Eastside Explorers

The Authority contributed funds toward the City of Morgan Hill's expansion and relocation of the Morgan Hill Community Garden to a new site. The Garden outgrew its past temporary location and the site is programmed for redevelopment in the near future. This new permanent location enabled the Garden group to expand its services and make permanent improvements to the site that will serve the community for decades to come. In addition to doubling the number of garden plots, the new location includes a restroom, new native habitat, and enhanced accessibility for members with limited mobility.

With this project, the Authority will help fund standards-based outdoor education programs to students from deep-engagement communities (DEC), Title I schools, and special needs groups for three years. Funding underwrites costs for 120 Title I field trips and 75 transportation stipends, and 24 special needs field trips and transportation stipends. Authority funds will also support training staff on distance-learning/in-person instructional strategies, best practices for working with students with special needs, & cultural relevancy and racial justice.

The Equitable Access Through Implementing Native Gardens (EATING) project is providing socio-economically disadvantaged, English Language Learners, and Specialized Education students with outdoor environmental classrooms at Scott Lane and Pomeroy Elementary Schools. The project aligns with the Santa Clara Open Space Authority's vision of a thriving network of open spaces and supports the objectives of the Santa Clara Valley Greenprint, which include nature-based recreation and education. EATING offers multiple benefits, including habitat preservation, education, and social justice.