There are now twenty school greenhouses. In the fall, they are used to grow native plants for restoration sites and school gardens. In the springtime, the greenhouses are used to grow organic vegetable-starts for small-scale organic farmers.
The majority of the school greenhouses are built by RON staff and CSUMB students. Materials needed to construct the greenhouses are funded by grants and donations
Return of the Natives staff come to schools to lead seed sowing activities and lessons in ecology. The seeds sown during these activities are gathered during the summer by High School interns. For students, these activities are a fun and relished opportunity for hands-on learning. Learning which supports the important curricular standards which are the backbone of every school's curriculum. Learning continues after the seeds are sown. For the following three months, students water and care for the young seedlings.These greenhouses act as outdoor classrooms and students learn important lessons through the process of growing native plants.
