22 May A Summer in Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Hi! My name is Nina Trusso and I am this summer’s Mosaics in Science Intern at Golden Gate Park National Recreation Area. I’m an aspiring scientist, passionate conservationist, and California sunshine enthusiast. I’ve spent the last two years chasing sunsets and traveling up and down the Golden State’s epic coast picking up seasonal environmental work in places like San Diego, Malibu, Santa Barbara, and the Monterey Bay. I’ve gotten to know some real California natives like Southern Steelhead Trout, California Red Legged Frogs, Western Pond Turtles, and San Francisco Garter Snakes. This summer I’m excited to catch up with these old friends and meet new ones in my new home in the Marin Headlands.
Double rainbow over the dorms in the Marin Headlands. Photo taken by NPS intern Karl Kindall
In just the week I’ve been here, I can already tell the Headlands are a truly magical place (hello, double rainbow!). As you cross the Golden Gate Bridge and leave the hustle and bustle of San Francisco, you enter the rolling hills of the headlands. Right now, even though spring is coming to a close, wildflowers still sprinkle the hillsides with bursts of color at every turn. Outside of my apartment in the park you can find trails that will take you up cliffs overlooking stunning beaches and offering a great place to look out into the blue for migrating whales. But, the Marin Headlands is only a small part of the 80,000 acres of wild lands that make up the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It stretches South down the San Francisco Bay’s Peninsula and reaches North through Marin and connects to Point Reyes National Seashore. There is so much to explore!
After this summer, I’ll be making my way back over the Golden Gate Bridge into the city to get my Masters in Environmental Management at the University of San Francisco. I’m grateful I have the time this summer to get to know the landscape, network with natural resource professionals, and have the experience of a lifetime before getting back to business in grad school.
Looking into my new home in the Marin Headlands from the top of Fort Point, San Francisco.
I’m so excited to share my experiences with you, the other Mosaics interns, and the team here at Golden Gate National Recreation Area!
Until next time,
Nina
Fabiane Speyrer
Posted at 13:51h, 23 MayHi Nina,
It is so nice to see other people falling in love with our beautiful natural resources. I never been to the Bay area but I’m look forward to be transported there (and release some stress) through your blog posts. Enjoy this internship the MIS is an opportunity of a life time.