San Jose Conservation Corps Naturalist Program

Veggielution’s Field to Farm Stand project builds on the momentum of an 18-month land use planning process for the six-acre community farm, completed in September 2019 with support from Open Space Authority. This project takes the ideas surfaced in the land use plan to the next stage, in the form of a comprehensive site design. With a site design in place, Veggielution will be positioned to invest in final construction documents and the build out of a new produce packing station, which will be more centrally located, enabling the organization to more efficiently and safely expand their farm box distribution to 500 boxes or more per week. The site plan and capital improvements will allow Veggielution to expand their urban farm more intentionally, to better support public health and local agriculture on behalf of the beautiful but underserved East San José community and the County of Santa Clara overall.

Living Classroom has partnered with the Campbell Union School District to continue an environmental education program focusing on three key areas: environmental literacy, connection to healthy food, and life and earth science lessons. Authority funds will contribute to a Next Generation Science Standard-aligned curriculum program providing lessons each year to thousands of students; lessons that stimulate curiosity and are taught in the beautiful and educational school gardens we create and maintain.

Sacred Heart Community Services’ La Mesa Verde is a network of gardeners committed to improving the local food system. Authority grant funds were used to strengthen La Mesa Verde’s introductory gardening curriculum, making it more effective, interactive, and consistent with the goal to encourage community leadership and power. The project resulted in an engaging gardening curriculum that builds gardening skills, increases environmental awareness, and grows social connections that inspire a passion and commitment to local food justice.