1. Conservation

Endangered Species

Small, sand-colored bird walking across a beach leaving a trail of tiny footprints in the sand
Western snowy plover on Ocean Beach Jessica Weinberg McClosky/Parks Conservancy

There are 35 endangered, rare, and threatened species in the Golden Gate National Parks. That’s more federally protected species than any other national park unit in the continental United States—more than Yosemite, Yellowstone, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks combined.

This milestone is both cause for celebration and concern. While we are privileged to have such a diverse landscape in public ownership, the imperiled status of so many species reflects the need for stewardship of these lands. Lend us a hand to help ensure that these species will be around for the next generation to appreciate and enjoy!

Coho salmon
Conservation

Coho Salmon

The coho salmon is a species of anadromous fish in the salmon family, one of the several species of Pacific salmon.
Small blue butterfly with two rows of white-rimmed black dots on the underside of its wings, drinking from a flower
Conservation

Mission Blue Butterfly

Remaining populations of Mission blue butterfly are found in only a few locations around the San Francisco Bay area.
red-legged frog
Conservation

California Red Legged Frog

The California red-legged frog is the largest native frog in the western United States.
Small reddish-brown butterfly resting on a leaf
Conservation

San Bruno Elfin Butterfly

The San Bruno elfin butterfly is a U.S. federally listed endangered subspecies that inhabits rocky outcrops and cliffs in coastal scrub on the San Francisco Peninsula.
A close up of the San Francisco Garter Snake
Conservation

San Francisco Garter Snake

Most who appreciate wildlife will agree that the San Francisco garter snake is California’s most beautiful snake.
A Western snowy plover
Conservation

Western Snowy Plover

The western snowy plover is a threatened small shorebird, approximately the size of a sparrow.