GGNRA
Shelldance Orchid Gardens
Shelldance Gardens is proud to be a Partner and Park Steward with the National Parks Service/Golden Gate National Recreation Area. We are located within the park boundary at Sweeney Ridge Trail Head, overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean.
Saving Sweeney Ridge
Michael Rothenberg discovered that Caltrans had plans underway for an 8-lane freeway to be constructed, connecting the 380 freeway by the airport all the way over the ridgeline to Hwy 1 — the onramp would have leveled the greenhouses. Michael got busy, became active in the preservation of the unique habitat and open space that was in our backyard. Shelldance hosted environmental groups, had educational workshops and events to bring awareness to the public for this special habitat that needed to be protected for the benefit of a greater good. Together the communities joined in the cause for preservation over development.
Sweeney Ridge Joins the GGNRA
In 1987 Sweeney Ridge was included in the GGNRA.
Protecting Mori Point
Hal Bohner and Michael Rothenberg formed a conservation group named "Pacificans for Mori Point" — working tirelessly through the legal system to hold developers accountable for the habitat destruction of the endangered San Francisco Garter Snake. These legal actions laid the groundwork for the Pacifica Land Trust and the Pacifica Environmental Family to acquire the property through public auction for the preservation of one of Pacifica's major landmarks.
Mori Point Protected
For nearly 20 years Pacificans fought to protect this unique coastal habitat. Success came in May 2002 — The Trust for Public Land, the National Park Service, the Pacifica Land Trust, the City of Pacifica and the State Coastal Conservancy, with special honored guest Congressman Tom Lantos, celebrated the protection of Mori Point and its transfer from TPL to the National Park Service. Mori Point was now included in the GGNRA.
Shelldance continues to promote environmental awareness and provide connections to nature for the benefit of future generations and a greener, healthier globe.
Check out: parksconservancy.org to find out more of the wonderful open space habitats to visit in the area of Pacifica.