Bowers Park Habitat Restoration & Pathway Installation

Growing Sustainably, a signature CommUniverCity SJSU program, is developing and delivering new curriculum connecting wildlife appreciation, Green STEM careers, and climate resilience to expand its programming. It is teaching 905 Central San Jose k-8th grade students living in underserved communities about local flora and fauna through urban habitat gardening. Additionally, the program is organizing grade level-appropriate environmental science career fairs using hands-on activities and field trips. Central San Jose program participants have multiple opportunities to garden, observe wildlife, learn about green STEM careers, visit the SJSU campus, enjoy natural areas, and address environmental issues relevant to them.

The Authority contributed funds to the Regents of the University of California UCCE Santa Clara County's Development of a Small and Urban Beginning Farmer Learning Hub at Martial Cottle County Park. This project provides hands-on training opportunities that help beginning farmers and ranchers achieve and sustain their economic goals in the Santa Clara County. This project will create a demonstration and education hub for small, limited-resource beginning farmers and ranchers of diverse backgrounds. Training is provided through workshops and field days and facilitates farmer-to-farmer networking.

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.