Crissy Field Exploration Crissy Field is a stunning park site within the Golden Gate National Parks. Crissy Field’s 100 acres of wild, windswept shoreline are a favorite place for walkers, joggers, board sailors, bicyclists, thousands of birds and even the occasional seal. normal point_0 highlight highlight_point_0 normal point_1 highlight highlight_point_1 normal point_2 highlight highlight_point_2 normal point_3 highlight highlight_point_3 normal point_4 highlight highlight_point_4 normal point_5 highlight highlight_point_5 normal point_6 highlight highlight_point_6 normal point_7 highlight highlight_point_7 normal point_8 highlight highlight_point_8 normal point_9 highlight highlight_point_9 normal point_10 highlight highlight_point_10 normal point_11 highlight highlight_point_11 normal point_12 highlight highlight_point_12 normal point_13 highlight highlight_point_13 normal point_14 highlight highlight_point_14 normal point_15 highlight highlight_point_15 normal point_16 highlight highlight_point_16 normal point_17 highlight highlight_point_17 normal point_18 highlight highlight_point_18 normal point_19 highlight highlight_point_19 Crissy Field Exploration <table width="500"><tr><td> Permalink: <a href="http://www.kqed.org/quest/exploration/crissy-field-exploration">http://www.kqed.org/quest/exploration/crissy-field-exploration</a> Difficulty: Easy, Accessibile: Yes, Duration: 1.4 hrs <h2>Crissy Field</h2> This Exploration created in collaboration with the   <a href="http://www.exploratorium.edu"><img src="http://www.kqed.org/quest/files/explo_logo_black3.gif" border="0"/></a> <iframe scrolling="no" src="http://www.kqed.org/quest/television/embed/674" width="320" border="0" height="205"></iframe>Crissy Field is a stunning park site within the Golden Gate National Parks. Crissy Field's 100 acres of wild, windswept shoreline are a favorite place for walkers, joggers, boardsailors, bicyclists, thousands of birds and the occasional seal. Originally a rich salt marsh and gathering ground for native people, Crissy Field was later the landing site of Spanish explorers and Russian, English and Boston traders. In 1915, the Panama Pacific International Exposition was held here, and shortly after, the area became one of the country’s foremost military airfields and part of a U.S. army post. With generous community support, Crissy Field has been transformed into a spectacular national parkland. The 100-acre site is included within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the Presidio of San Francisco. Along with the entire Presidio, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962. As part of the site restoration effort in 1998-2000, individuals and groups from schools, corporations and civic organizations put in more than 100,000 native plants to help restore natural systems at Crissy Field. Community volunteers continue to play an important role in sustaining long-term stewardship of this national parkland. source: <a href="http://www.parksconservancy.org/our_work/crissy/resources.asp">GGNPC</a> <h3>Location</h3> 603 Mason Street, Presidio Crissy Field Center is located <a href="http://www.parksconservancy.org//dynamic/subpages/image_1_338.pdf">driving directions</a> <a href="http://www.parksconservancy.org/dynamic/subpages/image_1_337.pdf">Map</a> <h3>Center Hours of Operation</h3> Monday through Sunday 9 AM - 5 PM <h3>Administrative Phones</h3> General Office (415) 561-7690 Fax (415) 561-7695 Bookstore (415) 561-7761 Café (415) 561-7756 Special thanks to Charity Maybury and Kristen Ward at <a href="http://www.parksconservancy.org/our_work/crissy/about.asp">The Crissy Field Center</a> for their participation in this Exploration. </td></tr> #exploration -122.4545717,37.8044054,10000 37.8044054 -122.4545717 relativeToGround 0 1500 45 1 1a. Starting down the path at Crissy Field <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1895378273"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2254/1895378273_e231af9272_m.jpg"/></a> - Across the street from Crissy Field center, a wide path invites visitors to venture into the park's dunes and marshes. #point_0_map -122.4545717,37.8044054 1b. Sign along path <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1896224150"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2206/1896224150_67b313a3ba_m.jpg"/></a> - At the entrance to a path that crosses Crissy Field marsh, a sign reminds visitors they're in a delicately restored area that needs to be treated with care. #point_0_map -122.4545717,37.8044054 1c. Saltwater marsh <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1896225800"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2129/1896225800_ecd852bd53_m.jpg"/></a> - Birds frequent this area, which looks much like a lagoon but is technically a saltwater marsh. You'll usually find ducks, gulls, and other waterfowl congregating. #point_0_map -122.4545717,37.8044054 1d. Bridge across salt water marsh <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1896228252"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2217/1896228252_05e1d58e20_m.jpg"/></a> - A bridge spanning the marsh offers better views of birds and other animals. #point_0_map -122.4545717,37.8044054 1 2a. Great egret, Crissy Field <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1894150613"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2082/1894150613_e08eb9c2c7_m.jpg"/></a> - Whether in the marsh or along the dunes, you're likely to come across some majestic and sizable waterfowl during a walk at Crissy Field. This great egret, one of the larger members of the heron family, was spotted alongside the marsh waters. #point_1_map -122.4541859,37.8046477 2b. The great egret's characteristic coloring <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1894152083"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2201/1894152083_0129221767_m.jpg"/></a> - The great egret's signature costume is a yellow bill and long black legs, as opposed to its cousin, the snowy egret, which sports the opposite color combination. Great egrets, found on all continents except Antarctica, average about 40 inches in height with wingspans of up to 57 inches. #point_1_map -122.4541859,37.8046477 2c. Snowy egret, Crissy Field <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1895533087"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2123/1895533087_a4fbd40e24_m.jpg"/></a> - The snowy egret also populates Crissy Field marsh. You can distinguish it from its larger cousin, the great egret, by its black bill and yellow feet. The snowy egret is also considerably smaller, standing about 2 feet tall. #point_1_map -122.4541859,37.8046477 2d. Brown pelican, Crissy Field marsh <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1894995574"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2036/1894995574_4bb67b068b_m.jpg"/></a> - Brown pelicans, with wingspans of up to 8 feet, are frequent visitors to Crissy Field, and can often be seen skimming the open waters of the Golden Gate. In the 1970s, research on the negative effects of DDT on brown pelican eggs helped get the pesticide banned. #point_1_map -122.4541859,37.8046477 2e. Brown pelican flapping <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1894154919"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2340/1894154919_50e0ef0819_m.jpg"/></a> - Occasionally, the pelicans will repeatedly slap their wings against the water, splashing around. It's not entirely clear what drives this behavior, but they may be scavenging for food near the surface of the water. #point_1_map -122.4541859,37.8046477 2f. Brown pelican flapping <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1894156479"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2041/1894156479_30fd63ce08_m.jpg"/></a> - More flapping. #point_1_map -122.4541859,37.8046477 1 3a. Looking down from the bridge <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1895384945"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2088/1895384945_7760839b63_m.jpg"/></a> - From the bridge, glance down at the muddy sand below and you'll see a field of holes that take several different shapes. Critters like ghost shrimp, clams, and polychate worms make their homes by burrowing into these sands. #point_2_map -122.4540188,37.8048714 3b. Long view of marsh mud <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/2101448475"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2230/2101448475_84fb7cf6e6_m.jpg"/></a> - The appearance of mud in the salt marsh changes with the tides. The tide was out when this photos was taken, revealing burrows of small marine animals. #point_2_map -122.4540188,37.8048714 1 4a. Scrubby dune habitat <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1895457077"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2419/1895457077_bbe284dce1_m.jpg"/></a> - Turn right at the end of the bridge, walk a short ways, and you'll find yourself sandwiched between two different habitats. On your right, a scrubby dune is covered with low-lying bushes and other plants that enjoy a drier, sandy soils. #point_3_map -122.4528421,37.8051274 4b. Chamisso Bush Lupin foliage <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1896303288"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2291/1896303288_e83f19365e_m.jpg"/></a> - Chamisso Bush Lupin is a common find on the dunes. In the spring, Chamisso Bush Lupin produces violet flowers. It is named after french naturalist Adelbert von Chamisso, who also named the California poppy during an exploratory voyage to North America in the 1820s. #point_3_map -122.4528421,37.8051274 4c. Chamisso Bush Lupin in fall color <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1896230834"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2414/1896230834_6e79c59623_m.jpg"/></a> - This dried specimen of Chamisso Bush Lupin shows the plant's seed pods, which rustle and make noise as the shrub shakes in the wind. In the spring, Chamisso Bush Lupin produces violet flowers. It is named after french naturalist Adelbert von Chamisso, who also named the California poppy during an exploratory voyage to North America in the 1820s. #point_3_map -122.4528421,37.8051274 4d. Chamisso Bush Lupin <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1895637841"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2081/1895637841_d253744edc_m.jpg"/></a> - A closer look at the lupine's twisted seed pods. #point_3_map -122.4528421,37.8051274 4e. Indian Paintbrush <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1896359922"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2303/1896359922_db21055c7f_m.jpg"/></a> - These Indian paintbrush plants, still in bloom in late fall, enjoy the sandy soils of Crissy Field's dunes. Indian paintbrushes are semi-parasites. It's also worth noting that they're pollinated by hovering birds and insects, as their leaves and flowers offer no real parking place for potential pollinators. #point_3_map -122.4528421,37.8051274 4f. Indian paintbrush flower <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1896360798"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2368/1896360798_e07ec4ea20_m.jpg"/></a> - Getting up close to the Indian paintbrush flower. #point_3_map -122.4528421,37.8051274 4g. Indian paintbrush flower <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1895517019"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2122/1895517019_b33bd3c680_m.jpg"/></a> - And closer still. #point_3_map -122.4528421,37.8051274 1 5a. Dune swail <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1895461135"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2064/1895461135_135f9bb6c3_m.jpg"/></a> - On the left is a habitat called dune swail. This patch is now the only example of a habitat, characterized by tall grasses, short trees, and occasional cattails, that was once common in San Francisco. And we're fortunate it's here: not included in the original Crissy Field plan, the dune swail was added to address other needs that arose in the area's restoration. #point_4_map -122.4524873,37.8048849 5b. Dune swail reeds and sedges <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1895459525"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2276/1895459525_4beca7cde0_m.jpg"/></a> - Reeds and sedges like these, found in the dune swail environment, were used by native people of the region. Native Americans are allowed to collect these plants for cultural purposes if they choose to. #point_4_map -122.4524873,37.8048849 5c. Tree in dune swail <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/2102228724"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2067/2102228724_91dc2ec59d_m.jpg"/></a> - The dune swail is the only freshwater habitat along this walk, and supports a variety of trees. From here you can see the dome of the Palace of Fine Arts, where the Exploratorium is located. #point_4_map -122.4524873,37.8048849 5d. Leaves on tree in dune swail <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1895512501"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2167/1895512501_559a0436cc_m.jpg"/></a> - Trees in the dune swail habitat grow larger leaves than do the shrubs growing across the path, out of reach of the supply of fresh water. #point_4_map -122.4524873,37.8048849 5e. Wasp gall <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1895511235"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2337/1895511235_d6b69d0939_m.jpg"/></a> - Parasitic wasps and midges use the undersides of leaves on trees in the dune swail to lay their eggs. These egg packages, called galls, are often brightly colored and can take some interesting shapes. #point_4_map -122.4524873,37.8048849 1 6a. View from second bridge <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1895524433"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2103/1895524433_1b178a3c9b_m.jpg"/></a> - Closer to the beach, a rocky inlet provides hunting and hiding grounds for lots of critters. Here, another egret tiptoes its way around, searching for a morsel. #point_5_map -122.4540631,37.8058066 6b. Snowy egret (Egretta thula) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1896380804"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2347/1896380804_efe86eae61_m.jpg"/></a> - A closer view of a snowy egret. You can identify it by its black beak and yellow legs, the opposite color scheme of its cousin, the great egret. #point_5_map -122.4540631,37.8058066 6c. Top smelt jumping <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1895533857"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2144/1895533857_279008d6a3_m.jpg"/></a> - Keep an eye on the surface of the marsh's water and you might see the silvery flash of a topsmelt leaping. These fish get their name by their habit of swimming near the water's surface. Topsmelt aren't actually true smelt, they're members of the silversides family. That relation is apt: it's their silvery scales that make them glint so brightly as they leap. #point_5_map -122.4540631,37.8058066 1 7a. Two-sided dune <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1896388650"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2114/1896388650_8b7acd03b7_m.jpg"/></a> - Rounding a dune near the beach, you can see evidence of the wind's effects on plant life. Low-lying shrubs and other plants cover the more sheltered side (on the left in this picture) like a rugged carpet, while the windy side boasts mostly sparse bunches of American dune grass interspersed with hearty wildflowers. #point_6_map -122.4544759,37.8060283 7b. Beach strawberry <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1895550501"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2255/1895550501_c57a98f7bb_m.jpg"/></a> - The native beach strawberry spreads runners throughout the less windy side of the dunes, taking over large patches. These runners not only serve as the plant's main form of reproduction, but they also help retain the dune's sands. In the spring, they bloom with small white flowers that later produce scarlet berries similar to our more familiar strawberries. #point_6_map -122.4544759,37.8060283 7c. Marsh gum plant <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1895396398"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2062/1895396398_8847a16642_m.jpg"/></a> - The marsh gumplant takes well to salty soils. The native Ohlone used the plant's signature sticky sap as a balm. The scent of the leaves, if you crush them between your fingers, is reminiscent of fruity candy. #point_6_map -122.4544759,37.8060283 1 8a. Dune grass <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1895545191"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2025/1895545191_80e9aec686_m.jpg"/></a> - On the windward side of the dune, dune grass helps to anchor shifting sands and retain the dune's shape. Dune grass grows from stems that spread underground, an ingenious adaptation that keeps the plant from being buried by windblown sand. #point_7_map -122.4548749,37.8061281 8b. One post, two post, old post, new post <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1896392812"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2075/1896392812_7cd019d4e6_m.jpg"/></a> - The constantly shifting dune landscape at Crissy Field beach means a fence that surrounded a dune a month ago might no longer be on the dune's edge. Rangers frequently put new fences in front of old ones in an ongoing effort to protect the dunes from dogs and people. #point_7_map -122.4548749,37.8061281 8c. Native and non, side by side <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/2101449533"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2268/2101449533_b3251ce1d7_m.jpg"/></a> - Crissy Field's dunes are populated by both indigenous and non-native plant species. Here, the plant on the left, with the tiny white flowers, is a a visitor: Cakile maritima, commonly known as sea rocket. The purple flowers belong to the native Abronia umbellata, also known as pink sand verbena. #point_7_map -122.4548749,37.8061281 8d. More and different verbena <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1896393454"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2383/1896393454_0f923358aa_m.jpg"/></a> - This lovely yellow-flowered plant is frequently found in along the windy side of the dunes. it's Abronia latifollia, or yellow sand verbena. #point_7_map -122.4548749,37.8061281 1 9a. Crissy Field beach <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1896363740"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2146/1896363740_4d315c9096_m.jpg"/></a> - Looking west along the beach, you can follow the flow of water as it winds its way inland to the salt marsh. On its way, it carves an ever-changing channel. The not-so-distant Golden Gate bridge adds to the scenery. #point_8_map -122.4557534,37.8060376 9b. Sandbar and water inlet <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/2102228968"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2232/2102228968_bcce421745_m.jpg"/></a> - A walk along the beach brings you to the inlet of the salt marsh. Depending on the tides, you may have to wade through some shallow water or walk inland a bit to navigate around the marsh. #point_8_map -122.4557534,37.8060376 9c. Killdeer on sandbar <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1895101362"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2218/1895101362_b1ef4e7523_m.jpg"/></a> - A killdeer pokes around a sand "island" in the inlet. #point_8_map -122.4557534,37.8060376 9d. Kildeer closeup <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/2102273502"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2287/2102273502_a1aaaf3501_m.jpg"/></a> - A closer view of a kildeer. These successful shorebirds are often seen at Crissy Field, and tend to adapt well to habitats modified by humans. Listen for their call: "kill-dee, kill-dee." Photo by: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8272102@N04/">hart_curt</a> #point_8_map -122.4557534,37.8060376 9e. Marsh inlet <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1895544676"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2365/1895544676_9c1d568998_m.jpg"/></a> - A narrow inlet on the beach lets bay water flow in, creating the salt water marsh. Waves constantly pile and shift sand along the sandbar, sometimes closing the inlet, which rangers must regularly dredge to reopen. #point_8_map -122.4557534,37.8060376 1 10a. Four legged friends <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1894279571"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2302/1894279571_ebb55d939f_m.jpg"/></a> - Crissy Field beach is a favorite for folks out walking their dogs. You'll often see many four-legged friends digging together in the sand or swimming for frisbees in the waves. #point_9_map -122.4568541,37.8057897 10b. Happy feet <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/1894556429"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/2378/1894556429_3ad6e3e323_m.jpg"/></a> - Signs of a day at the beach. #point_9_map -122.4568541,37.8057897 10c. Sights and Sounds of Crissy Field <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kqedquest/3445025885"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3095/3445025885_f270f87b50_m.jpg"/></a> - The sounds of Crissy Field are not to be missed. #point_9_map -122.4568541,37.8057897 #path 1 -122.45524,37.80367 -122.45529,37.80388 -122.45523,37.80389 -122.45504,37.80396 -122.45483,37.80408 -122.45479,37.80424 -122.45464,37.80439 -122.45464,37.80439 -122.45461,37.80436 -122.45457,37.8044 -122.45459,37.80439 -122.45456,37.80442 -122.45454,37.80442 -122.45454,37.80442 -122.45445,37.80442 -122.4543,37.80444 -122.4542,37.80461 -122.45416,37.80465 -122.45418,37.80466 -122.45406,37.8048 -122.45376,37.80504 -122.45355,37.80513 -122.45347,37.80519 -122.45321,37.80526 -122.45322,37.80527 -122.45322,37.80527 -122.45284,37.80512 -122.45288,37.8051 -122.45291,37.80508 -122.45281,37.80506 -122.45271,37.80502 -122.45264,37.80494 -122.45259,37.8049 -122.45259,37.80488 -122.45254,37.80477 -122.45258,37.80464 -122.45258,37.80463 -122.45248,37.80488 -122.45245,37.80492 -122.45247,37.80548 -122.45247,37.80577 -122.45257,37.80595 -122.4527,37.80594 -122.45272,37.80593 -122.45322,37.80573 -122.45337,37.80568 -122.45356,37.80562 -122.45378,37.80558 -122.45399,37.80577 -122.45407,37.80581 -122.45398,37.80571 -122.45398,37.80559 -122.4541,37.80557 -122.45437,37.80553 -122.45452,37.80552 -122.45454,37.80552 -122.45453,37.80557 -122.45454,37.80556 -122.4546,37.80559 -122.45443,37.80589 -122.45446,37.80602 -122.45447,37.80602 -122.45463,37.80615 -122.45479,37.80614 -122.45569,37.80604 -122.45581,37.80601 -122.45601,37.80596 -122.45634,37.80588 -122.45655,37.80585 -122.45684,37.80582 -122.45687,37.80581 -122.45707,37.80577 -122.45736,37.80571 -122.45727,37.80569 -122.45726,37.80576 -122.45735,37.80572 -122.45745,37.80559 -122.45745,37.8054 -122.45745,37.8053 -122.45752,37.80517 -122.45775,37.8051 -122.45779,37.8051 -122.45947,37.80488 -122.46043,37.80476 -122.45993,37.80361 -122.45982,37.8036 -122.45976,37.80362 -122.4596,37.80363 -122.45943,37.80367 -122.45781,37.8039 -122.45566,37.80415 -122.45479,37.80421 -122.45494,37.80396 -122.45526,37.80391