When: Friday, November 8th, 2024, 12:15–4:45 pm

Where: Pier 33; 

Note: Please make sure to show up by 12:15, as the ferry will leave the dock at 12:30; Tickets are included in registration for the event. Registration is required.

Join us as we embark on a journey to Alcatraz Island to engage with the lesser-told stories of Queer history and resilience, and the Alcatraz Gardens as a place for healing and refuge. We will start our time together with a ferry ride from Pier 33, and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the cellhouse to learn about the experience and resilience of queer people who were incarcerated on Alcatraz and stationed across the Presidio, followed by a visit the Mass Encarceration Exhibit to ground us in understanding. Then we will retreat to the Historic Gardens to get our hands dirty and experience first-hand the healing power of gardening. As we tend the gardens, we'll learn about their role in the lives of incarcerated men on Alcatraz, and ties to modern-day horticulture therapy projects supporting incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people in California. You are welcome to remain on the island after the program to tour additional exhibits.

What to bring: Come wearing clothes you don't mind getting dirty, and shoes you can walk in. Weather on the island varies throughout the day, so bring layers, a favorite hat, and sunscreen (we have extra hats/sunscreen if you need them!). We will provide light snacks, but you are welcome to bring a lunch or additional snacks to eat on the boat if you'd like. There are snacks for sale on the ferry, but food on the island is only allowed at the dock area.

Accessibility details: This program will involve walking up paved roads (equivalent to a 13 story building), traversing a staircase (optional), and sitting on buckets to sift compost or tend plants. Please let us know if we can support you with any accommodations, such as a ride up the hill in a vehicle, a backed chair, or something else to make this or future events accessible to you.

Groups

Groups of five or more require special arrangements and must be confirmed in advance. Please review the List of Available Projects and fill out the Group Project Request Form.

AGE, SKILLS, WHAT TO BRING:

• Volunteers of all ages are welcome.
• We'll be working rain or shine. Wear clothes that can get dirty. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. Bring layers for changing weather and rain gear if necessary.
• Bring a personal water bottle and sunscreen.
• No experience necessary. Training and tools will be provided. Fulfills community service requirements.

COVID-specific Guidelines

• Face coverings and social distancing are encouraged, but not required.
• Stay home and DO NOT attend if you:
  • Have any illness symptoms
  • Have tested positive for COVID-19
  • Suspect you have had contact with a COVID-19 positive case

The Golden Gate National Parks Volunteer Program is a cooperative parkwide effort of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the National Park Service, and the Presidio Trust.