Nature and Sustainability
Learn how the Presidio protects and shares nature while reducing our environmental impact.
The Presidio is home to wildflowers, wildlife, and wetlands — including endangered species that can’t be found anywhere else. It’s one of the most biologically diverse national park sites in the country, right in the heart of a big city.
As a national park site where people live, work, and visit, the Presidio is in a unique position to take on two critical environmental issues: the extinction crisis and climate change. For nearly three decades, park ecologists and volunteers have been restoring natural habitats, conducting research, and nurturing native plants and animals so visitors can enjoy them for years to come.
But our strategy goes further than that. The park is also a lab where we’re testing ways to greatly reduce our negative impact on the environment. In short, we’re working toward a nature-positive Presidio.
Nature Snapshot
323+ Bird Species
Including 65 neo-tropical migrating species that rest here.
300+ Native Plant Species
Including wildflowers, trees, and grasses.
12 Native Plant Communities
Including dunes, grasslands and wetlands.
5 Endangered Species
Including the last known wild Franciscan Manzanita.
82 Butterfly & Moth Species
Including monarchs and white-lined sphinx moths.
21 Land Mammal Species
Including coyotes, foxes and bats.
5 Reptile Species
Including lizards and turtles.
4 Amphibian Species
Including frogs and salamanders.
Habitat Restoration and Biodiversity
We’re restoring habitats, bringing back lost species, and demonstrating how everyone plays a role in nurturing biodiversity for future generations.
Ecological Restoration and Stewardship
The Presidio Trust partners with the National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy to restore natural grasslands, wetlands, sand dunes, and creek systems.
Creating a Sustainable Forest
We’re revitalizing the 306-acre historic forest planted by the U.S. Army, preserving it as part of the National Historic Landmark while increasing its ecological value.
Bringing Back Native Species
Habitat restoration has allowed many Presidio native species to come home. Reintroduced species include chorus frogs, western pond turtles, three-spine stickleback fish, the San Francisco forktail damselfly, the variable checkerspot butterfly, and California floater mussels.
Coyotes in the Presidio
These animals are an important part of the ecosystem. Learn how we coexist with coyotes in the Presidio.
Volunteer to be a Nature Steward
Habitat & Forest Stewards
Habitat restoration is a hands-on way to revitalize ecosystems.
Presidio Nursery
Help care for more native plants used in Presidio restoration sites.
Reducing our Environmental Impact
Our goal is simple: operate the park with little negative impact to the environment. We’re cutting carbon, water, and waste and always finding new ways to reduce our footprint.Decarbonization
Water Conservation
Waste Reduction
Green Building
Places to Explore Nature
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Camp in the Presidio
Rob Hill Campground offers national park camping just minutes from the city. Make a reservation and then enjoy the tranquility of ocean waves and the sound of owls in the cypress trees.
From our Blog
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