Project History and Goals
In 1977 the hilltop, known today as Hopkins Wilderness Park (formerly a lookout used by the native Chowigna tribes) was converted into a wooded pocket park with 11 acres of trails, ponds, and habitat for native plants and species to abound. Unfortunately, the park is recovering from a past fire incident with other aspects of the park in need of revitalization.
Since 2017, SBPC has led the effort to conserve and enhance this vital resource for the community. From community cleanup projects, native plant workshops, outdoor installations, and “re-wilding” a huge portion of the park, the work continues to reintroduce native plants and connect the wildlife habitats in the South Bay.
2802 plants planted in 2023
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1,800 volunteers in 2023
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4,281 volunteer hours logged in 2023
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2802 plants planted in 2023 • 1,800 volunteers in 2023 • 4,281 volunteer hours logged in 2023 •
Volunteer With Us!
Use the calendar below to sign up for a volunteer event and to subscribe so you are notified of future events
Progress to Date
Since SBPC’s work began to “re-wild” Hopkins Wilderness Park in 2017, we have:
– Completed close to 3,000 volunteer hours of planting, weeding, educating
– Organized nearly 100 different park events with weekly and monthly volunteer restoration opportunities
– Worked with nearly 1,000 volunteers from within the community
– Collaborated with local schools on bio blitzes, Girl Scouts on outdoor education, and environmental clubs and Eagle Scouts on projects
– Introduced nearly 4500 new native plants in the park (representing more than 100 new species)
The successful work at Wilderness Park, driven by volunteers, and guided by SBPC board members, proves that we can make a difference working together. By identifying and utilizing every bit of parkland for more native plant habitat, and outdoor recreation in the South Bay, we hope to make quality parkland accessible to more people.
Guided Nature Walks for the Whole Family
Join South Bay Parkland Conservancy for monthly nature walks in Wilderness Park. The walks are designed as a fun hour-long sensory experience catered to children. Topics may include Birds, Pollinators, Plant Reproduction, Color exploration, and more! Please check our calendar for upcoming Nature Walks.
Plant and Wildlife Identification
Wildlife identification coming soon!
“Having Wilderness Park in the South Bay is such a blessing. Being able to spend time in nature and see how lovely and ever-changing our native habitats are is so impactful.”
