Bill's Backyard

This pilot is an initiative by the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy to develop, implement, and measure the outcomes and impact of a regular calendar of parks and nature-based public programs. The Project Scope supports the implementation of 20 public programs over two years (approximately 10 per year), offering trail tours, nature walks, visitor center programs, special-topic workshops, youth activities, and more. The aim is to cultivate environmental stewardship, social cohesion, and civic engagement through nature-based programming that connects people to nature and each other.

The Authority is helping to fund Veggielution’s 18-month land use planning process in partnership with the City of San José PRNS to develop a comprehensive vision for Veggielution’s six-acre community farm at Emma Prusch Farm Park in context with its historic location, natural and urban resources, and aspirations of our local community. This land use plan will guide Veggielution’s use and development of these six acres over a 15-year or more time period. A variety of unique urban agriculture and open space opportunities will be explored through the planning process, including educational signage and wayfinding, commercial kitchen space, art installations, and green technology such as rainwater capture, flood protection, and solar installation.

The JUNTOS Initiative is centered in a strong collaborative effort between healthcare providers, park and environmental organizations with the goal to reach under-served populations. The Initiative is comprised of 1) Quarterly Park Activity Schedules, 2) Capitanes del Bosque (youth volunteer programming), and 3) Promotores. These components seek to promote environmental stewardship and urban agriculture and address social inequities that prevent families from utilizing parks.