Recently our Junior Land Stewards have been diving deeper into hands-on ecological learning—beginning their discoveries of how native plants grow, how to track data like scientists, and how their work directly supports the wildlife that shares our coastal home.
Each student selects one native plant species to focus on, learning about its growing needs and the ways it benefits local pollinators and other wildlife. To better understand how plants respond to different conditions, students set up a simple experiment: they plant seeds in two pots—one with added fertilizer and one without—and make predictions about what might happen as the plants mature. Throughout the project, they practice documenting observations using consistent methods, helping them gather accurate data over time.
As their seedlings begin to sprout, students are introduced to graphing and tables, learning how to represent growth trends and comparisons in their nature journals. These early data-collection skills help them communicate what they’re seeing and build confidence as young environmental scientists.
With more than 20 native plant species to choose from, students are cultivating a rich diversity of plants that will grow into thriving pollinator gardens. Hatch and King’s Mountain students will later plant their seedlings at Coastside Land Trust’s 50 acres in Wavecrest Open Space. Meanwhile, students at El Granada and Farallone View nurture habitat gardens on their own school campuses.
Over the years, Junior Land Stewards have expanded these gardens, creating healthy spaces that provide food and shelter for local wildlife. All seeds used in the program are collected directly from Coastside Land Trust properties, ensuring each new plant is deeply rooted in its home ecosystem.
Thank you to the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation, Cabrillo Unified School District, Granada Community Service District, and everyone who contributed during Coastside Gives for their generous support of this program.
If you would like to help this program continue to grow, please consider making a donation to support the Junior Land Stewards and the ongoing protection and stewardship of our precious open spaces.