Programs
TRAILS
Founded in 2006, Sutro Stewards has developed a trails program that works to build, maintain, and restore trails that provide access to the Mount Sutro Open Space. We have developed 5.5 miles of multi-use trails that cater to our diverse user-base of hikers, nature lovers, trail runners, and cyclists. Our training program and the Sutro Stewards manual leads recruits through supervisory and safety phases into hands-on field work. Learning to pick the best route, measuring the optimum grade and sustainable construction techniques ensures everyone shares the experience through positive mentoring and supervision all while learning to guide novice volunteer participants through our community based trails program. It is our trained staff and crew leaders that keep our trail system safe and sustainable for year-round use. Our goal since inception has been to activate the open space while retaining its seclusion and wildness within our urban environment and expanding connectivity with our neighboring communities.
Want to contribute to the Mount Sutro Trail Network? Join us for a volunteer event on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month from 9 AM - 11 AM.
HABITAT
CONSERVATION
Our conservation program works to maintain, protect, and enhance native plant populations on Mount Sutro. We currently have over 3 main habitat restoration and conservation sites throughout the 61-acre open space, where we work to increase biodiversity and enhance wildlife habitat. Our volunteers work year-round to remove harmful invasive plants and replant with locally appropriate native species propagated in our on-site nursery. Read more about our conservation program here.
Want to learn about plants and improve habitat? Join us for a COVID adapted volunteer project every Wednesday from 9:30 AM - 11:30 PM for high-risk populations and every Thursday from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM for those not in a high-risk category.
NURSERY
The Mount Sutro Native Plant Nursery has been operating since Fall 2012. The nursery works in conjunction with the conservation program to conserve unique plant species of Mount Sutro and grows additional species for habitat restoration to provide wildlife habitat and forage. The nursery propagates California native plant species sourced locally within the city of San Francisco. Extra plants are available for sale to the public for habitat gardens (see Nursery page for more information). Currently, the nursery grows over 180 different species, and houses over 4,000 plants in total. The nursery also has a large demonstration garden to showcase native plants. The nursery is staffed mainly by volunteers, directed by the Nursery Manager, who work on seed cleaning, pre-germination treatments, propagation, up-potting, as well as weeding, pruning, mixing potting soil and all other maintenance tasks.