Taking Care of the Land We Occupy
Prospect Sierra began transforming the land it resides on, the territory of xučyun (Huichin), stolen land of the Chochenyo-speaking Ohlone people, in 2013, with our first garden. Over the next 10 years, we’ve created an oasis of native plants that not only beautify the land but also deepen our science curriculum with the study of monarch butterflies and milkweed, further our students’ understanding of native communities in their immediate world, and participate in the annual Native Garden Tour, fostering local connections here in El Cerrito.
Recently, science teacher Melody Gil, Director of Facilities Steve Harrington, and former learning specialist Genie Barry shared the story of Prospect Sierra’s garden and native wildlife in their presentation, Bringing Nature to the Schoolyard, at the @oaklandmuseumca.
Melody opened with Prospect Sierra’s land acknowledgement before making the case that our ongoing work is possible at other schools and institutions. They encouraged the audience to start small, find your people, connect to ongoing events, involve students, and work from your values.
This time of giving thanks is also an opportunity to continue the work we do to tell the truth about history, grow and protect the native habitat we created, and share this work with others so that native plants, wildlife, and stories can spread!
