Two volunteers pulling weeds at Alcatraz Gardens (Shelagh Fritz / Ritz-Carlton,…)
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is offering its guests, locals and other San Francisco visitors an opportunity to help preserve some of Golden Gate National Park’s most treasured areas with its Give Back Getaways program.
Volunteers can donate a few hours to help preserve the Gardens at Alcatraz or restore the nursery at the Presidio by clearing invasive weeds, pruning, planting, etc. Guests receive free transportation from the Ritz-Carlton to the appropriate park and can enjoy the park after their shift ends.
The program launched in March but attendance has been light. If more volunteers appear in May, the hotel hopes to extend Give Back Getaways in the summer and fall.
Alcatraz volunteers, who must be 18 or older, will work from 8 a.m. to noon on May 22. Along with a shuttle from the hotel to Pier 33, volunteers receive ferry transportation and a free box lunch to enjoy at the end of their shift. If they stay to explore Alcatraz, volunteers will also receive a free cellblock audio tour. The round-trip ferry and audio tour usually costs $30 for adults.
Presidio volunteers this Wednesday and on May 18 will work from 1-4 p.m. All ages are welcome.
Requirements: Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Volunteers may register by calling (415) 364-3426 or register online via the Give Back Web page.
Info: Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, 600 Stockton St. at California Street, (415) 364-3426 (guest relations); Give Back Getaways.
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