Yerba Buena Island
Biodiversity, Stormwater & Materials Reuse
San Francisco, California
Client
Treasure Island Community Development, Public Agency: Treasure Island Development Authority, SF Department of the Environment
Associated Firm
CMG Landscape Architecture
CPD Members
Pamela Conrad
Greg Barger
Project Team
BKF Engineers, ENGEO, DeSilva Gates, Plant Construction
Date
2009 – Ongoing
Size
~100 acres
A comprehensive Habitat Management Plan, developed collaboratively with the Environmental Science Associates (ESA), outlines long-term restoration and preservation goals for Yerba Buena Island’s precious ecological resources. Implemented in partnership with Treasure Island Development Authority (TIDA) and San Francisco Department of the Environment (SFE), this plan prioritizes endemic plant species, salvaged or propagated from seeds collected onsite or nearby, fostering biodiversity and climate resilience. The island’s pop-up contract nursery was managed by Literacy for Environmental Justice (LEJ), a local non-profit that engages at-risk youth in hands-on work while promoting environmental stewardship and community development in Southeast San Francisco.
To protect sensitive habitats, a trail system will be established and complemented by a dedicated dog park area to ensure safe off-leash activity. Utilizing found boulders and reclaimed wood from invasive species, the park design emphasizes sustainability and low-carbon materials, creating a unique and environmentally conscious recreational space.
Innovative stormwater management and wastewater treatment facilities treat 100% of stormwater onsite, with stormwater gardens capturing and treating runoff before it enters the San Francisco Bay.