This year’s Bay Day Challenge is now up and running, and Meta has once again showed its support for Save The Bay’s mission through sponsorship of the annual event. In addition to showing up for local organizations, Meta has demonstrated its commitment to combating climate change and promoting biodiversity at its offices and data centers around the world. Let’s take a look at some of the ways Meta is working to protect the environment near and far.
Green Roof
Meta’s Menlo Park headquarters is spearheading an effort to increase biodiversity in San Francisco Bay through the development of its 12.5-acre green roof and 11-acre campus park. The green roof features over 600 trees and 5,300 birds across a variety of habitats, including grasslands and oak savannas. The campus park has focused on diversifying tree species, particularly oaks, and planting trees that are adapted to the hotter, drier climate we are now experiencing in the Bay.
Data Centers
Across the country and the globe, Meta has constructed certified LEED Gold data centers that take each unique local habitat into consideration. After extensive research of each area, the buildings are designed to mimic the natural environment and reduce urban heat island effect by including native and adaptive species. In combination with efficient irrigation systems and sustainable wood products, these measures save over 80,000 kilogallons of water per year.
Watersheds
In addition to designing its data centers with water conservation in mind, Meta is working with local organizations in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah to restore local watersheds. These projects reduce runoff, increase water storage capacity, and restore landscapes and rivers that increase wetlands and provide habitat for fish and vegetation. The results support nearby communities’ water supplies and help restore local habitats.
For more information on the many ways Meta is working towards a more sustainable future and to follow along on their journey to reach net zero emissions across its value chain, check out their sustainability website.
You can still sign up to participate in the Bay Day Challenge. Once you’ve completed your outdoor activities or hit the Bay Trail, submit your miles and activities to the Bay Day RunSignUp portal.
Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and share your adventure with #BayDayChallenge #SFBayDay and tag @saveSFbay for the chance to win a $50 Sports Basement gift card every week.
This 15.2 mile trail begins at Anza Lagoon and hugs the shoreline until you reach San Mateo’s Ryder and Seal Point Parks. These parks feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and restored wetlands where you can launch kayaks, enjoy lunch, and observe the tidal water system. The trail continues further south to Belmont Slough where enthusiasts can continue to Redwood Shores Ecological Reserve for an even longer hike. →
Travel along San Francisco’s Southern Waterfront to take in sights new and old. Begin at Oracle Park and head south, passing by Agua Vista Park and the Chase Center. Visit Heron’s Head Park and India Basin Shoreline Park where you can step into Eco Center, the only 100% off-the-grid building in San Francisco. While Hunter’s Point Naval Shipyard is closed for redevelopment, take local roads to reach Candlestick Point State Recreation Area and Yosemite Slough. →
This Saturday is California Coastal Cleanup Day! If you can’t make it out to volunteer with us on the MLK Jr. Shoreline, you can clean up in your own neighborhood. Trash in our cities and roadways are responsible for a lot of the trash that gets into our creeks and into the Bay. By cleaning up your community, you are stopping trash from polluting our waterways, Bay, and ocean.
Check out the sleek metal sculptures as you stroll or ride through Seal Point Park in San Mateo. Some sculptures draw inspiration from natural forms and many interact with the wind and acoustics of their environment.
San Francisco Shoreline Parks
In the past two years, San Francisco has become home to several shoreline park restoration and construction projects that provide residents with more access to the Bay. Check out some of the new and upcoming park features across San Francisco.
India Basin Waterfront Park
As a former shipbuilding hub, India Basin has since been a historically under-resourced community leading to environmental pollution, rot, and lack of access to the Bay shoreline. The India Basin Waterfront Park Project was developed to clean up contamination from years of neglect, restore the tidal landscape, and produce a park with plenty of recreation opportunities. The project developed a community-driven Equitable Development Plan to “ensure this waterfront park will benefit current Bayview-Hunters Point residents while preserving the culture and identity of the historic neighborhood” as a commitment to environmental justice and equity.
Last year, the SF Bay Restoration Funding Authority awarded the project nearly $5 million to restore the shoreline and remove debris and dilapidated buildings. In August, the project celebrated completion of the 18-month cleanup phase, and on September 14th, the project broke ground on rehabilitation of the historic Shipwright’s Cottage and construction of a food pavilion, two piers, and more. Currently, the park features restored tidal salt marsh that provides fantastic opportunities for birdwatchers, kayak and trail access, and plenty of views of the Bay.
Crane Cove Park
Crane Cove Park, located between Dogpatch and Mission Bay, is a 7-acre waterfront park providing much-needed green space and water access to its neighborhoods’ residents. Currently the park offers views of the historic cranes Nick and Nora that the park is named for, open areas for picnics and barbecuing, and a rocky beach for wading and boat-watching.
The Crane Cove Capital Campaign is ongoing with hopes of completing two children play areas, a dog run, a rehabilitation project on the crane tops, and several other projects.
Presidio Tunnel Tops
Newly opened above the Presidio Parkway Tunnels is the Presidio Tunnel Tops, featuring beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The outdoor play space encourages kids (and adults) to play as they would in nature with unique climbing structures and a water area. Check out the field station to do some hands-on learning about the flora, fauna, and history of the Presidio. For bigger history buffs, park rangers present historical anecdotes about people who have passed through the Presidio in Park Ranger Campfire Talks every Friday through Sunday. If you get hungry from all the exploring, grab a bite to eat at the various food trucks, tents, and carts across the park.
