The science of cities: exploring urban nature of the past and present

Natalie Ward (she/her)
Hometown: El Cerrito, CA
Major: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology ‘25
Internship: The San Francisco Estuary Institute

Natalie Ward reflects on her experience interning in resilient landscapes at SFEI and the value of urban ecology

A bustling city, full of tall buildings and loud traffic, seems an unlikely place to find nature. However, centuries ago, before the forests were cut down, land paved, and waterways redirected, cities had a vastly different landscape. It’s difficult to travel through San Francisco today and imagine it without the highways and concrete, but San Francisco once had a unique natural landscape, part of which was home to the Yelamu tribe.

This summer at San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI), I primarily worked on a project focused on mapping the historical ecological and cultural landscape of San Francisco, specifically focusing on the Yelamu's ancestral homelands. This involved delving into various archival sources—old newspapers, photos, maps, and more—to reconstruct the city’s past environment.

During this time, I explored how San Francisco’s original natural landscape was a tapestry of diverse ecosystems. The city was once a vibrant mosaic of wetlands, sand dunes, and rolling hills, shaped by the interplay of the land and its indigenous inhabitants. I also learned how historical events and decisions have profoundly altered San Francisco's landscape. I discovered how early European settlers transformed the city's natural features, filling wetlands and removing forests to accommodate development. Historical maps and documents revealed how these changes, driven by industrialization and expansion, erased many historical ecosystems and altered the city’s relationship with its environment.

Despite these changes, the nature of San Francisco was not completely lost. Green spaces like Golden Gate Park, the Presidio, and various smaller parks serve as reminders that our cities are not devoid of nature and continue to be shared by wildlife today. In addition to historical ecology projects, I had the opportunity to work on projects in the urban nature and shoreline pods at SFEI this summer. These included mapping changes in the Emeryville marsh over recent decades, co-leading an urban forestry and greening workshop for teens in East Palo Alto, and preparing for a community workshop on green stormwater infrastructure in Oakland.

These projects provided a fresh perspective: although our cities have drastically changed from their historical landscapes, they remain dynamic, living spaces. They present opportunities to improve our interaction with nature, benefiting both ecosystems and human health. While we cannot change the past, understanding historical landscapes helps inform how we can better adapt and enhance our cities to be greener and healthier for all inhabitants—humans, animals, and plants alike.

SFEI is committed to building a greener future in the Bay Area and beyond, and I am grateful to have contributed to this mission this summer, even if in a small way. Their research is crucial for developing a resilient and healthy Bay Area and informs land management and planning at many levels. This experience has opened my eyes to the broad scope of environmental non-profit work and reinforced my interest in applied environmental science. I am excited to get involved in impactful environmental work like this after I graduate this upcoming year!