Sunset Dunes Dune Revegetation

The Importance of Coastline Ecosystems

The Great Highway’s transformation into Sunset Dunes is among the most significant public space projects in California history, adding approximately 50 acres of parkland along the city’s stunning Pacific coastline. This project enhances coastal access while preserving the natural environment.

A key focus is protecting the sand dunes, a vital native coastal ecosystem that has supported local plants and wildlife for centuries and helps protect against climate change. The dunes act as a natural barrier against rising seas and extreme weather, as well as sand encroachment into the park space and neighborhood beyond.

Dune grasses keep the dunes stable. When people trample them, the grasses die, causing dune collapses known as “dune blow-outs.” These failed dunes have lost their natural dune grass populations, which allows sand to continuously blow into the park and surrounding neighborhood. To protect this vital ecosystem, we’re taking key steps:

Dune Revegetation and Stabilization Project This project is a partnership of dedicated volunteers and community organizations, including Surfrider Foundation, Reimagining SF and the Friends of Sunset Dunes. The project is based upon the recommendations and findings of the San Francisco Estuary Institute and is possible due to support from the National Park Service, Surfrider Foundation and the California Academy of Science.

For the first few years of the project, we will plant a species of dune grass that is native to San Francisco’s coastline ( Leymus mollis ). This local dune grass is a hearty species that will help stabilize and restore the damaged dunes. After two or three years, once the dune grass has become more established, we expect the conditions to be right to plant and seed other species of local, native dune plants. This will further increase native biodiversity and revitalize the local ecosystem.

Fencing and signage protect the dune area. Dune fencing is required by the Coastal Commission and has been installed to shield sensitive habitat while allowing public access at major beach entry points.

• Winter 2024 – 2025 Planting . Over 100 volunteers installed fencing and planted more than 1,500 native beach wildrye dune grasses, through 5 volunteer days.
• Winter 2025 – 2026 Planting . Over 150 volunteers planted 900 native dune grasses, and placed brush matting, which protect new plants and reduces sand movement.
• Future Plantings . Future planting dates will be scheduled for the Winter season of 2026-2027.

Planting and seeding is done during San Francisco’s rainy season to ensure the grass can successfully take root and grow. SF Rec and Park staff monitor the success and growth of the dune grass and evaluate our efforts. Since the 2024-2025 pilot, we have implemented new methodologies, including concentrating the plantings together and installing brush matting to improve plant success.

Volunteer Opportunities! If you are interested in joining the Dune Revegetation and Stabilization Project, please email our Volunteer team to sign up for updates, at RecParkVolunteer@sfgov.org .

You can help protect this valuable habitat by staying on designated trails and respecting dune restoration areas. Together, we can preserve this incredible natural environment while creating a beautiful and sustainable coastal park for all to enjoy.