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Eco-City San Francisco

Few San Francisco residents realize that 12 species of native berries still grow on the north slope of Mount Davidson, that the first bright yellow wildflower to bloom in the city in the spring is aptly called "footsteps of spring," or that great horned owls still hoot from high in the Presidio's eucalyptus or Monterey pine trees. Fewer still know that yerba buena (the "good herb," San Francisco's original namesake), a native mint, still survives in some backyards and wild areas-(it is also used to make mojitos!), or that 13 species of bats dart through the city eating mosquitoes. Peter Brastow, founder of the new group Nature in the City, hopes to reverse that lack of knowledge and reconnect urban residents with their landscape.

"How can you be sustainable unless you connect with nature where you live, if you don't value what's special where you live?" he asks. He explains that the goal of his group, under the umbrella of the larger Earth Island Institute, is to "restore a positive relationship between people and nature, to teach people that cities and communities can foster biodiversity and live harmoniously with nature even in a city." Getting people to appreciate nearby nature is also a way to improve their quality of life, especially for those who don't have access to regional parks or the Sierra.

Building an ecological identity in San Francisco is not without challenges: With urbanization has come habitat fragmentation on a grand scale, says Brastow, and-possibly the biggest challenge-the city is covered with invasives like French broom, pampas grass, cape ivy, and eucalyptus. But Brastow thinks it's not too late. In places like Glen Park, Cole Valley, Bernal Hill, Mount Davidson, and the Presidio-to name just a few-native species are hanging on; some even thriving. Brastow is encouraged by Mayor Gavin Newsom's public interest in the environment-and he plans to expand upon it.

"I want to make local and urban nature conservation part of all decision making in the city."

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