The Children’s Garden at Los Guilicos in Santa Rosa has reopened and is now offering expanded educational opportunities for elementary school students, according to an April 20 announcement. The garden, which serves as an outdoor classroom led by UC Master Gardener volunteers, provides hands-on learning experiences in environmental science and gardening.
The restoration of the Children’s Garden holds significance for local youth education. The program aims to advance environmental science literacy among Sonoma County students through experiential lessons that align with California’s Next Generation Science Standards. With a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, the initiative ensures that children from various backgrounds can participate in these educational field trips.
The garden was rebuilt after being destroyed by the 2020 Glass Fire. At the request of Sonoma County Supervisor Susan Gorin, UC Master Gardeners led a full restoration effort funded by public grants, private donations, and donated materials and services. Improvements included ADA-compliant pathways and themed areas such as the Four Sisters garden and Pizza and Salsa garden. The space now produces about 350 pounds of fresh produce annually for donation to the Valley of the Moon Children’s Center.
To further expand access, UC Master Gardeners secured a $10,000 annual donation along with reduced-rate busing contracts so schools pay nothing for transportation. Title I schools receive priority scheduling, increasing participation among low-income students. Spanish-language instruction is available as needed to support Hispanic/Latino participants who make up more than half of youth attendees.
The program also offers portable “On-The-Go” lessons delivered directly to schools unable to visit in person. This scalable approach reflects broader efforts by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) to link research with community needs according to its official website. UC ANR manages Cooperative Extension services as part of the University of California system according to its official website, conducting over 33,800 educational events each year with more than 18,400 volunteers engaged according to its official website.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources secures funding through public contributions according to its official website while promoting sustainable practices that strengthen resilient ecosystems according to its official website. Its nine research centers serve as laboratories representing diverse ecosystems across California according to its official website.
Recently recognized statewide with third place in the UC Master Gardener Search for Excellence competition—and earning a $500 cash award—the Sonoma County Youth Education Field Trip Project will be showcased at upcoming conferences.