Welcome to Bay Nature
Connecting People with Nature in the San Francisco Bay Area
At Bay Nature, we believe that a deep connection with nature flourishes when we are also connected with each other. Rooted in the unique ecological and cultural landscape of the San Francisco Bay Area, our journalism and events bring people together to explore, learn, and take action to create a more sustainable and equitable future for us all.
Bay Nature is an independent nonprofit media organization based in Berkeley. We produce award-winning environmental journalism, public programs, and community events to foster curiosity and connection with the natural world. Our work helps people understand, experience, and protect the San Francisco Bay Area’s remarkable biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes.
We envision a future where everyone has a close relationship with the natural world. Moved by awe and wonderment, we can work together as a community of scientists, policymakers, philanthropists, educators, and nature enthusiasts to address our region’s defining environmental challenges.
If you are seeking a deeper connection – with nature, with others, and with yourself – Bay Nature is for you.
“I would describe Bay Nature as a place of community and learning where we can really connect deeply with our local nature. It’s a unique experience that can’t really be had anywhere else.”
Vishal, Fremont
What We Do
Bay Nature produces environmental journalism that informs and inspires through stories about science and nature, conservation, climate resiliency, and recreation across the San Francisco Bay Area. Our journalism nourishes curiosity about the outdoors, makes nature a tangible part of daily life, and fuels problem solving for a dynamic regional environmental community. Our programs include:
Bay Nature Magazine
Our quarterly print and digital magazine offers deeply-reported, fact-checked stories about science, conservation, wildlife, and outdoor experiences in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Bay Nature Talks
Our educational seminars and panel discussions feature journalists and experts who dive deeper into the issues and topics covered in our pages.
Bay Nature Hikes
Our expert-led hikes and field trips bring the stories in our magazine to life, guiding people to places and projects featured in our coverage.
Local Hero Awards
Our annual celebration honors outstanding local environmental leaders—a conservationist, an educator, a community advocate, and a rising youth changemaker.
Our Community
members including scientists, policymakers, and community leaders
event participants each year
public high school libraries, mayors, and city planners served
annual website visitors to baynature.org
social media followers
weekly email newsletter readers
We’re Bay Nature
From editors to reporters and all the people behind the scenes, our staff work together to help make Bay Nature’s independent journalism shine.
Join Us
Become part of the San Francisco Bay Area’s essential nature community. Whether you’re diving deep into the natural sciences, joining a recreational hike, or discovering a new open space, you are part of a growing community of learning and engagement that’s protecting and celebrating the natural world around us.
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
When was Bay Nature founded? What is the ownership structure?
Malcolm Margolin and David Loeb launched Bay Nature magazine in January 2001. Bay Nature is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization guided by a board of directors. Our federal tax ID number is 76-0744881.
Who funds Bay Nature? Where can I find Bay Nature’s recent financial statements?
We’re funded by reader donations, memberships, advertising, and charitable support. You can see our list of advertisers, partners & sponsors, and donors. Bay Nature Institute’s recent IRS Form 990 filings can be found here:
2024 IRS Form 990
2023 IRS Form 990
2022 IRS Form 990
2021 IRS Form 990
2020 IRS Form 990
Is Bay Nature independent of special interests?
Bay Nature subscribes to standards of editorial independence adopted by the Institute for Nonprofit News. We accept gifts, grants and sponsorships from individuals and organizations for the general support of our activities, but our news judgments are made independently and not on the basis of donor support.
Our organization retains full authority over editorial content to protect the best journalistic and business interests of our organization. We maintain a firewall between news coverage decisions and sources of all revenue. Acceptance of financial support does not constitute implied or actual endorsement of donors or their products, services or opinions.
How do I become a Bay Nature member?
To become a Bay Nature member, please visit our Membership page, email service@baynature.org, or call 888-422-9628.
How do I contact Bay Nature?
You can reach us at Bay Nature Institute, 1328 6th Street #2, Berkeley, CA 94710. For customer service questions, please email service@baynature.org or call 888-422-9628.
