William Kent was a local congressman who had the visionary idea, even before the creation of the National Park System, to purchase and preserve land for the generations that would follow him. In 1905, Mr. and Mrs. Kent purchased a stand of redwoods in Marin County to save it from logging and flooding operations. In 1907 they donated this land and named the woods in honor of their friend and fellow conservationist, John Muir.
This land is now known as Muir Woods National Monument. This first philanthropic gift to the National Park Service began a citizen-inspired movement that later created the Golden Gate National Parks, serving as a model for the preservation of other treasured landmarks and open space throughout the country.
William Kent Society members are a group of more than 300 generous park-lovers who, like William Kent, are committed to preserving and protecting the land we now know as the Golden Gate National Parks.
William Kent Society members make annual gifts of $1,000 or more. Their individual contributions make up more than 70% of the total contributed income to the Parks Conservancy. And because William Kent Society gifts are unrestricted, they support a myriad of park projects, including (but not limited to): youth education programs at Crissy Field Center, trail maintenance and trail building on the Coastal Trail, endangered species monitoring throughout the Park, native plant nursery programs, and volunteer programs.
There are many benefits to being a member of the Parks Conservancy and specifically of the William Kent Society including:
- “Front Row Seats” and free parking at the Annual Fourth of July Celebration at the historic Fort Mason Officers Club
- Opportunities to hear from Park Leaders on important current events and Park topics at the exclusive Annual Fireside Chat
- Invitations to special park events, receptions and openings throughout the year. In the past, this has included the opening of Fort Baker’s Institute at the Golden Gate, the sneak preview of Ken Burns’ documentary, and the annual Trails Forever Dinner.
- Exclusive “WKS Members Only” guided hikes with Parks Conservancy staff and interpretive rangers.
- Annual Family Campfire event (open to all members who make a gift of $500 or more annually)
- National Parks Pass, entitling free admission to all of our country’s national parks
- Recognition in the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy’s annual report
Plus all benefits of Parks Conservancy Membership:
- Two personalized membership cards
- 15% discount on all product purchases made at our 8 park stores, in our online store, and at national parks around the country.
- Invitation to all members events, including “members only” guided hikes and our annual Members Day
- Subscription to Park Adventures, our quarterly listing of hundreds of free park events for every member of the family
- Subscription to Gateways, our award-winning quarterly newsletter which features news and happenings in the Park
- Free cup of coffee at the Crissy Field Center or Warming Hut
- In 2009-2010, receive 25% discount on products associated with Ken Burns’ newest documentary, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea
- Reciprocal benefits at other National Parks
The total revenue for the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy last year was nearly $30 million, of which program revenue from Alcatraz and Muir Woods served as a source for more than half.
Contributed income made up about 25% of the remaining monies in 2008 ($8.6 million), with 70% of those gifts coming from William Kent Society members.
Make a gift to the William Kent Society
Return to William Kent Society page
Contact Us
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Charukesnant
William Kent Society Director
Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
Building 201, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 561-3024
