National Park Service

National Park Service. Alcatraz Landing. Natural and Cultural Resources , The National Park Service (NPS) assumed responsibility for managing Alcatraz Island in 1972 when it was added to the newly created Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The NPS’ continuing policy of protecting the natural environment and preserving historic buildings and gardens promotes a balanced island ecosystem – a refuge for animals, plants and people., Island Ecology , When Alcatraz became a National Park, marine and avian life that had declined during the fortress and prison eras quickly reemerged. The Rock hosts tranquil tide pools and cacophonous colonies of roosting birds. Black-crowned night herons and Western gulls, to name a few, are using the building rubble, concrete, and thickets of exotic plants for nests., Exploring the Bay Area , Alcatraz is one of many destinations in the Golden Gate National Park. Additionally, there are nine other National Park areas nearby. Each site offers a unique experience that enhances our understanding of this country’s natural and cultural legacy. The stories and landscapes are unparalleled – you might encounter an old-growth redwood forest or the remnants of past wars, a coastal waterfall or the residence of a world-famous American playwright. In addition to visiting, you can volunteer in various ways with the National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy., ”Alcatraz is like a layer cake of nature and history… Penitentiary buildings sit on top of Civil War gun batteries, which rest on the natural rock of the island, while birds nest seemingly everywhere…fascinating.” , - John A. Martini, NPS Ranger and Historian