Environmental Science Center

Since 1976, SFUSD has partnered with the National Park Service’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area to host free daytime and overnight field studies programs for SFUSD elementary classrooms at Fort Funston, Golden Gate Park, McLaren Park and throughout SF.

(Use the side arrows to learn more about the ESC)

Our naturalists lead engaging outdoor environmental-based programs for students in SFUSD through the ESC at Fort Funston as well as Golden Gate Park and McLaren Park.  

(Use the side arrows to learn more about the ESC)

Fun Fact

Purple sea urchins can decorate themselves with shells, rocks, and pieces of algae to protect themselves from drying out or from predators.

Fun Fact

Coyotes are described as the "most vocal of all North American mammals" with no less than 11 different vocalizations. 

Fun Fact 

Great horned owls and other owl species are capable of flying almost completely silent. This helps them to sneak up on their prey when hunting at night.

Fun Fact

The Hopkin's rose nudibranch is a sea slug or sea snail without a shell. Many nudibranchs wear bright colors that may warn predators that the slugs taste bitter or foul.

Fun Fact

Western fence lizards can change color from a light grey or tan to a dark black color to help absorb a certain amount of sunlight and heat to help give them energy.

Fun Fact

Purple sea urchins can decorate themselves with shells, rocks, and pieces of algae to protect themselves from drying out or from predators.