Explore Ecology

School gardens:an additional 10,000 elementary age students were educated through explore ecology's school gardens program in 34 gardens countywide. Staff maintain gardens while working with schools and teachers to provide lessons in planting, cultivating, harvesting, composting, and nutrition. Explore ecology provides training for early childhood educators to use in preschools and daycare centers. The school gardens team frequently provides consultation and collaboration with other nonprofits seeking to develop their own outdoor classroom curriculum.

Ee creative reuse - art from scrap: art from scrap creative reuse store receives donations from more than 200 businesses and individuals. Over 18 tons of materials were diverted from the landfill while empowering businesses to reduce and reuse their excess materials. 25 schools serving about 5,000 students benefited from the free school materials program for art, science and other uses. Youth groups, artists, parents and the public participated in the waste diversion technique of reuse through the art from scrap reuse store, where over 200 people per week shopped for creative reuse materials.

Ee makerspace art program: over 5,000 students participated in art activities with reuse materials as part of their education field trips, in-class lessons, and virtual lessons. These experiences helped to increase their problem solving skills which lead to improved educational performance. Twice weekly crafternoons are offered for children and their families while monthly workshops engage all ages in skills-building that includes sewing, journal binding, and needle crafts. Explore ecology supports schools, local art collectives, performing art companies and individual artists by providing unique recycled materials and educational opportunities.