EcoCenter Programs and Events

52234634641_207756515f_6kExplore and Learn

School-year program; Last Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon 

Join us and our partners, Edgewood Resource Center and Tandem Partners in Early Learning, during our monthly bilingual interactive workshop for Pre-K youth on the last Tuesday of every month (minus December). Explore the park on a guided sensory hike and settle into our cushy mats for story time. Event is free for Bayview Pre-K youth and daycares. Please register to attend. For more information and to register, contact EcoCenter staff at ecocenterhhp@sfgov.org or (415) 676-1394.

Trail Talks

Last Saturday of the month from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Join the EcoCenter staff for a casual nature walk along the trail of Heron’s Head Park. Participate to learn about the shoreline ecology, the history of the EcoCenter, and our ongoing programming. Prepare for the weather and we will see you at the EcoCenter! 

Storytime Legends

Second Friday of the month from 10 to 11 a.m.

The Storytime Legends program engages children 1 to 5 years old and their families. Come in and enjoy a book reading with a corresponding hands-on activity. RSVP here. For more information, contact EcoCenter staff at ecocenterhhp@sfgov.org or (415) 676-1394.

Program Flier (PDF)

Amateur Birdwatching Hour

Friday afternoons: 2 to 3 p.m.

Program Flier (PDF)

Urban Angler Drop-In Classes

Join our school of like-minded friends for a fin-tastic workshop series on select Friday and Saturdays this spring. Don’t let this opportunity swim away! Participants will learn how to fish safely in any body of water and understand the environmental impact that fishing has on our ecosystems. By the end of the workshop, participants will have an understanding of all the basic fishing techniques and skills to go fish on their own at any fishing spot. Participants must be prepared to get muddy and wet, to touch live animals and fish bait, to bring layers and to touch items made out of LEAD (gloves available). The spring is windy and sunny at Heron’s Head Park so layers, sunscreen and hats are strongly recommended. Anyone 16 years of age and older must have a valid California Fishing License. You can purchase a fishing license at the California Department of Fish & Wildlife website.

Program Flier (PDF)

Crochet and Knitting Workshop

Join us at the EcoCenter and get cozy with crochet and knitting. Learn to crochet or knit while connecting with fellow crafters of all skill levels. As part of this workshop, we will give you a crochet/knitting material guide and resources so you can give back to your community like donation centers. Unfortunately, registration for spring classes has closed, but keep an eye out for future sessions!

Youth Stewardship Program

This program serves K-12 youth and runs from September through May, or until full

Book a guided field trip for your class. YSP exposes urban students to an outdoor learning environment that proves to be engaging and challenging. Students are taught science, environmental education, local natural and cultural history, social responsibility, a personal connection to their communities, and fundamental life skills. If you’re interested in incorporating a youth stewardship component to your curriculum, please complete a Youth Stewardship Program application. Someone from our Youth Services Volunteer Team will contact you within two weeks of receiving your application. 

Drop-In Equipment Loans

The EcoCenter offers free loans for binoculars, bird guidebooks, and fishing rods. We simply ask that you leave an ID or item of similar nature with us as collateral. Equipment is loaned out on a first come, first served basis.

Wetland Explorers Summer Camp

Wetland Explorers is an almost entirely outdoor program for ages 5-10 based out of the EcoCenter at Heron’s Head Park. Throughout each two-week session, youth will explore the park through nature hikes, habitat restoration, games, art projects, and a variety of science-based activities. The program is designed to support safe, social development through nature connection. This camp does not offer extended care. Sign-ups opening soon!

  • Scholarship Info (forthcoming)
  • Flier (forthcoming)

Volunteer Opportunities

Wetland Restoration Volunteer Work Party— First Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon. Join us and Golden Gate Audubon Society in removing invasive, nonnative species from the wetlands including marine debris. Tools and guidance provided. To sign up, visit our volunteer calendar

Nature Exploration Area Volunteer Work Party— Third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon. Come lend a hand and help weed, water, prune, remove trash and take care of the EcoCenter’s Nature Exploration Area and adjacent landscape. Tools and guidance provided. To sign up, visit our volunteer calendar.

Custom Volunteer Experience for your group or organization— Are you interested in getting your organization out of the office to connect with nature and give back while bonding as a team? Do you have a group of 10+ friends and family that want to volunteer but nothing on our Volunteer Calendar works with your schedule? Look no further and start the process in coordinating your private volunteer experience with us at the EcoCenter at Heron’s Head Park. We’ll work with you to customize your experience while meeting the park’s needs. To get started, complete our Group Volunteer Request Form today!

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