Plants, Birds, Rocks & Things: Trek Through the History of Glen Canyon Park

Evelyn Rose will describe the history of Glen Canyon Park as well as the canyon's naturescape, the Yelamu, America’s first dynamite factory, Victorian extreme sports, women’s suffrage, and how this Significant Natural Resource Area was nearly lost. Trek through the canyon’s natural and cultural heritage!

Evelyn Rose, a San Francisco community historian for 25 years, was volunteer historian at Muir Woods National Monument and received the President’s Gold Level Volunteer Service Award during the Obama Administration. In 2014, she founded the Glen Park Neighborhoods History Project (www.GlenParkHistory.org) and subsequently rediscovered several historic “firsts” in her district.

Details: Glen Canyon Park, located in the heart of San Francisco, is a Significant Natural Resource Area. Join historian Evelyn Rose, founder of the Glen Park Neighborhoods History Project, to learn more about this remarkable canyon’s natural and cultural histories, its geology, flora/fauna, the Yelamu of the Ramaytush Ohlone, the first dynamite factory in America, milch ranching, water wars, Victorian extreme sports, and how the naturescape was nearly destroyed several times over. We may also catch glimpses of birds and other wildlife that call Glen Canyon home. Distance: 1.5 miles. Moderately strenuous, with uneven dirt trails.

Preparation: Bring water and snacks. Wear layers and sturdy shoes, and walking sticks if you’d like.

Feel free to bring binoculars and spotting guides.

Meeting location: Meet at the Glenda the Glen Park Cow sign at the Elk Street entrance to Glen Canyon Park, just north of Chenery Street. See map pin here.

Transportation/ parking: Parking is available in the surrounding neighborhoods but can be in short supply. Allow extra time if parking!

From the Glen Park BART station, walk one block north on Diamond Street then turn left on Chenery Street - about a 10-minute walk to the Elk Street entrance to the park. The MUNI 44-O’Shaughnessy stops at the intersection of Bosworth Street, Congo Street, and Elk Street at the southwest corner of Glen Canyon Park but it is a very steep walk down Elk Street to the entrance.

Bike parking is available by the Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center.

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

Donations (in cash) 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.

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