Three Park Sites to See—or Be Seen By—Three Iconic Animals

By Community Stewardship and Engagement Intern Ryan Kilmer, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy / Ryan Kilmer

1. Ocean Beach - Western Snowy Plover

These tiny shorebirds are some of the cutest creatures you can find in the Bay Area. They can be found on beaches all along the West Coast, and small flocks of them occupy the wide-open shores of Ocean Beach in San Francisco. Due to diminishing numbers from a loss of sandy beach nesting habitat, western snowy plovers are listed as a threatened species in the United States. They are often at risk from beachgoers, dogs, and vehicles even when they’re not nesting. Snowy plovers don’t nest on Ocean Beach, but they rest and recharge there in between nesting seasons. Large sections of Ocean Beach are designated as seasonal protection areas for these birds in order to help them rest up and stay healthy. Visitors to these areas can help keep plovers safe by giving them lots of space and keeping dogs on leash. So next time you're at Ocean Beach, don't forget to look out for these adorable little birds and listen for their "squeeeks" while enjoying the waves!

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy / Ryan Kilmer

2. Muir Woods - Banana Slug

These yellow slugs are some of the largest terrestrial mollusks on the planet, growing up to ten inches long. They thrive in the moist, coastal forests of Muir Woods and may be seen in clusters (five slugs per square meter is not uncommon!). Usually colored yellow like a banana, they can sometimes be found in a greenish-brown color or with black spots. In banana slugs, the mantle (the raised part of their body extending back from their head) contains a pneumostome, or breathing hole, on the right side. On your next trip to Muir Woods, be sure to keep an eye out for these slimy little critters on giant redwoods or hiding under the rocks.

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy / Ryan Kilmer

3. Mori Point - Bobcat

These wild cats may look cute and cuddly, but their looks may be deceiving! They use their claws and teeth to hunt down small mammals and birds all over the Bay Area. Their populations in California may not be considered at risk, but continued human encroachment into their habitats has forced them to adapt to the ever-urbanizing world around them. They like to stay clear of us humans, but if you do see one, be sure to keep your distance and make noise to let them know you're around. So while you may not see a bobcat on your next trip to Mori Point, they very well may see you!

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About the Artist / Author

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy / Ryan Kilmer

My name is Ryan Kilmer, and I’m a Community Stewardship & Engagement Intern with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. This project stems from my background in the arts as well as my passion for our park sites. I first discovered printmaking at California College of the Arts and fell in love with the hands-on process and the way it invites slow, intentional creativity that can't be replicated digitally. I wanted to use this medium to celebrate the wildlife and unique stories of our park sites, creating stamps that can be used at community events so visitors can take home a small piece of the parks. I hope to continue expanding this project to feature more sites across the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, so keep an eye out for that in the future!

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