Sustainability in Parks

Sustainability in Parks

LAEN_20170524_PMM_5555_2x1.jpg
The next generation of park users.

Paul Myers/Parks Conservancy

It’s no surprise we are major advocates of environmental sustainability!

From climate education to the green building housing the Crissy Field Center and the compost used to grow plants in the Native Plant Nurseries, there are many more examples of sustainability in practice throughout the Golden Gate National Parks.

In particular, the Parks Conservancy’s Institute at the Golden Gate has a number of initiatives aimed at encouraging environmental preservation and sustainability in our national parks and around the world.

Golden Gate Bridge
Institute at the Golden Gate

A former program of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the Institute at the Golden Gate was conceived to incubate knowledge and innovation in parks. Embedded in one of the country’s most visited and influential national parks, we convened leaders and influencers to forge unconventional partnerships to reach beyond traditional park boundaries.

View of wind turbines and solar panels from atop an Alcatraz cruises boat.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area is now carbon neutral. Here’s what that means.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area has achieved carbon-neutral park operations. But what does that really mean? Let's break down what goes in to our park's carbon footprint, take stock of what we've accomplished so far, and think about where to go from here in our continuing effort towards sustainability.

Crissy Field Center
Crissy Field Center Facility

The Crissy Field Center is a showcase of environmentally-savvy design. The 7,500-square-foot interim building is LEED Platinum certified, with features like maximized natural lighting and recycled construction materials.

The Parks Conservancy, National Park Service, and Presidio trust partnered with Project FROG to create the building in less than 6 months, from inception

Volunteers Taking Care of Plants in the Presidio
Presidio Garden Stewards

When: Group Projects by Request

Where: Presidio of San Francisco

Help enhance the Presidio’s historic gardens and grounds, as well as support the park efforts to become a model of environmental sustainability.

© 2025 Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. All rights reserved.