Alcatraz Island - Flora and Fauna

Military inmates and personnel arrived to stay on Alcatraz. Homes were built and formal gardens were started. Ornamentals, exotics, and trees were introduced. These gardens were maintained by military inmates until 1934, and flourished under their care. The Federal Bureau of Prisons occupied the Island from 1934-1963. It was during the time that the gardens diminished, and little additional planting was done. There were no official gardeners,and a few select inmates maintained the main gardens. However,the private gardens of resident families flourished. Vegetables and fruit trees were introduced. Since the closure of the Federal Prison in 1963, the gardens have been neglected.

The plants seen on the island today are what remain of the original gardens. They have survived on their own, existing on moisture from fog and rain. These plants have been protected since the National Park Service took over in 1972. The gardens of Alcatraz provide an unexpected pleasure for visitors, and serve as a constant reminder of the people who once considered Alcatraz their home.