Bay Nature Magazine
Bay Nature magazine is the voice for nature in the San Francisco Bay Area. Each issue features informative, insightful, and accessible stories about the region’s wildlife, open spaces, and environmental challenges. From native plants and animals to indigenous land stewardship and the science behind prescribed burns, our coverage reflects the incredible diversity of nature—and the people who care for it—across all nine counties in the region.
Our reporting is elevated by great writing, stunning photos from local photographers, beautifully rendered maps and charts, and a sense of style and fun conveyed through original artwork, like the illustrations of celebrated artists Jane Kim and John Muir Laws. Our stories are fact checked, deeply reported, and expertly sourced, making Bay Nature one of the few science magazines in the United States committed to such high editorial standards.
“The stories Bay Nature publishes are always engaging, informative, and transfused with love — we are constantly sharing them!”
Jennifer, Palo Alto
A Short History of Bay Nature
Bay Nature magazine began with a simple, powerful idea: create a luminous and intelligent publication that reflects the natural beauty and conservation legacy of the San Francisco Bay Area. That vision came to life in 1997 when writer Malcolm Margolin and environmentalist David Loeb shared a conversation that led to the magazine’s founding.
The first issue of Bay Nature launched in January 2001 with help from Marilyn Hope Smulyan, Amy Hunter, Tom White, Dennis Gallagher, and Dave Bullen with funding from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.
In 2004, Bay Nature Institute became an independent nonprofit. Since then, we’ve expanded beyond the magazine to include a robust digital presence, guided hikes, an annual awards event, and video storytelling. In 2018, our magazine and website were fully redesigned to meet the needs of a new generation of readers. In 2024, we launched a comprehensive membership program that combines our journalism, events, and community programming.
Today, Bay Nature continues to serve as a vital communication hub for the Bay Area’s environmental community, drawing on partnerships with nonprofits, museums, research institutions, open space agencies, and individuals.
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Our Values
Editorial Independence
Bay Nature is a proud member of the Institute for Nonprofit News. We retain full authority over our editorial content and maintain a clear separation between revenue sources and reporting. Financial support does not influence our stories, which are created with journalistic integrity and independence.
We publish clearly labeled sponsored content only when produced on behalf of mission-aligned organizations such as park agencies and public resource groups.
Transparency
We are funded by reader donations and memberships, advertising and sponsorships, and charitable grants and foundations. We publicly disclose all donors contributing $500 or more annually. Anonymous donations are accepted only under conditions that protect editorial independence.
Bay Nature offers editorially independent nonprofit journalism. We are members of the Institute for Nonprofit News, a consortium of more than 200 public interest nonprofit news groups committed to transparent journalism.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Bay Nature Institute is committed to building a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our work—from staff and contributors to vendors and public programming. We strive to ensure our journalism reflects the full range of communities, cultures, and perspectives in the Bay Area.
Join Us
Join our community of nature lovers, scientists, and environmental stewards. Visit baynature.org, follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, subscribe to our weekly email newsletter, read our quarterly magazine, and attend Bay Nature Talks and Hikes.
As a Bay Nature Member, you receive quarterly issues of Bay Nature magazine online and mailed to your home, plus live educational talks and naturalist-led hikes that bring our stories to life.
Our community is stronger with you in it. Join us.
Your questions answered
What does Bay Nature cover?
We are an independent nonprofit publication and website with a vision that all people have a close relationship with nature. Our writers, photographers and artists cover science and nature, conservation, and recreation.
How can I pitch an idea to Bay Nature?
Here’s how to contribute story ideas, writing, art or photography.
How can I reach a member of the editorial team?
Write a letter to the editor or submit a correction.
Where can I find information about advertising?
Here’s how to advertise in Bay Nature.
How do I reach customer service?
For membership questions, please email service@baynature.org or call 888-422-9628.
