Public Libraries to Public Lands

Ranger Fatima at Mission Branch Library telling a story in 2019.

Summer Stride 2023: Partnership with San Francisco Public Library

Golden Gate National Recreation Area works closely with partners from the San Francisco Public Library in order to offer free, unique experiences for community members that are centered around civic engagement, art, and nature. As part of the Summer Stride program, GOGA rangers work directly with librarians to put on programs every Saturday in the summer. See below for the schedule and reach out to your local library branch or any of the community outreach rangers to learn more.

The NPS at Golden Gate National Recreation Area has partnered with Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the San Francisco Public Library, to virtually connect the people to their parks to better engage local communities with their public libraries and public lands.

 
Program Date Library Branch Park Destination Program title Program Description
6/3/2023 INGLESIDE ALCATRAZ The Gardens of Alcatraz This program will explore the beauty hidden within a historic prison. Come learn about pollinator friendly habitats, and where bumblebees and bats live, and take home a seed souvenir. For information about accessibility visit https://www.nps.gov/alca/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm
6/10/2023 BAYVIEW ALCATRAZ The Gardens of Alcatraz Take a fieldtrip to Alcatraz with K-Fai Steele, Summer Stride Artist. Explore the beauty hidden within a historic prison and plein air sketching of the gardens. Learn about pollinator friendly habitats, and where bumblebees and bats live, and take home a seed souvenir. For information about accessibility visit https://www.nps.gov/alca/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm
6/17/2023 MAIN Presidio: Mountain Lake to El Polin to TT New Homes, New Beginnings Join a ranger on a guided walk back in time to 1776 as Juan Bautista de Anza led families from Mexico to what would become the Presidio of San Francisco. Follow in their footsteps from Mountain Lake to El Polin spring, and hear the stories of how these families transformed their lives in this new land.
6/24/2023 WESTERN ADDITION Nike Missle Site, hike to Rodeo Beach Defending the Bay Area: The Nike Missile Site and its Surrounding Landscape This program will take visitors first to the Nike Missile Site for a tour, then takes visitors for a hike on the Rodeo Lagoon Loop trail to Rodeo Beach. Enjoy free time and time for lunch at the beach before heading back to the branch!
Sunday 7/9 MISSION Crissy Field Marsh bird and plant walk/Tunnel Tops Presidio Tunnel Tops Adventure Let's explore the plants and animals of the Crissy Field Marsh guided by a ranger. Later, bring your own picnic and join in the free festivities of music and art activities at the Tunnel Tops, or explore the Outpost playground with your family.
7/15/2023 VIS VALLEY MUIR WOODS Coast Redwoods, Fog and Fire Coast Redwoods are the tallest trees on the planet that only occur naturally on the Pacific Coast. Once a forest is established, they are resilient and resistent to almost every imaginable stressor, including droughts, insects, fires, floods, etc. Together, we'll learn more about their past, their present at parks like Muir Woods, and their future in a changing world.
7/22/2023 SUNSET Point Bonita Lighthouse tour To the Lighthouse: A Path to Nature & Human Discovery This excursion will take visitors on a guided tour to the Point Bonita Lighthouse. This will include history, interactive questions, and an opportunity to take in the views. This will be followed by a visit to Rodeo Beach.
7/29/2023 CHINATOWN MUIR WOODS Coast Redwoods, Fog and Fire Coast Redwoods are the tallest trees on the planet that only occur naturally on the Pacific Coast. Once a forest is established, they are resilient and resistent to almost every imaginable stressor, including droughts, insects, fires, floods, etc. Together, we'll learn more about their past, their present at parks like Muir Woods, and their future in a changing world. This program is accessible to people in wheelchairs, the raised accessible boardwalk is part of the Muir Woods Main Trail.
8/5/2023 BERNAL HTS Presidio starting at Officers Club Officers Club to Tunnel Tops with Ranger Erick Learn about the history of the Presidio of San Francisco on this ranger-led tour. Visit the Officer's Club and explore the interactive exhibit about the incarceration of Japanese American citizens during World War Two. We will also take in the exhibits in the Presidio Visitor Center. Participants are welcome to explore the Outpost and the Field Station on their own as well. All facilities are wheelchair accessible.
8/12/2023 ORTEGA Fort Point NHS Living History Day Experience the old fort made new again. Military drills, cooking demonstations and music perfomances depicting a day in the life of Fort Point the 1800's.



The National Park Service at Golden Gate National Recreation Area has partnered with Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the San Francisco Public Library, to virtually connect the people to their parks to better engage local communities with their public libraries and public lands.

Last updated: November 1, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Building 201, Fort Mason

San Francisco, CA 94123-0022

Phone:

415-561-4700
United States Park Police Dispatch: Non-Emergency: 415-561-5505 Emergency: 415-561-5656

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