Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

I hate them. Don’t worry, I have reasons… it’s not an irrational hatred.
I think the hatred began around when they started Trails Forever, ie: tearing down trees and plants that generations of small animals surely called home, under the pretense of an arbitrary «habitat restoration» to a habitat that hasn’t existed for a century or more, but seemingly with the actual purpose of making parks more accessible to tourists and those who want parks without all the «parky» stuff like dirt and trees obscuring their «scenic» view. So, they tore down trees, put in paved pathways (little known fact: all pathways were paved before Europeans settled here… it’s the natural habitat), and put in some native shrubs to be pretty for tour groups and joggers (so they don’t feel like they’re just jogging on the sidewalk), little creatures who actually called it their home be damned (I’ve still yet to see raccoons and foxes at Lands End since construction started).
So now, once relatively proper «parks» have paved paths, glorious parking lots and restroom facilities that look like the design was ripped from some rest area through Kentucky, and surely thousands of little animals who called it home have been killed or displaced all so tourists and joggers don’t have to step in mud after it’s rained. Lovely. And self-​righteous volunteers get to feel good about themselves for «helping», not to mention get to garden in lieu of a garden of their own, and SF transplants get to focus their attention on community gardens and wanky «temporary parks» and live in blissful ignorance while patting themselves on the back for putting some benches and a track of grass in a Mission/​Hayes Valley parking spot. But I digress, as always.
In the meantime, dogs are increasingly banned (or at least ban proposals) from areas, because clearly *they’re* the ones damaging the «natural habitat» (expanded parking lots, construction crews, and encouraging hoards of people to visit don’t harm that at all, obviously, and the trash they leave is all biodegradable, which the dog crap left by irresponsible dog owners — the minority — isn’t).
I don’t know. I’m bitter. Most parks have been left alone — or at least mostly — so it’s not fair of me to claim the GGNPC is destroying everything (maybe not even most). But maybe if they had the money… (the day Point Reyes gets paved paths for «improved visitor experience» is the day i start mumbling to myself along Market St)
I bathe, I flush the toilet, I don’t live in a tent… so I’m not trying to go all zealot. It just seems like the first priority for an organization overseeing parks, and the people who support them, should be respect for what’s there (ie: go as if you were visiting someone else’s home), rather than an egotistical drive to shape it to their wants for a nice picnic day. And this is something the GGNPC has failed miserably at the past several years (at least as much as they’ve been able).

A very nice place to hang out, people watch or take a nap.

What a beautiful hike on Saturday! This outfit has it going on. They are organized, clearly communicate and their docents tell great stories. Such a great way to learn about the Bay Area. We plan on volunteering, too. It’s difficult to find family volunteering opptys that can include kids below 16.
Look for their schedule and map. The map itself is fantastic — just to be able to see the layout of the parks is pretty cool. Membership is just a small donation.

The Conservancy stretches 70 miles north and south of the Golden Gate Bridge, basically a 75,500+ acre greenbelt along the Pacific Ocean.
«From Tomales Bay in the north to the San Mateo watershed in the south, the parks include ancient redwoods, historic landmarks, miles of trails, rocky shorelines, rare and endangered species, lush coastal wilderness, and breathtaking vistas.»
Think about Crissy, Alcatraz, Land’s End, Fort Funston, Muir woods, Marin Headlands, The Presidio… Places that make San Francisco all the more spectacular & enjoyable.
There is a dedicated team who works constantly to make sure the national treasures are safe, clean, preserved and beautiful for all who visit.
Check out their Volunteer Schedule and grab a group of friends to work at a park that means the most to you… it’s so worth your time & you’ll always remember the experience when you return to the park. They also have drop in sessions — so get on out there! :)