Students from Downtown HS Program Thrive in Nature and Help Larger Community

Downtown HS students working to mulch the new nature exploration area at Heron’s Head Park.


On October 6, a group of students in Downtown High School’s Wilderness Arts and Literacy Collaborative program (known as WALC) volunteered at Heron’s Head Park to help complete construction on a new nature exploration area for children. The WALC program allows students to connect with nature and learn about the environment. At least twice a week, students participate in outdoor activities such as hikes, field studies, or habitat restoration. They also contribute their time to parks like Heron’s Head.

At Heron’s Head, the students assisted with tasks such as mulching and planting. They worked alongside other community-based organizations such as the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department and KABOOM!, a nonprofit dedicated to creating more kid-designed playspaces.



Students remove rocks from the work site.



Students gather mulch.



Students mulch and rake the exploration area.




Miriam Molina and Anita Alonzo are two 12th graders who are in the WALC program and volunteered at Heron’s Head Park. They both said they enjoy being part of the program because they like helping the environment and the community, especially children.

The nature exploration area at Heron’s Head Park is set to open on November 1.

Listen to the KCBS story on WALC and their volunteer work at Heron’s Head Park!