Local agriculture + education at Sonoma Garden park

July 24, 2019

Our competitive Matching Grant Program brings open spaces into urban environments by working with public agencies and nonprofits to protect and enhance local agriculture, community recreation, natural resource restoration, and public access within Sonoma County communities.

With partial funding from our Matching Grant Program, the City of Sonoma and the Sonoma Ecology Center (SEC) created the Sonoma Garden Park. This unique space brings agriculture into city limits so locals and visitors alike can learn more about how their food is grown. The working farm within the park hosts harvest markets from March through October, has a plant nursery with natives and vegetable starts, and offers opportunities to rent a garden plot.

Integral to the long-term vibrancy of the park is the EnviroLeaders program, which also receives our financial support. The Enviroleaders program provides job and life skill building opportunities for Sonoma Valley teens through mentorship and twice-weekly shifts working in the park each summer. In addition to the teen program, we provide support for SEC’s summer science camps and K-12 field trips that utilize and support the park’s resources.

Sonoma Ecology Center focuses on addressing water supply and quality, open space, rural character, biodiversity, energy, climate change, and a better quality of life for all Sonoma County residents. Their focus on education, restoration, and preservation of our local natural heritage and public lands is very well aligned with our mission, making them an excellent partner through our Matching Grant and Education & Outings programs.

To see more about Sonoma Garden Park and the educational opportunities it provides for youth, watch the video below!