- Astronomical Society. He spent two of Moffet Field (www.arc.nasa.gov) also ing a Star Party at Mt. Tam (which tion, those with an interest in the his- the best weeks in his life as a student in encourages its scientists to do public holds star parties near the time of the tory of astronomy would find some- residence at Mt. Wilson Observatory outreach and provides speakers to new moon in the summer months) thing of interest at the Northern near Pasadena using the historic 60- clubs and universities. after a public lecture by nationally California Historical Astronomy inch reflecting telescope. known author David Levy. The ASP The Astronomical Society of the has also matched amateur and profes- Pacific (415-337-1100, www.astrosoci- sional astronomers with science teach- ety.com), founded in 1889, is the oldest ers to bring the excitement of astrono- amateur and professional nonprofit my to the classroom. Anyone with organization in the United States. astronomical curiosity is encouraged Working to increase the public’s to join the ASP and support this grand understanding and appreciation of old San Francisco institution and its good works.

EAST BAY, SOUTH BAY Another local institution is Oakland’s Chabot Space and Science Center (510-336-7300, www.chabotspace.org), located at 10000 Skyline Boulevard. Set on 13 parkland acres, it is home to a state of the art planetarium, theater, science museum, education center, JANE AND/OR MORRIS JONES, SAN RAFAEL, CA and observatory complex. Their 20- The June 2002 partial solar eclipse star party on JANE AND/OR MORRIS JONES, SAN RAFAEL, CA Harrison Street in San Francisco was sponsored by inch refracting telescope is open to the Stargazing at Hume Observatory, the California Academy of Sciences observatory in Sonoma County. the Sidewalk Astronomers.

4 ParkNews Seasonal Sights

Tim Doherty, NPS Biological Science Technician The California red-legged frog (Rana “Blossom by blossom, spring begins.” aurora draytonii) is the largest frog native to the western United States. Its –A. C. Swinburne historic range covered much of California, including portions of the Sierra Nevada range. It is also believed to be the type of frog described by Beach and the Pacific Ocean. With luck, pink (pink) accent the Presidio and Fort After winter solstice, the sun takes a Mark Twain in his short story, “The higher path through the sky each day. you’ll see coho salmon and steelhead Funston dune strands. Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” By the vernal equinox—which this trout juveniles in Redwood Creek. year is March 21—it is visi- •In the Marin Headlands and at Milagra Numerous factors led to the decrease ble for exactly 12 hours. • At Muir Woods, the complex, Ridge, watch for the mission blue butter- in California red-legged frog numbers, melodious song of the nesting winter fly as it feeds on lupine blossoms. including the effects of gold mining, The vernal equinox also wren fills the forest. At twilight, listen habitat fragmentation and degrada- marks the first day of for the call of spotted owls. •Bank swallows return to Fort Funston’s tion, human predation—during the late spring. These fresh- coastal bluffs. Listen and watch for 19th and early 20th centuries, nearly ening months are • Blossoming California poppies, California quail, red-tailed hawks, and 80,000 frogs are estimated to have been harvested for food in the San times of height- checkerbloom, and San Francisco wall- white-crowned sparrows—vocal species Francisco Bay Area and the Central ened activity for flower paint the grasslands and ridges; that use their songs to attract mates. Valley—and the introduction of the the many species hound’s tongue and redwood violets bullfrog (Rana catesbiana). Today, the of plants and bring fresh color to the lush greenery of •Point Bonita and the Cliff House over- red-legged frogs, which have been animals that Muir Woods; and a looks are fine spots to scan the ocean’s eliminated from 70 percent of their his- inhabit the park. host of annuals such horizon for California gray whales head- toric habitat, range from Sonoma and as dune gilia (blue), ing north with their calves, which were Butte counties in the north to Riverside • An early-spring Chamisso’s born in the warm waters of Baja County in the south; larger populations hike in the lupine (pur- California. can be found along the coast. Redwood Creek ple), sea- Throughout their life span, red-legged watershed will side •Many of the parks’ mammals can be seen frogs utilize both riparian and upland reward you with daisy feeding with their young in the open habitat. They require aquatic habitat to the sound of gur- (laven- grasslands. Cottontail rabbits and black- breed; if water is available, they will der), tailed deer are frequently spotted this gling water rush- remain active throughout the summer. and sea time of the year. ing toward Muir In cooler months, the frogs search for burrows or other shelters in which to hibernate. The Golden Gate National Parks provide the red- legged frogs with the variety they need.

All illustrations by Ryan Jones

Yes, I would like to join the Parks Conservancy. Enclosed is my membership contri- Do You Enjoy the Parks? bution of: n $35 Park Partner Receive the award-winning book, Guide to the Parks n $50 Park Sponsor Receive a cotton twill cap JOIN US! n $100 Park Steward Receive a cotton sweatshirt Donations are tax-deductible. For information , visit our website www.parkscon- servancy.org. To join by phone, call the Parks Conservancy at (415) 561-3000. More than ever before, the Golden Gate National Parks need the support of people like you. By joining the Conservancy—the parks’ NAME non-profit partner—you’ll become part of the effort to preserve the national parks at the Golden Gate. ADDRESS Your support helps restore native habitats, maintain miles of trails, CITY STATE ZIP preserve historic landmarks, and develop park education programs DAY PHONE (INCLUDE AREA CODE) TOTAL ENCLOSED $ for young people. Make check or money order payable to Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy Join the Parks Conservancy and you’ll receive: Charge to: n Visa n Mastercard

ACCOUNT NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE Two membership cards plus a special gift. Gateways, the quarterly membership newsletter filled with news SIGNATURE of the parks and tips on special places. ParkAdventures, the quarterly calendar of NPS and special THE GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVANCY—OUR MISSION membership programs and events, delivered to your home. The mission of the Parks Conservancy is to engage the community in the preserva- tion, education, enjoyment, and improvement of the Golden Gate National Parks. A Free monthly email newsletter. nonprofit organization founded in 1981, we support the National Park Service by GOLDEN GATE enlisting volunteers to restore native habitats, publishing educational materials NATIONAL Invitations to members-only walks, talks, and excursions. about the parks, funding and managing projects to improve park open space and PA R KS landmarks, supporting scientific studies, and establishing visitor centers. CONSERVANCY Discounts at park bookstores. Over the course of two decades, the Conservancy has provided the National Park Free use of the Alcatraz and Fort Point audio tours. Service with more than $ 64 million in aid. The Conservancy s funding sources include contributions from more than 12,000 individual members, foundations, and

ParkNews 5 Starry, Starry Night AThing of the Past?

Judy Rocchio, NPS Air Quality Coordinator and Tamara Williams, GGNRA Natural Resources Management

“The stars awaken a certain reverence, because though always present, they are inaccessible.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

breast and prostate cancer. “It turns ness is often safer, partly because offthe cancer cells from growing,” neighbors soon learn to alert police if says Joan Roberts, a photobiologist. they see lights in a building.

But if there’s even a little light around CHANGING PRACTICES your bed at night, melatonin produc- National Park Service policy dictates tion switches off. “So there may be this that parks must, to the extent possible, natural way that Mother Nature has manage to preserve, protect, or given us, that is, dark night to keep enhance the night skies. This requires certain cancers under control,” implementation of best management Roberts says. Nature needs darkness, practices within their boundaries and too; the immune systems of animals working outside the park with local grow weak when they’re exposed to communities to promote night-light- artificial light at night. ing ordinances.

A RECOVERABLE RESOURCE Here in the Golden Gate National Unlike some natural resources that Parks, we are implementing sound NOAA A satellite image of the United States reveals areas with the highest levels of light pollution. Each night, are unrecoverable once lost—species lighting practices by avoiding and the sky is washed with a flood of artificial light, which not only restricts astronomers’ ability to study the extinction or clear-cut old growth eliminating unnecessary night lighting, universe, but may also have negative biological consequences for Earth’s plants and animals. forests—night sky darkness is poten- and by using shielded light fixtures tially recoverable in many places. and low-intensity lights. Nationwide, The stars of the Milky Way have fasci- because it is blocked by lights from Lights that glare into the sky and wipe the NPS will be partnering with local nated humans for millenia. Ancient cities and towns. In night’s darkest out the stars can be shielded and groups to develop measures to reduce mariners guided everything from out- places, far from city lights, about 2,000 focused with reflectors to make them light trespass from sources outside the riggers to sailing ships using this galac- stars are typically visible. In major more efficient and to reduce light tres- parks. With your help, we can bring tical road map. But it is quite possible cities, that number shrinks to a few pass. Or, lights can simply be turned starry nights back to our parks. that future generations of children will dozen at most. off. not be able to see the galaxy they live in, or the wondrous canopy of stars DARKNESS FOR HEALTH If you’d like information on what you Pointing light where it doesn’t need to that has inspired poets, philosophers, Scientists have now discovered that can do to help restore dark night skies, go also wastes energy. For example, visit the International Dark Sky and dreamers for centuries. The flood darkness optimizes health. Only when by “going dark” nightly, some office Organization website at of artificial light that washes the stars it’s really dark can the human body buildings and school systems are sav- www.darksky.org. from the sky today has left one in five produce the hormone melatonin. ing as much as $1 million a year in human beings unable to see the Milky Melatonin fights diseases, including energy costs. Police report that dark- Way at night, according to a new study of the global effects of light pollution.

A 2001 global satellite study conducted by scientists at the University of Padua, Italy, and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) measured for the first time how light degrades the view of stars in specific places around the globe.

“The rapid increase in light pollution is one of the most dramatic changes occurring in our natural environ- ment,” noted the Royal Astronomical Society, which published the study. The survey shows that truly dark, star- ry skies are unavailable to two-thirds of the world’s population, including 99 percent of people in the continen- tal United States and Western Europe.

The report describes regions of the NASA Light pollution is not just a problem in North America, as can be seen in this satellite image of the world; industrialized and/or heavily populated areas can be world where true night never occurs easily identified from a long way up!

6 ParkNews Flying with Birds Hang Gliding at Fort Funston

Mike Carlyle

Visitors to Fort Funston enter a unique natural wind zone in which glider pilots soar with hawks and seagulls in flights lasting hours. One of the best ridge-soaring sites in the world, Fort Funston has served as a incubator for national hang glider design and flight technique.

EXTENDING THE GLIDE leys. These westerly winds are general- In its late-1960s infancy, the sport ly smooth and laminar (flowing paral- consisted of a few daredevils who lel with the surface). When this mov- attached themselves to aerodynami- ing air encounters the coastside hills cally and structurally risky wings and and bluffs, it is pushed up the face of attempted launches from slopes and the land mass. This upwardly moving hilltops. Although many flights were air creates an area of lift in which a traumatic, the successes were both bird—or glider—may achieve buoyan- exhilarating and encouraging. cy and remain airborne or soar for extended periods of mechanically By the late 1970s, the early homemade powerless flight. bamboo, plastic sheeting, and rope contraptions had been superceded by The strength of the coastside lift zone reliable designs constructed of aircraft depends primarily upon the speed, tubing, steel wire, and Dacron sail- direction, and temperature of the cloth. Novice pilots, who once had to wind and the height and steepness of teach themselves, were instructed by the cliff or hillside the air is climbing. certified teachers usually associated Coastal hang glider pilots frequently RICHARD FREAR/NPS The headlands rising up from the sea beyond Fort Funston interrupt the flow of air off the ocean, pushing with hang gliding equipment shops. fly south from Fort Funston to the face it upward and providing hang gliders with the lift they need to soar. of Westlake; rising 600 feet from the Hang glider performance, as measured beach, this hill provides the highest by “glide ratios”—the number of feet and widest accessible zone of lift. of forward travel per foot of descent— Gliders flying above the beach at improved from 3:1 in 1970 to 7:1 in Westlake frequently reach altitudes 1980; today, some gliders boast a glide of over 1,000 feet. ratio of 18:1. With the advent of moun- tain thermal flying in the mid-1970s, DOWN TO EARTH hang glider pilots began exploring dra- Controlled in a manner similar to that matically greater altitudes and dis- used with bicycles—weight shift— tances. Today, thermal pilots can hang gliders soar in the lift and sometimes gain over 10,000 feet of descend slowly when flown out of the altitude and fly cross country more lift. Landings are achieved by gradual- than 100 miles; the cross country ly losing altitude in a manner calculat- record is in excess of 400 miles. ed to end at the point of one’s choice. Correctly executed, the pilots’ full stall LIKE A BIRD of his wing stops the glider’s forward The soaring of hang gliders on the motion and returns pilot and equip- coast is made possible by sea ment safely to earth with a “tiptoe” BRENDA THARP “breezes,” cool marine air drawn ending to another good flight. A birds’-eye view of the sea and the land can be achieved by combining a brisk ocean wind, an aerody- toward hot, low pressure, inland val- namically suitable set of wings, a high headlands perch from which to launch, and an adventurous human. BRENDA THARP Looking like a cluster of brightly colored butterflies, earthbound hang gliders litter the cliffs at Fort Funston. Technological advances have resulted in gliders that are lighter and more durable than the early-1960s models.

ParkNews 7 The National Parks at the Golden Gate

Tomales Bay

Point Martinelli Ranch S Reyes A N National P Seashore A B L O Parklands include B A Y Alcatraz Island Baker Beach Bolinas Ridge Olema Valley

S China Beach A Cliff House N Crissy Field F Muir R Fort Baker A P Fort Cronkhite AC Woods N IF C IC Fort Funston Stinson Beach IS O C Fort Mason C O E B Fort Point A Tennessee Valley A N Y Gerbode Valley Marin Headlands Alcatraz Kirby Cove Point Bonita Fort Mason Fort Baker Crissy Field Lands End Fort Point Presidio Marin Headlands Lands End SAN Martinelli Ranch Sutro Heights FRANCISCO Milagra Ridge Cliff House Mori Point Farallon National Ocean Beach S Muir Beach Fort Funston A Wildlife Refuge N Muir Woods F R A Oakwood Valley N Ocean Beach C I S Olema Valley N Milagra Ridge C Phleger Estate O

Mori Point B Point Bonita Sweeney Ridge A Presidio

Y Rodeo Beach Stinson Beach Lands within authorized boundary of the Golden Gate National Parks Sutro Heights Sweeney Ridge NPS-managed Golden Gate National Parks lands Tennessee Valley Golden Gate National Parks lands managed by the Presidio Trust

Phleger Estate

Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA)

This 75,500-acre national park is located TTY ...... 561-4314 556-9870 RELATED SITES where the Pacific Ocean meets San Fran- If the park destination you wish to visit NPS Volunteer Information . . . 561- Crissy Field Center . . . www.crissy- cisco Bay. Extending north and south of or learn more about does not have a cor- 4755 field.org the Golden Gate, the park offers a spec- responding phone number listed on this Nike Missile Site ...... 331-1453 Golden Gate Club . . www.goldengate- tacular blend of natural beauty, historic page, please phone GGNRA Headquar- Park Archives and Records Center . club.com features, open space, and urban develop- ters at 561-4700 (Monday through Fri- .561-4807 Golden Gate National Parks ment as well as a vast coastal preserve day) and park staff will assist you. Conservancy along its shoreline. Muir Woods National Point Reyes National Seashore 464- 5100 ...... www.parksconservancy.org Monument, Fort Point National Historic ADDITIONAL USEFUL Golden Gate Raptor Observatory Site, and the Presidio of San Francisco Presidio Habitat Restoration Team . NUMBERS .561-4848 ...... www.ggro.org are within GGNRA’s boundaries and are Gulf of the Farallones National (area code 415 unless otherwise San Francisco Maritime National managed as part of GGNRA. Marine Sanctuary noted) Historic Park, National Maritime ...... www.faral- lones.org EMERGENCY (POLICE, Alcatraz Program Information 561- Museum ...... 556-3002 Presidio Trust ...... FIRE, AMBULANCE)...... 911 4900 ...... or 556-6435 Beach Chalet Visitor Center, Special Park Uses Group 561-4300 www.presidiotrust.org Park Visitor/Information Centers Golden Gate Park ...... 751-2766 Stinson Beach Weather . . 868-1922 (area code 415 unless otherwise Camping Reservations ...... The National Park Service Web page noted) . . . . 331-1540 (backcountry sites) NATIONAL PARKS at www.nps.gov includes ParkNet, Crissy Field . . . 561-7761 (Center) . . . or 800-365-2267 (Kirby Cove) ON THE INTERNET an online magazine providing natural and cultural history, travel and ...... or 561-3040 (Warming Hut) Crissy Field Center . . . . . 561-7690 Golden Gate National Recreation tourism information, and basic Fort Funston ...... 239-2366 Fort Mason Center ...... 441-3400 Area information on all national park ...... www.nps.gov/goga Fort Mason/GGNRA Headquarters Golden Gate National Parks sites. (Monday—Friday) ...... 561-4700 Conservancy Alcatraz . . . www.nps.gov/alcatraz TDD/V ...... 556-2766 ...... 561-3000 Fort Point . . . . . www.nps.gov/fopo GULF OF THE Fort Point ...... 556-1693 Golden Gate Raptor Observatory . . . Muir Woods . . www.nps. gov/muwo FARALLONES NATIONAL TDD ...... 561-4399 331-0730 Nike Missile Site MARINE SANCTUARY Marin Headlands ...... 331-1540 Gulf of the Farallones National . . . www.nps.gov/goga/mahe/nimi The sanctuary comprises 948 square Marine Sanctuary ...... 561-6625 Muir Woods ...... 388-2596 Presidio ...... www.nps.gov/prsf nautical miles of the Pacific Ocean off Pacifica ...... (650) 355-4122 Hyde Street Pier ...... 556-1917 the California coastline, west and north Presidio ...... 561-4323 J. Porter Shaw Memorial Library . . ADDITIONAL PARK- of San Francisco and includes the Gulf of

8 ParkNews