Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy Raises $1.7 Million at Crissy Field Trails Forever Dinner

The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy raised $1.7 million to support regional trail restoration, habitat conservation, and youth outdoor education during its annual Trails Forever Dinner held on September 25, 2026, at Crissy Field in San Francisco. The waterfront fundraising gathering drew 450 philanthropic supporters, civic leaders, and environmental stewards from across San Francisco, Danville, Walnut Creek, and the wider Bay Area. Proceeds from the evening directly fund conservation programs across national park sites throughout the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

This year's benefit gala carried special historical significance as attendees celebrated the 25th anniversary of Crissy Field's ecological transformation from a former paved military airfield into a thriving tidal marsh and public shoreline park. Addressing the gathering beneath the evening lights near the Golden Gate Bridge, Parks Conservancy President and CEO Christine Lehnertz reflected on the waterfront's enduring civic value over the past quarter-century. Lehnertz told attendees that millions of people have built memories at the shoreline, found connection to nature along its paths, and discovered a lasting sense of belonging within the public parklands.

Guests at the Crissy Field celebration enjoyed an evening of live cultural performances featuring vibrant Cuban music by Guajirón, sets by DJ Jihaari, and imaginative visual storytelling by the Lake Merced Puppet Society. Conservation advocates from Contra Costa and Marin counties noted that the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy serves as the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service across 82,000 acres of protected parkland spanning three Bay Area counties. Volunteer trail crews and environmental educators emphasized that philanthropic funding enables year-round maintenance of coastal pathways visited by millions of Bay Area residents annually.

National Park Service superintendents and Conservancy board directors outlined upcoming capital stewardship priorities supported by the $1.7 million fundraising total, including coastal bluff stabilization, native plant nurseries, and free student field trip transportation. Park district officials confirmed that trail maintenance teams will deploy new grant funds across popular waterfront corridors, redwood groves, and historic headlands before the winter rainy season begins. Community advisory committee members also highlighted expanded bilingual youth leadership internships hosted at the Crissy Field Center on East Beach.

Bay Area hikers, volunteer groups, and philanthropy supporters can review upcoming volunteer trail maintenance days, ecological restoration reports, and public park events online at parksconservancy.org or by calling (415) 561-3000. The Crissy Field Center and Presidio visitor facilities welcome school groups and families throughout the autumn season. Questions regarding charitable endowments or corporate conservation partnerships may be directed to the Conservancy development department.