Bay Nature Hike: Dune Restoration

This event is inspired by Bay Nature's online piece, Along With Its New Park, Ocean Beach Gets a Dunescaping, by Jillian Magtoto

Join Bay Nature and MK Anthonisen of the Parks Conservancy for a dune restoration site visit where we will discuss what it takes to restore a dune ecosystem, the threats dunes face, and some of the animals that live there on Saturday, August 16 from 10am - 12:30pm. Phoebe Parker-Shames, Presidio Trust Wildlife Ecologist, will join as well to talk about Silvery Blues and their restoration in the dunes of SF. This event is inspired by the piece “Along With Its New Beach, Ocean Beach Gets a New Dunescaping” by Jillian Magtoto, written earlier this year. This event is free for Bay Nature members.

Meet Your Hike Leaders:

MK Anthonisen (they/them, Senior Community Stewardship Program Manager, Parks Conservancy) is a queer & trans land steward and student of nature. They delight in collaboratively leading programs and workshops to bring others closer into relationship with each other and with the natural world. Dune ecosystems are among their most beloved landscapes.  

Karen Offereins (she/her) is a Program Manager on the Community Engagement Team at the Parks Conservancy.  She brings her love of the natural world to programs and events with community partners from San Francisco to all three counties within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.  She is passionate about community science and connecting people to the beauty and incredible ecosystems of our parklands.

Phoebe Parker-Shames (she/her) is the Presidio Trust Wildlife Ecologist and is an interdisciplinary researcher combining landscape ecology, wildlife conservation, community ecology, and social science to examine the role of humans within ecological systems. Her work engages stakeholders in conservation solutions that intersect policy, management, and the environment.

Meet up location: We will meet up at Mountain Lake Park, meeting up near the bathrooms and do our intro circle there. Google Maps Link: Mountain Lake Park Bathrooms

Hike length: This hike will be 1-2 miles long

Hike difficulty: This is an easy walk with less than 100 feet of elevation gain.

Parking: Residential parking. No permit needed on Saturdays. Lots of city buses and public transit options will be available.

Weather Note: Prepare for wind, and higher temperatures, so bring layers. There is no shade on this hike so be prepared for a good deal of sun exposure and make sure to hydrate during and before the event.

Access to restrooms and water: Bathrooms available at the meet up location. Bring your own water.

Other notes: Bring 1-2 liters of water, snacks, layers, and sun protection. Comfortable, close-toed walking shoes are recommended. No dogs are allowed on Bay Nature hikes. All minors must be accompanied by a guardian for the duration of this event. Bring hiking poles, cameras, and binoculars if preferred. Please note you may encounter ticks, poison oak, and other hazards along the way.

Photo by NPS