Community Outreach Team

Community Outreach Rangers: Jackson (far left), Fatima (second from left), Lu (second from right), and Oliver (far right). NPS Plan Your Group Visit with Our Dedicated Outreach Team Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GOGA) offers a wide range of unique, enriching experiences designed to engage visitors from all walks of life. Whether you’re organizing a trip for families, schools, community organizations, or special interest groups, our GOGA Community Outreach Team is here to make your visit extraordinary. Our rangers work closely with your group to design tailored, ranger-led programs that highlight the park’s stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse recreational opportunities. From exploring the majestic redwoods to learning about Alcatraz's storied history, we ensure every visitor finds a meaningful connection to the park. Why Choose GOGA for Your Group Visit? Custom Programs: Each program is designed to meet the specific needs and interests of your group, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience. Experienced Rangers: Our knowledgeable rangers bring years of expertise in community outreach, education, and interpretation, offering programs that are both informative and inspiring. Diverse Offerings: We cater to a wide range of communities, including youth, seniors, immigrant groups, and those with special needs, creating inclusive programs that welcome everyone. Accessibility: Our outreach team also helps coordinate transportation for eligible groups, making it easy for you to visit and explore the park.   Meet Our Team Our dedicated team of outreach rangers is here to create unforgettable experiences tailored to your group’s interests. Whether you're seeking to explore the healing power of nature, dive into the rich cultural stories of the region, or embark on an educational adventure, we’re ready to guide you. With each ranger bringing unique expertise, we ensure that every visit to Golden Gate National Recreation Area is both meaningful and impactful. Reach out to one of our rangers below, and let’s start planning your perfect park experience!   Lu Sonder | Supervisory Park Ranger - Outreach & Volunteer Programs With over a decade of experience at GOGA, Lu Sonder is passionate about connecting people to their public lands. Whether it's learning, wellness, exploration, or recreation, Lu is committed to helping you and your group find joy and discovery in your national parks. Email: Lu Sonder   Fatima Colindres | Park Ranger - The Presidio of San Francisco Since 1998, Fatima Colindres has been an interpretive park ranger at Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GOGA) based in the Presidio of San Francisco. With a passion for ensuring that national parks are accessible to people who have traditionally not visited, Fatima focuses on creating programs that engage and inspire. Using natural storytelling abilities, they captivate both Spanish and English-speaking audiences of all ages, crafting fun, interactive experiences that foster a deeper love and respect for National Parks. Fatima’s standout program, "Women's Empowerment through Stories of Juana Briones", can be presented in Spanish, English, or as a bilingual experience, providing a powerful cultural connection for diverse audiences. Fatima specializes in working with: Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities Families with Autism Families with different abilities Senior groups Fatima’s program topics include: Storytelling from the Ohlone, Spanish, Mexican, and early American periods of the Presidio Medicinal uses of native plants Indigenous stories and their connections to the natural world Wellness and the healing power of nature To learn more, contact Fatima Colindres at [e-mail].   Jackson Lam | Park Ranger - Muir Woods National Monument Jackson Lam is the community outreach ranger for Muir Woods National Monument. A native of Los Angeles, Jackson identifies as Chinese-American and pursued his love for biology in college, where he also picked up his coffee habit. After completing two internships with the National Park Service and spending a few seasons working on Alcatraz Island, Jackson transferred to Muir Woods and soon joined the Community Outreach team. With a passion for connecting diverse groups to the natural beauty of the redwood forests, Jackson brings a love for science and hands-on exploration to all of his programs. Specializes in working with: Asian and Pacific Islander communities (Cantonese speakers included) Youth groups Indigenous and Native communities Families from Marin City and San Rafael’s Canal District Program topics: Human connections with plants and nature Community Science volunteer programs Fire ecology and redwood forest preservation If you’re interested in bringing your group to Muir Woods National Monument, contact Park Ranger Jackson Lam at [e-mail] for more information.   Park Ranger - Alcatraz Island This Ranger serves as the community outreach ranger for Alcatraz Island, with a focus on creating inclusive programs for historically underrepresented groups. Primary work centers on engaging formerly incarcerated individuals, families with loved ones in prison, and other communities traditionally excluded from national parks. Also serves as lead coordinator for the Formerly Incarcerated Speaker Series, a unique program that offers a platform for individuals with personal experience in the criminal justice system to share their stories on Alcatraz Island. Ranger specializes in working with: Formerly incarcerated individuals Children and families with loved ones in prison Other traditionally excluded groups Programs focus on: The Gardens of Alcatraz Art and activism during the 1969-71 Indigenous Occupation of Alcatraz Island Incarceration and freedom Professional development for nonprofits If you’re interested in bringing your group to Alcatraz Island for self-guided tours or collaborative programming, reach out to Alcatraz Community Outreach team; e-mail us.