501(c)(3) Public Charity · EIN 99-5024246

Together for a Greener, Cleaner San Francisco

SONDOR mobilizes neighbors to restore parks, clean public spaces, and grow urban green hubs—one weekend, one block, one shared effort at a time.

Our Impact in Focus
3T+
Recyclables diverted
500+
Native shrubs planted
1,000+
Volunteer hours

Our Story

Born from weekend cleanups in 2023, SONDOR has grown into a city-wide movement where residents, youth, and local businesses unite to protect and celebrate our shared urban nature.

Where it began

A handful of neighbors started picking litter around Stow Lake and Music Concourse at Golden Gate Park. What began as a small act soon attracted hundreds of volunteers who not only picked up trash but also planted native flora and reimagined greener corners of their neighborhoods.

What we believe

We believe every small action counts. Keeping parks and public spaces clean is both a civic habit and a joyful way to connect with one another and with the land we call home.

Vision & Mission

A city where every park, corner, and shoreline is cared for—by all of us.

Vision

Healthy urban nature across San Francisco, nurtured by an active, connected community.

Mission

Reduce waste in public spaces, restore park habitats, and inspire sustainable habits through hands-on cleanups and community projects.

Values

Community, stewardship, transparency, and practical optimism.

Programs

Practical, joyful actions that keep our city green and welcoming.

Park Revival

Recurring cleanups and habitat care in Golden Gate Park, Alamo Square, and the Presidio: litter removal, mulching, weeding, and planting native shrubs and pollinator-friendly flowers.

  • Monthly restoration days with trained crew leads.
  • Data-tracking of recyclables and landfill diversion.
  • Family-friendly stations for kids to learn and help.

Recycle for Tomorrow

Collect, sort, and upcycle plastics with schools and businesses into useful items—benches, planters, wayfinding signs—installed back in community spaces.

  • Neighborhood collection drives and drop-off hubs.
  • Hands-on workshops on sorting and contamination reduction.
  • Showcase of upcycled community assets.

Clean Streets, Kind Hearts

Block-by-block cleanups and education on source separation, empowering residents to keep sidewalks and plazas inviting.

Urban Garden Project

Community gardens and mini native-plant pockets that cool streets, support biodiversity, and offer neighbors a place to gather.

Featured Event — Green Together 2025

Park & public-space cleanup and habitat restoration focused on the east side of Golden Gate Park.

When & Where

Date: December 15, 2025 · Time: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Meetup: Music Concourse (near the Bandshell), Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Goals for the Day

  • Collect and sort at least 3 tons of recyclables and trash.
  • Plant 500+ native shrubs and flowering plants east of Stow Lake.
  • Launch a kid-friendly One Green Day experience with nature kits and mini-missions.

Volunteer Roles

  • Park Sweep Teams (litter pickup, sorting, reporting).
  • Habitat Crew (mulch, weeding, native planting).
  • Kid Zone Guides (family activities & safety).
  • Logistics & Refreshments (set-up, hydration, breaks).

What to Bring

  • Closed-toe shoes, reusable water bottle, layers.
  • Sunscreen and hat (events run rain or shine unless unsafe).
  • We provide gloves, bags, tools, and safety briefing.

Logistics

  • Check-in opens 8:30 AM at the Bandshell; briefing at 9:05 AM.
  • Waste-sorting stations: recyclables, compost, landfill.
  • Accessibility: choose routes with paved paths and nearby restrooms.

Safety

  • Work in pairs; report sharps or hazards to crew leads.
  • Gloves required; use grabbers for litter where possible.
  • Hydration and breaks encouraged every 45–60 minutes.

Why this matters

Cleaner parks protect wildlife, reduce plastic leakage into waterways, and nurture a culture of care. Your hands—and your presence—make the difference.

Focus Area Map

East of Stow Lake → Music Concourse → Concourse Drive corridors.

Look for SONDOR green wayfinding signs at check-in.

Ways to Participate

Everyone can help—choose the path that fits you best.

Volunteer

Join cleanup days, restoration shifts, or garden care mornings. All experience levels welcome.

In-Kind Support

Provide tools, native plants, or refreshments for volunteers. Your contribution keeps crews effective and safe.

Community Partners

Schools and businesses can host drives, sponsor stations, or adopt a site for quarterly stewardship.