When: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8am–Noon

The Alcatraz Gardens Stewardship Program aims to preserve the historic gardens once tended by the island’s military and penitentiary residents. For more than a century, gardens were an important part of everyday life for officers, families, and prisoners confined to Alcatraz by sentence or duty. Many of the plants selected by these unheralded gardeners proved to be excellent choices for the harsh and barren environment, flourishing through the four decades of neglect that followed the prison’s closing.

Volunteers help care for the restored gardens with activities such as weeding, pruning, composting (award winning!), planting, propagating, and seed collecting. As an added bonus, garden volunteers arrive on Alcatraz before other visitors, so you can experience the island during the most tranquil time of day.

GROUPS

Corporate groups: If your company or team would like to volunteer on Alcatraz, we have a special program just for you, the Alcatraz Rock Stars program! To sign up please visit our Corporate Volunteering page.

Groups require special arrangements and must be confirmed in advance. Schools and community groups: Fill out the Group Project Request Form.

Age, Skills, What to Bring:

• Volunteers ages 15 and up 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.

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.