Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden

Education

Education Department

The Garden’s current impetus toward community education is dynamic and vital, with the aim of bringing knowledge and new skills to a public dedicated to appreciation, enjoyment, conservation, understanding and thoughtful utilization of our natural heritage.

The variety of programs, classes, tours, field trips, special events and activities offered through Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden’s Education Department all serve to advance the mission of the Garden by fostering an appreciation for California’s native plants and encouraging their conservation.

Tours

A diverse touring program provides both docent-led interpretive tours to K-12 school children, college classes adults, community groups such as garden clubs, scout and youth groups. Tram tours for persons with mobility limitations are also available. The education staff have developed a number of self-guided tours that also introduce the public to the wonders of the Garden. Visitors can pick up free or purchase more comprehensive guides in the California Garden Shop. Exhibits and interpretive signs lead visitors through Garden features such as the Vernal Pools, Oaks Trail, Palm Oasis, Plant Communities, Container Garden and Basketry Trail. Click on the “Tours and Programs” link to learn more about scheduling a docent-led tour.

Discovery Carts

Interpretive stations are set out in the garden on weekends (October through May) for a total of eight hours to capture visitors and engage them in a short learning activity. Topics include Gardening with Natives, Insects in the Garden, Trees, Seeds, Birds, etc. There are hands on activities take home projects for children.

K-12 Education

The Garden provides a variety of resources for teachers and tour programs for K-12 students. RSABG holds an annual “Teacher Day,” designed to acquaint educators with the Garden’s resources. Frequent teacher workshops and professional development training are also provided to help teachers gain valuable content in science, social studies and environmental education. The Garden staff develops and provides teachers with content rich lesson plans and materials to enhance their classroom teaching. Portable education kits are also available for teachers to borrow from the Garden and present to their students in their classroom, giving students and intimate introduction to topics such as California trees, Indian uses of native California plants and more. Click on the “Take Out Menu” to learn more about outreach and classroom programs.

Garden Education for Families

Throughout the year, the Garden’s Education Department offers seasonal events that celebrate California’s natural heritage. Children and families can explore together and learn about a variety of nature topics, participate in ”citizen science” projects and dabble in nature arts and crafts. The Garden’s annual family events include the Winter Bird Fest (February) Arbor Day (March), The Annual Wildflower Show and Festival (April), Things that Go Bump in the Night (October) and the Acorn Festival (November). There is always something fun for families to find at the Garden.

Community Education Classes, Lectures and Field Trips

The education Department offers over 80 fee-based classes and lectures at the garden and field trips to botanical hotspots in southern California. The Education Department produces four quarterly brochures describing the education opportunities focusing on horticulture, botany, California natural history, nature art and more. Talented RSABG staff members and experts within the horticultural, botanic and artistic communities teach the classes and lead the excursions. Click on the “Upcoming Classes” link to learn more, or contact the Garden’s registrar to request the latest Community Education brochure: 625-8767, extension 224.