Less gray,
more green.

Let's transform San Francisco now with sustainable green infrastructure solutions for cleaner water, recharged aquifers, better biodiversity, and safer streets.

Green infrastructure

What is Green Infrastructure?

Light Green Infrastructure

Surface-level improvements create more ways for plantings to hold and divert water, cleaning the air, filtering water, and reducing toxic runoff during storms. These solutions are less costly to install while providing multiple environmental benefits, including reduced flooding, increased humidity to mitigate fire risk, and enhanced local biodiversity.

Light green infrastructure example 1
Light green infrastructure example 2

Deep Green Infrastructure

Sub-surface infrastructure represents more comprehensive, collective efforts that update waste treatment systems with nature-based solutions and long-term vision. While more complex to implement, these improvements address interconnected environmental challenges, including sea level rise, and collaborate with connected water systems to ensure maximum protection of fragile ecosystems.

Deep green infrastructure example 1
Deep green infrastructure example 2

Why It Matters

πŸ’§ Clean Water

Reducing combined sewer overflows by diverting stormwater before it enters treatment facilities helps prevent untreated sewage from reaching the bay and ocean. San Francisco can become a leader in voluntary green infrastructure implementation even without EPA mandates.

🌊 Aquifer Resilience

Capturing rainfall where it falls recharges local aquifers, providing critical backup water supplies during emergencies while reducing pressure on the Tuolumne River watershed, supporting endangered salmon populations and ecosystem restoration.

🌱 Biodiversity & Wellbeing

Green infrastructure restores native ecosystems, expands our inequitably distributed urban tree canopy, and mitigates urban heat islands, creating healthier, more comfortable neighborhoods where people and wildlife can thrive.

πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈ Safe Streets

Green features like bulb-outs improve visibility and shorten crossing distances, while planted medians and bioswales create protected spaces for active transportation and naturally calm traffic, making streets safer for everyone.

Upcoming Events

Join us at these upcoming events to learn more about green infrastructure and get involved in making San Francisco greener.

Jul 12

Moscone Elementary School Garden Beautification

πŸ•› Saturday, July 12, 9am-12pm

πŸ“ Moscone Elementary School, 2576 Harrison Street, San Francisco, 94110

Join us to help beautify the garden spaces at Moscone Elementary School! Tasks include planting in pots & garden beds, clearing space for a garden shed, and weeding & light landscaping. No experience neededβ€”we'll provide tools and guidance. Bring water bottle, sun protection, and work gloves if you have them. Contact Dheyanira at 415-424-6782 with questions.

Jul 17

Webinar: San Francisco Watersheds 101

πŸ•› Thursday, July 17, 1pm

πŸ“ Online Webinar

Join us for an educational exploration of San Francisco's water systems and discover the hidden aquifer beneath the west side of our city. Featuring Doug Jacuzzi (Westside Water Resources) and Karen Curtiss (Red Dot Studio).

Aug 10

Concrete Jungle or Urban Paradise?: Green Density Walking Tour

πŸ•› Sunday, August 10, 3pm (date confirmed, time subject to change)

πŸ“ Mission District (meeting point TBD)

Co-hosted with D9 Neighbors for Housing. Explore how thoughtful housing policy advances environmental goals through compact, walkable neighborhoods. See green roofs, bioswales, and pocket parks that improve air quality and manage stormwater in high-density areas. Perfect for residents, planners, housing advocates, and environmentalists. Tour includes lunch or drinks afterward. Check back soon for a registration link.

Aug 23

Sewer Bike Tour - Ocean Beach

πŸ•› Saturday, August 23, 12pm

πŸ“ Ocean Beach

Join us for a bike tour exploring sewer infrastructure and green solutions in Ocean Beach, focusing on rising sea level impacts and nature-based approaches to protect our communities. Discover how innovative wastewater treatment systems and green infrastructure can help coastal areas adapt to climate change.

Sep 20

Sewer Bike Tour - Mission Creek

πŸ•› Saturday, September 20, 12pm

πŸ“ Mission Creek

Explore Mission Creek's green infrastructure solutions and community conservation efforts. Tour includes stops at Treat Plaza, outfall sites, and discussions with local volunteers maintaining natural systems.

Oct 04

Sewer Bike Tour - Islais Creek to Yosemite Slew

πŸ•› Saturday, October 4, 12pm

πŸ“ Islais Creek to Yosemite Slew

Extended tour comparing creek restoration efforts, examining treatment facilities, and exploring potential treatment wetlands. Includes discussion of impacts on neighborhoods and Bay ecosystems.

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Green SF Now is a Sierra Club campaign working to implement the city's environmental goals through practical, community-supported green infrastructure projects.