Marin Headlands

The Marin Headlands form a centerpiece to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and offer sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay. Today, the headlands’ much-loved trails are protected—but they were nearly lost forever. In the 1960s, the headlands were slated for a 30,000-person housing development. Conservationists rallied to halt construction, safeguarding the land for the public. The architects of the deal included three founders of The Trust for Public Land. Their work at the headlands proved that expertise in real estate, business, and law was a powerful tool for protecting nature close to home.