Instruction in arts, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics that connects nature experiences, or environmental stewardship. Conservation of Monarch Butterflies – Residents were taught about monarch butterflies, their lifecycle, and their migration patterns through an activity packet that was presented as participants arrived. The educational activity packet was supplemented with art activities that involved recreating a monarch butterflies wing pattern and prepping a ready-to-plant pot with milkweed seeds to plant in their backyard. The educational goal was to showcase how our individual actions can directly affect the environment. What we plant in our back yards and the habitats we create can help preserve migratory species like the Monarch Butterfly. Monarchs also overwinter in Mexico and have special cultural significance to the population this grant is serving.

Foster stewardship of the environment using curriculum pursuant to Public Resources Code, Division 34, Part 4: Statewide Environmental Education (Sections 71300-71305 Nature in Your Backyard – This event highlighted the local native flora and fauna in residents’ neighborhoods in San Jose. Residents participated through hands on learning: matching and identifying plants and animals on a touch table. They then used self-discovery techniques that foster observation skills using the BEETLES environmental education curriculum. During the program residents were introduced to samples of local native trees, bushes, seeds, and animal prints of animals. They were then given a scavenger hunt to find these types of plants and other key pieces of the local park’s ecosystem. Each item found was identified and discussed. Native Birds Migration Corridors on Local Rivers and Lakes- This program introduced residents to bird watching and native birds in their neighborhoods while teaching them about local ecosystems. Participants made native bird feeders and played interactive games which highlighted how healthy ecosystems are interconnected webs that depend on each other.

Discovering nature in action within the community through educational walks that include looking for flora (trees/plants) and fauna (animals/insects), and visits to local resources such as a community parks, creeks, zoos, science or nature centers, etc. Conscious Camping – The goal of this event was to prepare residents to go on their own trips and navigate parks, an information packet was created and presented during the learning event. Residents were informed about Fire Safety, Leave No Trace, and how to navigate the internet to plan visits to nearby county, state, and national parks. The residents participated in an activity where they set up a camp site and constructed a fire, identifying the different types of wood that go into a fire and the elements that create fire. This program inspired and empowered families to take their own trips to the outdoors. It highlighted access initiatives that help with entrance fee reduction, free camping gear rental and other programs within city, county and state parks to extend their nature experience and recreation as a family.

Curriculum that is aligned to the content standards for California public schools adopted by the State Board of Education, including, but not limited to, the Next Generation Science standards, or the California History-Social Science Standards. Program about Complex Waterways – Residents met at the classroom education center for Happy Hollow Park and Zoo where an education coordinator presented on the waterways that cut through the City of San Jose and the effect that has on the environment. This event highlighted the importance of waterways to ecosystems, why advocating for clean water is important and how we all play a role in the water cycle. At the end participants got to meet riparian animals, further emphasizing the importance of waterways and encouraging environmental stewardship.

Nature stewardship and self-discovery activities Participants of Nature Area Trips had activities such as nature hikes, tidepool exploration, monarch viewing and Yosemite hikes that helped create an appreciation for the natural world and inspire them to take an active role as environmental stewards.

Through crafting and seed planting, families discovered Monarch butterflies’ lifecycle and migration pattern. Instruction connected to visiting Natural Bridges; residents saw Monarch overwintering in-person and were inspired by the park’s native plant garden. The San Jose Park Rangers taught residents about recycling; how it works, what can be recycled and how to sort it. Throughout the program trash was creatively reused, fostering stewardship through curriculum pursuant to Statewide Environmental Education standards. Residents discovered nature in action through a tidepool scavenger hunt: finding sea sponges, sea anemone, and more. The SCVAS presented a program on Bay Area birds, aligned with the content standards for California public schools. Participants learned how birds interact with local ecosystems while examining feathers and taxidermy birds. On nature hikes residents were taught plant identification skills, learning to avoid poison and recognize historic and native plants.

Our many diverse partners helped empower 100 youth and 93 mixed age individuals by providing residents with the knowledge and experiences to improve their health and wellness by connecting them with the natural environment at locations near their homes and throughout the state. Grant partners included Project Hope, San Jose Resiliency Core, Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, Yosemite National Park, San Jose Family Camp, Friends of Family Camp, Biblioteca Latinoamerica Public Library Branch, San Jose Conservation Core, Stanislaus National Forest, and Natural Bridges State Park.

Project Hope helped us connect with the community, identify interested individuals and market the programs. Their staff translated social media posts, sign in sheets, press releases, program materials, presentations and flyers into Spanish. They also provided interpreters at the community events and nature area trips.

San Jose Family Camp and Friends of Family Camp successfully hosted two overnight camping trips for the community, providing recreational opportunities and meals. A highlight of this trip was the visit to Yosemite National Park to learn about the beauty of nature and the importance of taking care of the land around them.

Biblioteca Latinoamerica Public Library Branch worked with us to host nature education events and promote the California Public Library State Park Pass and Adventure Pass Program. These programs increase access to natural areas through free day passes to parks. The partnership with San Jose Conservation Core and Stanislaus National Forest created a program to provide residents information on career opportunities in nature and parks. Lastly our partnership with Natural Bridges State Park allowed us to visit the overwintering location of monarch butterflies. Exploring the visitor center, monarch grove and the tidepools showcased the importance of wildlife conservation efforts locally and internationally.

Grant partners this year included Project Hope, San Jose Park Rangers, Yosemite Conservancy, Washington Youth Center, Guadalupe Washington Neighborhood Association, Catholic Charities, Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society (SCVAS), Stanislaus National Forest, Natural Bridges State Beach, Alum Rock Park, and Youth Science Institute (YSI). Our many partners in the community and the statewide Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services network have been key to providing unique opportunities for residents to explore natural areas. Our partnership with SCVAS, Park Rangers, and the YSI helped us provide engaging environmental programs and inform youth about opportunities for careers in natural. Our new partner, Yosemite Conservancy, provided tours. Their guides connected with residents and highlighted unique stories and people from the park’s history; encouraging residents to engage in nature and see themselves represented in current and historical members of the Yosemite community.

Lessons learned while implementing the grant this season included: Communication between partners and the community is the number one factor for success and takes time and requires multiple formats. We identified a need for more frequent meetings, an agreed upon information gathering platform for event sign ups and an annual schedule of events to increase turn out for community events and reduce overlapping events hosted by partners. Using existing City of San Jose programs and partnering with community groups proved to be mutually beneficial.

Collaboration is key to help recruit youth as mentors and create more engaging programing for the nature community activity dates. Kicking off the year with outreach to potential contractors and partners allows for the most successful options for transportation, travel options and translation services.

Being flexible and open to feedback is essential to our partnerships and meeting the needs of our neighborhoods. Partnering with established community organizations and hosting listening sessions and community evaluations has aided in building the trust necessary to encourage consistent participation in the program.

Online signup forms and pre-trip orientation meetings have continued to be important for access. Learning from our first year, a waitlist was successfully utilized to fill cancellations. Marketing at in-person events has been useful in encouraging signups and helping residents understand the program. Bilingual employees continue to be essential to community outreach, helping residents feel comfortable participating in trying new adventures.Early planning and communication with different stakeholders is important. Having partners with similar goals and initiatives creates wins for both groups and motivates collaboration and innovation. Providing learning activities for mixed ages at Nature Education events has been successful in engaging entire families at events. Teens have been a harder group to attract to Nature Education events. Based on community feedback, it is recommended to hostactive events to engage the 12-17 audience.