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Sections of Park Trail and Bay Area Ridge Trail Closed to Dog Walking

To reduce the potential for coyote/dog conflict, we’ve proactively closed large sections of the Park Trail and the Bay Area Ridge Trail to dog walking. This annual closure is temporary; we’ll reopen these trails to dog walking in fall after pupping season ends. All 24 miles of hiking trails in the Presidio are open to people.

Habitat and Forest Stewards

Help restore the park’s beautiful natural areas and forest.

Weekly stewardship programs offer fun opportunities to get outside, get your hands dirty, and make a difference for the Presidio’s open spaces.

Plants and animals are thriving at the Presidio – including several on the endangered or protected species list – thanks to decades of restoration work by park staff and volunteers. Learn about our work to support Nature & Sustainability and then become a volunteer!

Become a Presidio Habitat or Forest Steward

Habitat Stewards 

Habitat Stewards​ help revitalize damaged ecosystems and preserve natural areas of the Presidio while learning about the plants and animals found in our local creeks, dunes, grasslands, woodlands, and other natural landscapes. Activities include weeding, watering, mulching, and planting. 

Schedule: Habitat Stewards meet every Saturday and on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 9 am to noon. Registration is required on the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy volunteer website. The specific meeting location will be provided in the registration confirmation email.​

Forest Stewards 

Forest Stewards learn about urban forestry and arboriculture while tending to young trees in reforestation areas and assisting with forest maintenance. Activities include planting seedlings, weeding, mulching, and pruning. 

Schedule: Forest Stewards meet every Friday and the second and fourth Wednesdays from 9 am to noon. The Wednesday programs are focused on increasing the biodiversity of our forest restoration sites and caring for the native plants growing in the understory of the forest. Registration is required on the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy volunteer website. The specific meeting location will be provided in the registration confirmation email.​

General Information

Skills: No experience is necessary. Training and tools will be provided. Review the Work Description and Site Safety form.

Volunteer Agreement Form: Forms must be completed before starting your first volunteer shift. To save time, you can print and complete in advance (download English, Spanish,  Chinese). Our staff will also have blank forms available onsite. Note that this program can fulfill school or other community service requirements.

Groups: Groups of five or more require special arrangements and must be confirmed in advance. See the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy website for more information.

Age: All ages are welcome – please review our Families and Youth Policy for guidelines. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have signed parental/legal guardian consent on the Volunteer Agreement Form or they will not be able to participate.

What to Bring: Wear clothes that can get dirty. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. Bring layers for changing weather and rain gear if necessary. Bring a personal water bottle and sunscreen. 

Weather: We generally work rain or shine, but we may change work locations or cancel if weather requires. 

More Questions? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions on the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy website.

Habitat and Forest Stewards

Help care for the park's beautiful open spaces.
Large group of volunteers in front of the volunteer trailer.
Volunteers have fun while doing good. Photo by Charity Vargas.
Woman planting a small plant at Fort Winfield Scott
Habitat Stewards plant, weed, and mulch. Photo by Dan Friedman.
Three people doing habitat restoration at the Presidio.
Meet new people and spend time outdoors. Photo by Charity Vargas.

Contact Us

If you have questions, please contact the Presidio Trust Volunteer Engagement Team at (415) 561-5332 or volunteer@presidiotrust.gov.

 

Young trees planted near Lovers’ Lane.