Restoring Green Space
We’re replanting our forest and restoring habitats so nature thrives through storms or drought.
Enhancing Nature in the Presidio
As a national park site where people live, work, and visit, the Presidio is in a unique position to model how parks and communities can protect and enhance nature. In coming years, we’ll stay focused on bringing back lost species, restoring habitat, revitalizing the forest, and using nature-based solutions to manage the impacts of major storms.
Happening Now
Replanting Aging Forest Groves
In 2025 and 2026, we’re replanting aging forest groves at two sites near the Golden Gate Bridge. In August 2025, we removed 40 Monterey cypress and Monterey pine trees at the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and McDowell Avenue, and 60 Blue Gum eucalyptus trees just off Lincoln Boulevard near the North Fort Scott apartments. During rainy season, we’ll replant these areas with healthy young trees. Beneath, we’ll plant dozens of native species to create a colorful and vibrant landscape that attracts the birds and insects that support a diverse ecosystem.
Restoring Dune Habitat at Sunset Scrub
In August 2025, we removed 2.4 acres of declining pine trees above Lincoln Boulevard near the World War II Memorial to restore dune and coastal scrub habitat for the endangered San Francisco lessingia and other rare plants. “Sunset Scrub” is the latest in a series of dune habitat restoration projects. It will result in an uninterrupted swath of intact dune habitat between Washington Boulevard and Lincoln Boulevard, creating an important corridor for wildlife.
Bringing Back the California Quail
The official bird of the City of San Francisco and the State of California has been missing from the Presidio since 2008. We’re working with the San Francisco Estuary Institute to study how we might reintroduce California Quail to the park.
Past Projects
Reforestation Around the Presidio
Since 2003, we’ve replanted dying groves with 9,500 young trees. In 2024, we completed reforestation projects in the Infantry Terrace neighborhood, on Lincoln Boulevard near Baker Beach, at the Cavalry Stables, and just east of the Presidio Community YMCA.
Improving Water Quality in San Francisco Bay
When we built the new Outpost Meadow picnic area in 2025, we’re converted 1.5-acres from asphalt into a permeable surface with coastal habitat for native plants and animals. That means the land can absorb water, reducing flooding during storms. The project was designed to improve water quality in San Francisco Bay by redirecting a portion of the stormwater away from storm drains and into on-site retention basins.
Four Ways We're Improving the Presidio
Upgrading Utilities
We’re bringing the Presidio’s infrastructure into the 21st century through much needed upgrades.
Improving Access & Safety
We’re adding new parklands, improving roads and sidewalks, and introducing better ways to get around.
Restoring Green Space
We’re replanting our forest and restoring habitats so nature thrives through storms or drought.
Revitalizing Historic Buildings
We’re making more places to work, live, and visit – and bolstering the park’s financial engine.