Programs

Environmental Education
Seed to Mouth
The BEETS

Environmental Education

Year Established: 1994

GOAL: TO EDUCATE EACH STUDENT TO HIGH ACADEMIC LEARNING STANDARDS USING A HANDS-ON SCIENCE CURRICULUM THAT WILL FOSTER KNOWLEDGE OF, AND RESPECT FOR, OUR ENVIRONMENT.

Offers hands-on science curriculum that utilizes and celebrates Next Generation Science Standards
Increases exposure to SF area green spaces, farmers markets, local farms and gardens, and other outdoor adventures
Gardens grow over 50 varieties of fruits and vegetables
Provides opportunities for students to learn teamwork and respect each other, while studying the environment

PARTNERS & SITES

In-school Programs

John Muir Elementary School (at Koshland Garden)
Rosa Parks Elementary School gardens, and other outdoor adventures

After-school Programs

Booker T. Washington Community School (at New Liberation Garden)
Cobb Elementary School ExCEL
Magic Zone (at Koshland Garden and Ella Hill Hutch)
Rosa Parks Elementary School ExCEL
Willie Mays Clubhouse, Boys & Girls Club

Do you love to plant a seed and watch it grow? Do you believe sunshine and fresh air can change your life? Do you think all kids deserve sage, outdoor spaces of their own? Then volunteer become a volunteer now!

VOLUNTEER!

96%

of youth participating in our in-school classes INCREASED their knowledge of gardening and environmental issues

On Friday afternoon August 11, 2017, volunteers from the GAP came out to help us prepare our Rosa Parks Gardens for the upcoming school year. After introductions and tours of the Upper and Lower gardens, two groups worked on watering and breaking up a area for planting. Tilling hoes and shovels did heavy work on … Continue reading Great GAP Volunteer Day at Rosa Parks Garden →
On Monday, June 26th the Western Addition Beacon Center youth came to Koshland Park for their fun time in the garden. Adrian Almquist, Garden Programs Manager led the class through the cycle of life—from seeds, to plants, to fruits and vegetables. They got to plant fava beans and starts of kale and then watered the … Continue reading Summer Fun with the Western Addition Beacon →
On Thursday July 6, 2017 our third summer trip to Green Gulch Farm with two summer partners brought sunshine and adventures! The farm was a-buzz with discoveries about bees and how they help us in the world. In fact, the first stop for these youth from Hayward Rec Connect and Booker T. Washington Community Service … Continue reading Bees are Buzzin’ this Summer! →
On Friday, June 29, 2017 our CommunityGrows Seed-to-Mouth Cooking Instructor Crystal Leon, made fruit parfaits with middle schoolers and teens from the Buchanan YMCA. A number of youth got to de-stem and cut strawberries, melons and bananas. Then everyone had a chance to put together their own parfaits with the fruit, yogurt and Cherrios! Delicious.
On Thursday, June 15, 2017 CommunityGrows arranged to take 40 kids and their mentors to Green Gulch Farm in Marin. It was a beautiful day of learning about meditation and walking through the fields exploring different areas of the farm. Sukey Parmelee, Garden Program Manager, even had her team share a mastodon tooth. Here’s a … Continue reading Mastodons at Green Gulch Farm →

85%

of youth said they’d like to grow their own garden