The EcoCenter at Heron's Head Park

The EcoCenter at Heron’s Head Park is a unique treasure in the Bayview Hunter’s Point Community. It is a space for environmental education, workshops, assembly and place where youth, families and community can gather and engage with nature. The EcoCenter facility was designed to be a classroom and serve as a model of green building technology. It is an off-the-grid facility with its own solar energy system including a living roof, sustainable building materials, on-site wastewater treatment and rainwater harvesting and reuse systems. In July of 2013, the EcoCenter was certified by the U.S. Green Building Council and Green Building Certification Institute with LEED PLATINUM-Leader in Energy and Environmental Design.

The EcoCenter was designed by Toby Long Design and was a collaborative project between Literacy for Environmental Justice (LEJ) the Port of San Francisco, the San Francisco Department of the Environment and the California Coastal Conservancy for the benefit and enjoyment of the Bayview Hunter’s Point Community and beyond.

The Park and Facility is owned and maintained by the Port of San Francisco and operated by the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. To reserve The EcoCenter, visit our Permits and Reservations page.

Location: 32 Jennings Street, San Francisco, CA  94124

People using pitchforks to spread sodEcoCenter front porchThree women smiling for a photoYouth photo at the EcoCenter
  1. Current Programs
  2. Advisory Committee
  3. Site Features

Ongoing Activities at the EcoCenter: 

Special EcoCenter Events in March

Explore and Learn Flyer

Zero Waste Virtual Gardening Workshop on March 19

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Trail Engagement Program
Come delve a little deeper and learn about the EcoCenter and Heron’s Head Park through your very own senses. See what lurks with your own two eyes, hear the complex range of sounds from bustling urban scapes to the subtle sounds of the bay, use your hands to explore the grooves and textures of animals past and present, and enjoy the pleasant fragrance of Native Flora.

Schedule:

  • Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon


Healthy Parks Healthy People every 4th Saturday from 10:00-12:00pm
In partnership with Healthy Parks, Healthy People Bay Area, a collaborative effort between 40 local agencies, SF Rec and Park presents its Healthy Parks Healthy People initiative. Explore our city’s natural areas while socializing with new friends, feeling fit, and finding new inspiration in our city’s native plants and wildlife.

Our professional RPD Guides will provide a short interpretive program designed specifically for each location. The staff will have first aid equipment and are certified in CPR.  Please remember to bring your water and sun protection.

Schedule:

  • Every 4th Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon


Drop-in Volunteer Workdays
Come lend a hand and help weed, water, prune, remove trash and take care of the EcoCenter landsacpe and Heron’s Head Park. Tools, water and light snacks provided. All volunteers must sign waiver.

Schedule:

  • Every 1st Friday of the month, 9:30 a.m. to noon - in collaboration with Hands On Bay Area
  • Every 2nd Saturday of the month 10 a.m. to noon
  • Every 3rd Saturday of the Month 9:30 a.m. to noon
  • Every 3rd Sunday of the month, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. - in collaboration with Hands On Bay Area


EcoCenter Tour/Hike
First time at Heron’s Head Park? Maybe you’re a regular? Whatever the case…come join us on this guided tour of the EcoCenter and Heron’s Head Park. Learn about the building, the development of this park and current program offerings while mingling and getting your steps in. Meet your neighbors and fellow park advocates in this relaxed easy paced tour.

Schedule:

  • Every 1st Friday from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
  • Every 2nd Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Every 3rd Friday from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
  • Every 4th Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.


Amateur Bird Walks every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 10:00-12:00pm
Interested in learning how to Bird within a flock of like-minded individuals? Then come join us and learn some basic tips and tricks in a safe non-judgmental learning environment. Expert birders welcome but this is an amateur group intended to be a starting point for folks with zero birding experience.

Schedule:

  • Every 1st Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m. to noon
  • Every 2nd Thursday of the month, from 10 a.m. to noon
  • Every 4th Thursday of the month, from 10 a.m. to noon
  • Every 4th Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m. to noon


For more information, please contact our EcoCenter staff at (415) 676-1394.