Albertson Parkway

The Authority helped to fund the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society’s Tai Chi and Family Yoga, which will provide weekly and monthly programming to Bay Area families. Participants benefitted physically and mentally by experiencing a low-impact form of exercise surrounded by nature and wildlife. Hosting these types of programs at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge will also foster a sense of community among participants, allowing them to feel connected to each other, which also aids in their connection to the natural resources. In addition to exercise during these programs, attendees also participated in nature walks where they learned about the Refuge, habitats surrounding the Bay, wildlife that rely on these habitats, and their importance to the ecosystem.

This project is adding essential, long-lasting improvements to the Our City Forest Urban Forest Outdoor Education Center located in Martial Cottle County Park. With the existing Outdoor Classroom at the center, the addition of stable walkways, electricity, smart irrigation, a greenhouse, and other eco-friendly features, a viable outdoor community environmental education space is available to serve the public. Education programming offered at the site is increasing climate resilience awareness of environmental challenges and teaching skills necessary to steward and protect the natural resources in and around our urban communities. With the improvements made possible through this grant, the Education Center will attract and support thousands of visitors to this innovative venue within Martial Cottle Park.

Measure Q funds will go towards Joseph George Middle School's Learning Lab/Community Garden, which will promote environmental education by expanding on an existing garden on the school's campus. Through apprenticeships, outside classroom lessons, and community meetings students, teachers, and parents in the Joseph George Middle School community will become more aware of environmental and land use issues. End results will include: improved student academic outcomes, increased knowledge and awareness of gardening and the environment for all involved constituencies, the beautification of the school campus and the neighborhood, and the introduction of freshly-grown produce into the diets of several families who currently live in a park-poor neighborhood within a food desert section of San Jose. Construction will begin in Spring 2018.