Suhita Shirodkar, Fall 2020 participant
When Thursdays, October 26, November 2, & November 9, 6-7:30 PM
Where NUMU (106 E Main St)
Optional Field Day: date and location TBD
Cost Free. Registration is required. Spaces fill up fast!
DESCRIPTION:
“What did the Santa Clara Valley look like 500 years ago?”
“What species might I find in my neighborhood that my friends around the globe might also see?”
“How do I get started in nature journaling?”
Santa Clara County Parks’ Neighborhood Naturalists program explores these questions (and many more) and introduces participants to natural history with an emphasis on local geology, native plants, and common wildlife. Offered each season, this free-of-cost program features expert guest speakers and weekly “homework” activities that include neighborhood walks, stargazing, and nature journaling. Park interpreters facilitate the sessions and cultivate a community of homegrown naturalists.
Participants receive a certificate for completing the course, and a custom pin for completing a service project that benefits their family, neighborhood, local plants, or wildlife. County Parks staff feel inspired and grateful for the passion and curiosity that participants have contributed to each course. Here’s a sample of recent projects:
Green ‘Zine!
Participants Rebekah Bloyd & Mindy Saum created a 'zine that showcases flora and fauna of their Shasta-Hanchett neighborhood (San Jose). It aims to help readers discover their neighbors—beyond the human ones.
Beginning a Native Garden
Rose Erdstein planted native plants with her 6- and 8-year-old granddaughters. In the process, she learned that her granddaughters are capable and dependable, and that “you’re never too old to learn something new.”
150 Days of Shelter - Lessons in Life, Ecology, & Photography
When shelter-in-place started in 2020, Michael Hawk realized that he and many others wouldn't get outside as much, and he felt concerned that people might begin to lose touch with nature. He started a "backyard wildlife" group on Facebook and expanded his own personal goal to find 365 species in his yard within 365 days.
Homemade birdhouse
One participant wanted to show her family how birds build a home and how they care for their families. She hopes it will stoke her children’s interest in nature, and that it provided a sanctuary for birds that escaped local wildfires.
Audience Feedback:
“This course was bountiful! In our fraught times, this focus on our beautiful planet was especially welcome.”
“It was not only interesting in the moment, but it inspired me to get native plants when we redo our backyard, to explore flora and fauna, and the land. I downloaded some suggested nature apps and am excited to use them.”
“I am very happy this program exists. I think it is very important, helpful and fun.”
Major support for NUMU’s exhibition The Hiking Club: A Vocabulary of Yearing is generously provided by San Jose Water.
Do not attend class if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or have been in close contact or tested positive within the past 10 days.
ACCESSIBILITY
NUMU strives to be an accessible organization by accommodating the needs of all our constituents. The museum's building is ADA compliant. Should you have any accessibility concerns please email us prior to your visit.
Email: accessibility@numulosgatos.org
