During the third Junior Land Stewards field trip of the year, each 4th grade class took part in its own hands-on habitat restoration experience, bringing months of classroom learning out into the field. Over the course of seven field trips, students planted California native plants they had grown from seed, finally returning them to the land where they belong. Additional native plants provided by California State Parks Nursery and Half Moon Bay High School AP Environmental Science students helped expand the impact of each outing.
When students added up their work across all seven trips, they estimated that they collectively planted nearly 1,000 native plants. Across each field trip, students weeded planting areas, carefully placed seedlings into the soil, watered them in, and documented their observations through nature journaling. Along the way, they discussed the challenges their plants may now face in open space, naming gophers, deer, rabbits, dogs, strong winds, heavy rain, drought, and human impacts. These conversations helped students understand that planting is just the beginning, and that healthy habitat requires ongoing care, protection, and stewardship. Students also reflected deeply on why this work matters. They talked about creating habitat and food sources for local wildlife, especially pollinators and birds, and about their responsibility to care for the places they live.
Participating classes from Hatch Elementary (three classes), El Granada Elementary (two classes), Farallone View, and King’s Mountain each contributed to this collective effort. By the end of their field trips, students could clearly see that their individual actions, thoughtful planting, careful observation, and teamwork, add up to something powerful: a healthier coastal prairie and a more hopeful future for the species that depend on it.
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.