Docent Enrichment
In return for a couple hours of your time each week, Living Classroom volunteers benefit from a fun and educational training program and are invited to participate in our docent enrichment events that include socials, field trips, hikes, lectures, workshops, garden tours, and more! Volunteers may also participate in our weekly virtual garden club to ask garden related questions and share ideas for caring for our school and home gardens.
Docent Training
Volunteers who participate in our docent training program gain a wealth of knowledge about gardening and teaching. Many who have little or no gardening experience develop "green thumbs" after attending our training program which covers a broad spectrum of garden-related topics.
Field Trips
Field trips are a great way for our volunteers to connect with each other and expand their knowledge! We have been fortunate to tour the beautiful gardens at Filoli Gardens, Middlebrook Gardens, Gamble Gardens, and the Charles Street Gardens (just to name a few!). We have also visited Valley Water's Waste Water Treatment Plant, the Horticultural Department at Foothill College, and gone on a Green Waste Recovery tour. Occasionally, we take longer trips like the one up to Berkeley for lunch at Cafe Ohlone.
Lectures/Workshops
Occasionally, we host lectures and workshops on different topics. Below are just a few of the guest lecturers we've been fortunate to have visit:
Frank Nicoli (Foothill College) - Native Plant Talk
Patti Berryhill (Living Classroom Non-Profit Garden Manager) - Herb Talk
Keith Gutierrez (A Touch of the Earth) - Ohlone Life Presentation
Valley Water - Water Conservation Workshops
Eleanor Laney (local Monarch "Mamma") - Monarch Conservation
Nancy Kruberg & Kelly Torikai (Master Gardeners & Composters) - Building Healthy Soil & Composting
Shirin Cooper (Tree Pruner) - Fruit Tree Pruning
Social Events
Each year, Living Classroom volunteers are invited to attend our annual Fall Social in August, Holiday Potluck in December, and our Docent Thank Brunch at the end of the school year. These social events provide opportunities for our volunteers to stay connected and promote a sense of community.
Summer Hikes
Each summer we plan several hikes to explore our local trails and native habitats. While hiking, volunteers get a chance to chat, explore local plants and animals, and get a little exercise and fresh air!
New Friends
Living Classroom Volunteers join a fun community of environmentally conscious people who are are making a difference, one child at a time, for our planet and future generations.