What we’re about
Nature in the City is a diverse community of enthusiasts and naturalists of all backgrounds. We gather to connect to nature in the neighborhoods and urban areas of San Francisco through organized habitat restoration projects, hands-on workshops, community and educational events, and field trips. Our passionate volunteers and members are welcome to attend any of our events! We welcome all ages and backgrounds to our programs and are family-friendly. We are a not-for-profit organization and a project of the Earth Island Institute.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Nature in the City 20th Anniversary Community PicnicBlue Heron Lake Boathouse Picnic Area, San Francisco, CA
You're invited to our Annual Community Picnic in Golden Gate Park at Blue Heron Lake! We'll have food, festivities, and special guests, plus an invigorating walk with views, birds, and habitats. We're especially excited to commemorate Nature in the City's 20th Anniversary!
Learn more and please RSVP on Eventbrite to help us get an accurate count!
- Native Plant Nursery Workday555 Portola Drive, San Francisco, CA, San Francisco, CA
Join the Backyard Nursery Network on the first Sunday and third Friday of every month and assist us in transplanting, pruning, weeding, seed sowing, and general upkeep of our nursery at McAteer Farm.
Nature in the City started the Backyard Nursery Network to preserve native plants like coast buckwheat, seaside daisy, and deer weed as they provide habitat for local species. Growing these plants from resilient native seed genetics ensures the survival of both the endangered plants and our local butterflies, bees, birds, and other wildlife.
Most of these plants are going to the Green Hairstreak Corridor planting projects in the Inner Sunset.
The workday tasks vary from month to month, but be ready to get your hands dirty!
Getting to the nursery:
- Parking is available in the parking lot off of O'Shaughnessy Blvd.
- MUNI lines 44, 48, 52, and 36 all have closeby stops
- From the O'Shaughnessy Blvd. gate:
- Walk along the road
- Enter the lower parking lot and find a staircase on the far left side of the parking lot that leads to the track
- The nursery is on the far side of the track behind the bleachers.
You can find out more about our organization, and the Green Hairstreak project here: https://natureinthecity.org/
- Green Hairstreak Corridor Volunteer WorkdayAloha and Lomita, San Francisco, CA
Help restore native plant habitat in the Inner Sunset district for the rare Coastal Green Hairstreak butterfly. Folks who join these workdays help create and expand the ecosystem for this little green gem of a pollinator.
We emphasize biodiverse and ecologically relevant plants, and you will get to learn about many of our important native plant species. Be ready for activities like weeding, planting, seed collecting, pruning, and other land maintenance tasks.
We often work in light rain, but heavy rain cancels. Please dress in long pants, closed-toe shoes, and layers - clothes that might get a little dirty! Bring your own water bottle and sun protection.
We encourage you to sign our volunteer waiver ahead of time by visiting the following link: Volunteer Waiver
Visit the Corridor on iNaturalist to see what's living there: iNaturalist Monitoring Project
And see our website to view a map of the sites: https://natureinthecity.org/green-hairstreak***Note*** There is no public restroom available in the Green Hairstreak Corridor, please plan accordingly.
- Alemany Farm Native Plant Volunteer DayAlemany Farm, San Francisco, CA
Everyone, young or old, experienced or still learning, is welcome to join our California Native Plant workdays on the first Monday and third Saturday of each month. Registration is required in advance**.
**Please only sign up for what you can 100% commit to and let us know ASAP if you do not plan to attend so we can open your space to someone on the waitlist.
Please plan to arrive on time at the start of the work session.
Volunteers will be required to sign a waiver upon arrival.
Each person in your party (including children) must be signed up
Bring a mask: Masks are recommended when working closely with others.
What to bring* -- we will provide all of the tools you need. If you prefer to bring your own gloves, hori hori, or clippers, please do so.- Mask or face covering
- Water Bottle
- Hat
- Sturdy Shoes
- Jacket with layered clothing underneath
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
*Travel light! The farm is an open public space and we have no secure storage for bags. Leave valuables at home and be mindful of your personal belongings, as you would in any park setting.
COVID-19 Precautions:- We will have a hand washing station, hand sanitizer, and clean gloves available
- Please do not come to Alemany Farm if you develop COVID-19 symptoms on or before the day of your volunteer shift (fever, chills, repeated shaking/shivering, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, feeling unusually weak or fatigued, new loss of taste or smell, muscle pain, headache, runny or congested nose, or diarrhea)
- Please do not sign up for a volunteer shift if you are unwilling or unable to adhere to the above guidelines. Friends of Alemany Farm reserves the right to end your volunteer shift if any of the above guidelines are not followed.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/alemany-farm-native-plant-volunteer-day-registration-155900126475
