This program combines Coastal Habitat Education and Environmental Restoration (CHEER) and FIRST 5's mission to ensure that preschool children are exposed to high quality learning environments while developing a sense of civic responsibility by connecting with natural resources.

As part of their environmental science curriculum, preschool children were guided to plant seeds from native plants. These seeds mature and flower in 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, the preschoolers had an opportunity to learn about seeds, germination and stages of plant growth and development. Volunteers from CHEER visited classrooms to support teachers with this project.

Teachers and CHEER volunteers offered a workshop where parents learned about this project as well as issues related to environmental preservation and restoration.

CHEER volunteers also organized a field trip for children, parents and teachers so that they could plant their young plants in an appropriate open space.

This project was designed to raise the awareness of both children and parents about the importance of the environment. Through the involvement of children, parents, teachers and environmental preservationists, this effort was a good example of an intergenerational approach to community development.

The first demonstration site was at The Gilroy Unified School District's state preschools. Six classes including hundreds of children and their parents participated in this program. Plants grown in these selected classrooms were planted in the riparian corridor, Debell preserve at Christmas Hill Park in Gilroy.

Program Partners

FIRST 5 Santa Clara County

Coastal Habitat Education and Environmental Restoration

Gilroy Unified School District

Hooked on Nature

City of Gilroy

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Marine Fisheries Service

California Department of Fish Game

Goldsmith Seeds