NPS photo

Park intern mapping invasive species

As most of California and our nation become developed, urban national parks and their resource management issues become increasingly important. The San Francisco Bay region has notably rich biological diversity due to the variety of habitat and unique geology.  Over half of North American avian species and nearly one third of California's plant species are found in the park. 24 federally threatened and endangered species exist within the boundaries.

The Recreation Area is spread through a 60 mile swath of coastal lands, with inholdings by other agencies and private owners incorporated into the park’s legislative boundaries. Because of the multiple landowners, many Bay Area residents and park visitors think of our park in terms of isolated sites such as Muir Woods, Stinson Beach, the Marin Headlands, and the Presidio. The bigger picture is one of wildlife corridors, secret nature spots, and refuges for rarities. Traveling through the park connects you with windswept beaches, dramatic cliffs, coastal chaparral, low mountains, swaths of prairie, live oak woodlands, saltmarshes, freshwater wetlands and creeks, and redwood forests. All you have to do is get out and explore!