Mini Parks and Green Spaces of Russian Hill

Step off the beaten path and discover the hidden corners of Russian Hill — its secret stairways, pocket parks, and leafy side streets steeped in ecological and cultural history. Along the way, we'll uncover native plant restoration projects, explore why green corridors matter for city wildlife, and trace the neighborhood's rich architectural and historical roots.

Our route will take us through Francisco Park, Sterling Park, Michelangelo Mini Park, Greenwich Gardens, Macondray Lane, Green Street Steps, Ina Coolbrith Park, the summit of Russian Hill, Florence Street, Russian Hill Place, Vallejo Mini Park, Willis Polk's fascinating houses, and our final mini park stop at Hyde & Vallejo.

Walk Leaders: Emil Fogarino, Tom Scharffenberger

Emil is a local naturalist and educator who retired from teaching marine biology and natural history at Washington High SF. As a native San Franciscan Emil enjoys sharing and learning about the natural beauty that surrounds us.

Tom S is a landscape architect/conservation planner and is on the NTC Advisory Council. His interests include natural history, urban design and land use planning.

Details:

We will begin our hike at the flagpole near the GGNRA Headquarters at Fort Mason. From there the loop will take us to the following parks:

• Francisco Park (restrooms available here); from there we will continue up Hyde Street
• George Sterling Park located on Hyde between Greenwich and Lombard
• Michaelangelo Playground and mini park across the street located at 1061 Greenwich (restrooms are also available here)
• Greenwich Gardens near Jones Street across from the Michaelangelo Playground
• Macondray Lane west of Jones Street between Green and Union
• Green Street Steps at Taylor
• Ina Coolbrith Park (on Taylor between Vallejo and Green)
• Summit of Russian Hill
• Florence Street and Russian Hill Place
• Vallejo Mini Park, the first official "hanging site' in San Francisco
• Hyde/Vallejo mini-park as we return along Vallejo to Hyde Street and return to Bay Street.

Along the way we will point out native plant restorations, biodiversity enhancements, the value of green corridors and any notable surprises along the way.

For a map of the route see this link!

This walk will be approximately 3.5 miles with a total elevation gain of 550 feet.

Preparation:

Wear comfortable shoes. Bring water and a light snack to eat along the way. We will take a leisurely pace, but be ready for lots of hill climbing as we head up Russian Hill.

This walk will be approximately 3.5 miles with a total elevation gain of 550 feet.

Meeting Location:

Meet at Fort Mason (at the flagpole on the corner of Franklin Street and MacArthur). Free parking is available at Fort Mason for four hours.

Transportation:

Muni service to the site includes the 30, 47 and 49 busses.

Cost:

This walk is FREE to attend (with RSVPs kindly requested).

Donations (in cash or Venmo) can be made to Nature in the City on the day of the event. Special bonus! Everyone who donates $10 and above will receive a copy of the Nature in the City Map.

Or donate to Nature in the City today and receive early-bird invitations to all our future walks, among other fun perks.