2019 Report to the Community

Bridging People and Parks

From Park Builders to Park Activators

Bridging: Park History Meets Future

In our Golden Gate National Parks, bridges are focal points and starting points. They soar above us, forcing us to stop and look no matter how many times we’ve seen them before. Then they connect us to new adventures.

In 2018 and 2019, bridging took on special meaning as the Conservancy entered a new era of leadership. We’re thrilled to welcome President & CEO Chris Lehnertz, as Greg Moore becomes CEO Emeritus and transitions to a new role as Special Advisor.

This is a moment to celebrate our accomplishments and park transformations, many within sight of the Golden Gate Bridge. At the same time, we look to the future and all the possibilities Chris brings. With her commitment to inclusion, we enter a new phase of activating our parklands for people from every part of the Bay Area.

At both ends of the bridge our parks await, filled with promise for something fresh, something fun. We’re so happy you’re on this journey too.

Parks for All : Crissy Field

When Open Space is ‘For All’

Nearly 20 years ago, working with our partners, the community, and the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, together we helped transform Crissy Field from a concrete parking lot into a beloved San Francisco park. Story

Parks For All: Connecting People and Parks

How Marquis Became a Park Champion

Leaders at the Up on Top program in the Tenderloin talk about ‘planting a seed’ of inspiration for youth. For Marquis Engle, the seed planted with the Conservancy has blossomed into a full-blown love of the parks. Story

Parks for all: Partnership for Science

Building a Mountain of Support

Mt. Tam peaks at 2,572 feet in elevation, but in 2018, thanks to the collaborative work of One Tam and its partners, this iconic mountain was elevated to new heights. Story

Bridging: Community Support for Youth Leaders

Urban Trailblazers

Why a small community group decided to make a multi-year grant to our youth program: ‘Serendipity’ thanks to one participant. Story

Bridging : From Father to Daughter

Mori Point

Mike Vasey helped save the land at Mori Point. Georgia Vasey works for the Conservancy stewarding that land nearly every day. How does it feel having your daughter carry the legacy you built, one trail at a time? Story

Bridging the Past & Future

Follow the trail of Conservancy accomplishments from the last 38 years.

1981

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy established.

1982

Contributed $9,000 in annual support to the parks. To date, cumulative support has grown to $552 million.

1985

Began operating the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory. Volunteers have since banded more than 42,000 hawks and counted over 800,000.

1987

Developed the Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour, an award-winning model for immersive visitation experiences at national parks.

1990

Funded and built the Muir Woods Visitor Center.

1994

Celebrated the Presidio’s transfer from military post to national park.

1999

Restored the Crissy Field tidal marsh and launched “Help Grow Crissy Field” public campaign, leading up to the Crissy Field grand opening with 75,000 people in 2001.

2000

Established Crissy Field Center’s first youth advisory council to plant seeds for future youth leadership programs like Park Youth Collaborative, LINC, and I-YEL.

2002

With NPS, kicked off the revitalization of Fort Baker, which reopened in 2008 with the gorgeous Cavallo Point lodge.

2003

With the NPS and Presidio Trust, launched Trails Forever to build a world-class trail system in the parks.

2012

Delivered a memorable Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary community festival.

2014

Launched the One Tam initiative with four agency partners to energize community support for the future health of Mt. Tam.

2016

Celebrated 100 years of the National Park Service with Junior Ranger Jamboree and launch of multi-year partnership with San Francisco Public Library.

2017

Opened 1,000 feet of new trail at Hawk Hill, including habitat restoration at key site for endangered Mission blue butterfly.

2018

With NPS and Presidio Trust, launched Crissy Field Next and welcomed the community to Crissy Field Day to celebrate the history, plan for the future.

2018–2019 Accomplishments

From the soaring raptors above Hawk Hill to the record numbers of people visiting our parks, it was a busy and fruitful year in the Golden Gate National Parks. Here are some of the highlights, achieved in concert with the National Park Service, Presidio Trust, and other key partners... Read more

Find Your Park

Stretching across 80,000 acres and three counties, the Golden Gate National Parks include Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument, and Fort Point National Historic Site. They were the most-visited national park units in the country in 2018.

The Presidio Established by the Spanish in 1776, this post continues to evolve as a national park with new trails, overlooks, bikeways, and a recently opened visitor center.

Fort Point Tucked under the Golden Gate Bridge, this Civil War-era fortress is admired for its magnificent masonry — best appreciated on a candlelight tour.

Fort Baker Former Army buildings have taken on new life as a LEED Gold-certified national park lodge featuring restored landscapes.

Olema Valley Picturesque Victorian farmhouses and idyllic trails grace this valley adjacent to Point Reyes National Seashore.

Cliff House The third incarnation of this legendary San Francisco landmark features a world-class restaurant with breathtaking ocean vistas.

Point Bonita The Point Bonita Lighthouse — moved to its current spot in 1877 — stands sentinel at the edge of the continent.

Crissy Field Home to an environmental education center, a vast meadow, and a marsh teeming with bird life, the transformed Crissy Field is one of the most spectacular parks in America.

Muir Woods Saved by William Kent and Elizabeth Thacher Kent and named for John Muir, this National Monument is beloved by all for its tall redwoods and serenity.

Fort Mason A key port of embarkation during World War II, this site now hosts the nonprofit Fort Mason Center, a popular hostel, Golden Gate National Recreation Area headquarters, and Parks Conservancy offices.

Sutro Heights The former lands of San Francisco mayor Adolph Sutro showcase a charming garden and the nearby ruins of his gargantuan Sutro Baths.

Kirby Cove Known for its astounding campsites, this hidden cove offers a one-of-a-kind perspective of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Alcatraz The Rock, famous for its notorious federal prison, is also known for its seabird colonies and restored gardens once tended by residents.

Marin Headlands These majestic hills are dotted with historic batteries and old military installations — and lofty perches from which to spy migrating raptors.

Stinson Beach One of northern California’s most popular beaches, this vast stretch of white sand is a delight for swimmers, surfers, and picnickers.

Fort Funston Visitors enjoy beach walks and the spectacle of hang gliders taking to the sky over windsculpted dunes.

Lands End This park has been revitalized in recent years with enhanced trails, gorgeous overlooks, native plants, and an acclaimed visitor center.

Sweeney Ridge Just as Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola did in 1769, visitors today can take in stunning 360-degree panoramas of San Francisco Bay.

Tennessee Valley A meandering trail winds through pastoral scenery to a hidden cove named for the shipwreck of the SS Tennessee.

Learn more about your parks

Financials

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy Fiscal Year 2018 Support to the Parks

16% — Youth, Volunteer, and Community Programs

40% — Park Enhancements, Restoration, and Stewardship

44% — Park Interpretation and Visitor Services

Total Support 2018: $38,825,978*

Park Interpretation and Visitor Services $16,985,660 (44%)
Park Enhancements, Restoration, and Stewardship $15,499,810 (40%)
Youth, Volunteer, and Community Programs $6,340,508 (16%)

Total support to the parks, 1982–2018: $552 million

Financial statements of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy are audited on an annual basis.

Copies of the complete audited financial statements are available upon request by calling the Parks Conservancy’s Chief Operating Officer at (415) 561-3000.

* Support to the parks includes all program service expenses, excluding cost of goods sold and donated services.

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