Sign Hill Stewards
Spring Newsletter
Dear Sign Hill Stewards,
 
The Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce that we are resuming volunteer events on Sign Hill!
 
The effort of our dedicated volunteers is the backbone of the habitat restoration that is taking place on Sign Hill. Volunteers will aid in the removal of invasive weeds and installation of California native plants. This work is pivotal to the expansion and improvement of native grassland habitat which is the breeding ground for numerous species of butterfly.
Our labor is centered on the protection of endangered species. At least two of the butterfly species that rely on Sign Hill are federally endangered, including the Mission Blue (Icaricia icariodes missionensis) and the Callippe Silverspot (Speyeria calippe callippe) which was seen in 2021 by our previous Natural Resource Specialist, Emma Lewis - the first reported sighting in over 30 years!
 
Volunteer workdays will take place every other Friday from 9am-12pm starting April 8th. We will also gather on the last Saturday of each month from 9am-12pm. Only cancelled for heavy rains. See details and RSVP below.

Help protect nature in South San Francisco while you take in the fresh air and spectacular views.


Candace LaCroix
Natural Resource Specialist
Leading the Sign Hill Habitat Restoration Project
Introducing Candace LaCroix,
our new Natural Resource Specialist
Hello! My name is Candace LaCroix and I am very excited to join the City of South San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department as the new Natural Resource Specialist. Over the last 4 years I have studied Biology, Environmental Sciences and Horticulture at City College of San Francisco and worked in various natural resource conservation efforts around the San Francisco Bay Area and abroad.
 
Over the last year I have supported habitat restoration monitoring with Valley Water in Santa Clara County and served as a Bio-diverse City Intern for Climate Action Now! in San Francisco. In 2019 I had the opportunity to serve as a researcher for the Tambopata Macaw Project, Texas A&M University’s research facility in the Peruvian Amazon, where I monitored threatened macaw and parrot populations.
 
Prior to embarking on a career in wildlife conservation, I spent over 7 years in social work supporting individuals and families in improving their housing stability, financial literacy and careers. My experiences advocating for under-served communities have aided in my understanding of the critical role that open spaces play in community health.
 
I feel deeply honored and privileged to bring these diverse experiences to my leadership of the Sign Hill Habitat Restoration Project. I sincerely look forward to meeting you on Sign Hill!
Can You Spot the Difference?
Photo by iNaturalist user hannawacker
Photo by iNaturalist user arnrytterjensen
Can you spot the difference? These butterflies are very similar in appearance, but are actually two different species. The Painted Lady (top) can be distinguished by a small white stripe near the tip of the wings, as well as wing-tips that are pointed. The West Coast Lady (bottom) has an orange stripe rather than white, as well as wing tips that are square. Also, look out for blue spots along the bottom edge of the wings. See if you can spot these butterflies next time you visit Sign Hill!
What's Blooming?
Spring is in full-swing on Sign Hill, and many wildflowers have begun to bloom. Here are just a few of the many flowers that can be found blooming on Sign Hill. Remember not to pick wildflowers and take pictures instead in order to protect sensitive habitat and ensure that everyone can enjoy the beautiful wildflowers of Sign Hill.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Dwarf Checkerbloom (Sidalcea malviflora)
Coast Iris (Iris longipetala)
California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Brodiaea (Dichelostemma capitatum)
Silver Lupine (Lupinus albifrons)
Volunteer with Sign Hill Stewards!
Volunteer information:
When: Every other Friday from 9am-12pm and the last Saturday of each month from 9am-12pm. Only cancelled for heavy rains.

Where: Volunteers will park at the Sign Hill Parking Lot nearby 964 Ridgeview Ct, South San Francisco, CA and hike with staff to the restoration site.

Registration: Registration is required. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have a youth waiver signed by a parent/guardian. Youth under the age of 15 are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult. Click the link below to RSVP.

What to bring: To prepare for working outdoors, please bring work gloves, plenty of water, sturdy shoes, long pants and long sleeves, a hat/sunscreen, and a completed waiver for each volunteer. Volunteers should expect some hiking on steep terrain.