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Youth & Community Programs

Connecting young people and community groups with nature through hands-on garden learning.

Home Ground Habitats works closely with schools, youth groups, and community organizations to inspire the next generation of habitat gardeners and environmental stewards. Through hands-on learning in the gardens, classroom partnerships, and community projects, these programs help young people develop a deeper understanding of native plants, wildlife habitat, and ecological responsibility.

From summer nature camps to schoolyard habitat projects, Home Ground provides opportunities for students and community members to experience nature directly and learn how thoughtful gardening can support biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.

Programs for Youth

Home Ground Habitats offers a variety of learning opportunities designed especially for children and young people.

Programs may include:

  • Summer Nature Camps held in the demonstration gardens
  • School garden visits and outdoor learning sessions
  • Homeschool programs exploring habitat gardening and ecology
  • Teen apprenticeships and volunteer opportunities
  • Garden teacher resources and educational support

These programs encourage curiosity, observation, and hands-on learning while helping young people build a lasting connection to the natural world.

Explore Summer Camp

Supporting Schools

Home Ground Habitats works with schools throughout Marin County by providing plants, education, and guidance for creating wildlife-friendly school gardens.

Schools that partner with Home Ground may receive:

  • Native habitat plants
  • Garden design guidance
  • Educational resources for teachers
  • Support for Schoolyard Habitat Certification through the National Wildlife Federation
Support Our Work

Schools supported in past years include:

Bahia Vista — San Rafael
Bolinas-Stinson School — Bolinas
Glenwood Elementary — San Rafael
Greenwood School — Mill Valley
Hall Middle School — Corte Madera
Lucas Valley — San Rafael
Manor School — Fairfax
Marin Academy — San Rafael
Marin Country Day School — Corte Madera
Marin School — San Rafael
Neil Cummins Elementary — Corte Madera
Novato Charter School — Novato
Novato High School — Novato
Sinaloa Middle School — Novato
St Mark’s School — Terra Linda
Strawberry Point School — Mill Valley
Tamalpais High School — Mill Valley
Terra Linda High School — San Rafael
Venetia Valley School — San Rafael
Willow Creek Academy — Sausalito

Community Projects

Home Ground Habitats has also participated in numerous community-based habitat and garden projects throughout Novato and Marin County.

Recent collaborations include projects with:

  • Blue Marble Acres
  • City of Novato Downtown Habitat Planters
  • Creekwood Senior Home
  • Marin County Health and Human Services
  • Marin Humane
  • Marin Miwok
  • Museum of the American Indian
  • Novato Charter School
  • Novato Healthcare Center
  • Novato Library
  • Pleasant Valley Elementary School
  • San Marin High School
  • Sinaloa Middle School
  • St. Francis Episcopal Church in Novato
  • Wild Care (San Rafael)

These partnerships help expand habitat gardening into shared public spaces and strengthen connections between people, plants, and wildlife.

Regional Partnerships

Home Ground Habitats collaborates with environmental organizations throughout Marin County to support habitat restoration, water conservation, and ecological education.

Meet Our Community Partners

Get Involved

Schools, youth groups, and community organizations interested in partnering with Home Ground Habitats are encouraged to get in touch to learn more about upcoming programs and opportunities.