Author Archives: fromthethicket

About fromthethicket

I'm a landscape historian and professor emeritus of landscape architecture, UC Davis. I live in San Francisco.

Eucalyptus at Dusk

One of my favorite times to walk in Golden Gate Park is at dusk.  The great, old trees stand tall, silhouetted against the sky, each one uniquely contorted and top-heavy in a delicate balancing act compensating for limbs lopped off … Continue reading

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Flower Piano Returns to the SF Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park

“Back for its third consecutive year, Flower Piano invites visitors to experience a special 12–day long, spontaneous community event. Beginning July 13 and running through July 24, anyone can play on the 12 pianos that will be placed at dramatic, … Continue reading

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Groovy ‘Phototaxis’ Adds Fuel To San Francisco’s Summer Of Love Celebration | HuffPost

San Franciscans have never been known to hold back from artistic expression or for being valiant crusaders of civil rights for that matter. However something truly groovy emerged this month in Golden Gate Park to honor the 50th anniversary of … Continue reading

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Whoa Nelly! Horses go on joy ride in SF’s Golden Gate Park – San Francisco Chronicle

Nearly two dozen horses escaped from a stable and hoofed it through Golden Gate Park in San Francisco early Wednesday, sending park rangers on an impromptu roundup. Twenty-three horses bolted about 5 a.m. from a corral at the Bercut Equitation … Continue reading

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Conservatory of Flowers will be illuminated psychedelic colors for Summer of Love anniversary – Curbed SF

As San Francisco gears up to celebrate the golden anniversary of the Summer of Love—where, in 1967, an estimated 100,000 youths, sporting flowers in their hair and LSD on their brains, converged in the Haight-Ashbury sparking the hippie social movement—scores … Continue reading

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Volunteers helping visitors spot Blue Herons and their chicks in Golden Gate Park | abc7news.com

“SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Volunteers are helping visitors spot Blue Herons and their chicks in Golden Gate Park over the next few weeks. The nests at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park have seen 179 herons over the years. They … Continue reading

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Saddle Up: City Pilots Guided Horse Rides In Golden Gate And McLaren Parks | Hoodline

“Hold your horses, San Francisco: this news will likely stirrup some excitement. Beginning today, SF Rec and Park is offering horseback rides to the public in Golden Gate Park. The department is exploring the feasibility of guided horse rides in two … Continue reading

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The Park: A Love Story

The Helen Crocker Russell Library is pleased to present a new exhibition by photographer Stephen Kane. The exhibit, The Park: A Love Story, celebrates the beauty and diversity of landscapes and flora in our beloved Golden Gate Park. This will be … Continue reading

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Happy 146th Birthday Golden Gate Park

Follow the link below to watch a video tribute to San Francisco’s flagship park from the Department of Recreation and Parks. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRZXk9D5-qo&sns=em

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Getting To Know The Great Horned Owls Of Golden Gate Park | Hoodline

A great article about Great Horned Owls in Golden Gate Park: Living near Golden Gate Park means getting used to nocturnal wildlife encounters, whether it’s raccoons, skunks or the occasional coyote. But there’s another neighborhood animal that’s more often heard than seen: … Continue reading

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