Return Of the Natives is a community and school based environmental education project dedicated to involving students (Kindergarten through University) in native plant and habitat restoration projects in the schoolyard and the community. They work with over 25 schools throughout the Monterey Bay region. RON's School Programs bring native plants to schools by including children in native plant propagation at school greenhouses. RON activities include school-based native plant gardens, nature areas, and greenhouses, as well as, large-scale habitat restoration and native plant landscaping projects in parks and open spaces in the Monterey Bay Area. School yards become outdoor classrooms as they plant native habitat gardens.
Return of the Natives provides Teacher Training Workshops twice a year. This is the best way for interested Teachers to initiate a partnership with our organization. Teacher Trainings occur in Fall and Spring. Come learn some great activities easy to implement in your classrooms and on your school yards.
Once Teachers attend a Return of the Natives Teacher Training Workshop they are then invited to start their very own Return of the Natives greenhouse and/or Return of the Natives garden on their school grounds. Funding is found through school funds. Return of the Natives will build a Greenhouse, and with your students will plant a native plant gardern, on your school grounds.
Each Fall, Return of the Natives' School Greenhouses are planted with supplies and support from Return of the Natives staff. Plants are picked up from the greenhouses in late November and early December. Participating classes are then invited to join the Return of the Natives in the local community for one of our wonderful School Planting Days (PDF 332kb).
Return of the Natives' School Gardens are planted with support of a CSUMB service learning students every Spring.Contact us if you have already attended a teacher training workshop and you would like a native plant garden at your school.
RON Pamphlet "Pathways for Participation" (1.6 Mb)
Learn more about the Return of the Natives organization by downloading a copy of our "Pathways for Participation" pamphlet.
Looking for help with your school garden?
Did you get a state garden grant? Great! Return of theNatives (RON) would love to be involved in the planning and installation of your garden. RON provides help with the native plant part of your garden. If you are interested in starting a vegetable garden at your school, we are partners with the Monterey County Farm to School program who can assist with consultation and installation of your garden.
Gardens are great! Your garden will enhance the learning experiences of your students; they provide endless opportunities to teach science, language arts and math, a connection from the garden to healthy eating and needed active time outdoors.
>Birds, Bees & Butterflies! California natives are adapted to the area and therefore native insects and wildlife are dependant on the habitat provided by native vegetation.
> Reduce the use of water: Native plants are also adapted to the unique climactic conditions of this area and one established require little or no supplemental irrigation. California gardens conserve a scarce natural resource and saves money on water costs.
For more information contact Emily Smith, RON School Program Coordinator, (831) 582-3687 or emily_smith@csumb.edu
More Info :
Visit a demonstration garden at Laurel Wood Elementary School, Salinas
