Community Garden

Children’s Discovery Museum’s “Exploration Portal” (EP) is a nature-themed educational space designed to engage children ages 2-10 and the adults who accompany them in hands-on environmental education. With the location’s adjacency to the Guadalupe River, EP encompasses three intertwined strategies for maximum environmental and educational impacts: 1) an architectural design that improves the health of the Guadalupe River; 2) 8 interactive exhibits that inspire curiosity and help children make discoveries about the natural world along with interpretive signage in English, Spanish and Vietnamese; and 3) a landscaping plan that role models the use of native and/or drought tolerant plants, cultivates biodiversity in the site's riparian environment, and immerses children and adults into the cognitive and physical benefits of a verdant environment.

The City of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department is facilitating a range of sustainable container gardening educational workshops that enhance gardening opportunities for all and furthering its goals to cultivate urban biodiversity and equity for the community. Container gardening is a form of gardening in which plants are grown in containers such as pots, planters, or raised beds, rather than in the ground. Container gardens are moveable and easily adaptable to many locations. This method of gardening can be used in a variety of settings, including small balconies, patios, and decks.

The Green Foothills’ Healing in Nature series offers to public groups meditative, healing experiences in protected parks and open spaces within Open Space Authority Districts. The program includes special outings for people with limited mobility and disabilities, families with children, and people who prefer Spanish interpretation. Special emphasis is placed on building an ethnically diverse community of docents with cultural mindfulness training and expertise.