By: Andrea Lozano
SBVC’s Botanical Gardens, photos by Andrea Lozano
San Bernardino Valley College has a hidden treasure inside its campus—the Botanical Gardens. These green sanctuaries serve as a demonstration of the college's commitment to environmental care and education. Co-curated by Professor Tatiana Vásquez and Dr. Thomas Lechuga who also represent the interest in the Biology Department, the garden stands as proof of the dedication of faculty, staff, and students to nurturing biodiversity and promoting sustainability.
The roots of the Botanical Gardens trace back to 2010 when the biology department transformed three garden beds in the HLS building's courtyard. Faculty and students overcame invasive grasses and dry soil and turned it into a diverse collection of trees and shrubs that enhanced both wildlife habitat and aesthetic appeal. As the garden grew, it caught the eye of the District's Sustainability Committee, which led to its expansion into the Living Lab garden, now rebranded as the SBVC Botanical Gardens.
Several key individuals contributed significantly to the garden's success including current co-curators and professor emeriti of Biology, with strong support from the VP of Administrative Services and the entire district. Notable figures include previous VP of Administrative Services Scott Stark and Tenille Norris, current VP Keith Bacon, and VP of Instruction Dina Humble. Co-curators Professor Vásquez and Dr. Lechuga, alongside many committed volunteers, have dedicated numerous hours to nurturing plant species and arranging outreach activities. Grounds Caretakers Ron Gordin and Jenifer Carl have also played a crucial role in preserving the garden's aesthetics and ensuring the gardens are a well-kept and inviting environment for everyone.Â
With the spirit of Earth Day still around, the garden serves as a focal point for environmental education and community engagement. While traditional clean-up events were paused due to ongoing construction, Earth Week activities like the "Oak Garden Tour," and more to come offer opportunities to explore California's botanical heritage and cultural uses of native plants.
Opuntia microdasys also known as Bunny Ears Cactus
Embedded in the college curriculum, the Botanical Gardens act as a living laboratory for students, offering hands-on learning opportunities in ecology, botany, and environmental care. Classes like BIOL100, 205, 206, and 207 learn from the gardens whether through lectures, labs, or independent research projects, students gain invaluable insights into the complex way of life and our role in preserving it. All students through these courses, both current and past major biology students improve their observation and investigation skills. Co-curators are expanding their collaborations beyond Biology to include departments like geology and geography. This initiative strives to integrate teaching with the gardens and offer various opportunities for learning about climate, biodiversity, and habitats beyond traditional science learning.
The botanical gardens' partnership with students has had remarkable success stories, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic. Despite lockdowns, many biology alumni persisted and attended labs held within the gardens safely while following all guidelines in place and at the time. Many biology alumni have been able to secure summer internships in botanical research with the effectiveness of the hands-on learning experiences provided by courses that utilize the gardens. These accomplishments speak volumes about the students' commitment to scientific questioning and their willingness to embrace diverse opportunities within the field.
Showy penstemon in full bloom
Beyond its educational value, the Botanical Gardens play a crucial role in local biodiversity conservation. From providing sanctuary for resident and migratory birds to supporting pollinators like native bees and butterflies, the garden serves as a retreat in an increasingly urbanized landscape. The Co-curator’s participation in the National Science Foundation (NSF) Native Bee Biodiversity Project, where our students will help identify native bees on campus, highlights their commitment to innovative research and conservation efforts.
The Botanical Gardens has expansion plans soon, including the addition of an edible garden and a lath house, highlighting its mission to promote sustainability and conservation. Through initiatives such as drip irrigation, water-conscious landscaping, and composting projects, the gardens demonstrate a model for creating environmentally beneficial outdoor spaces. These practices not only conserve precious resources but can also inspire visitors to adopt sustainable practices in their own lives.
The garden's impact extends far beyond the campus borders; there have been growing collaborations with local organizations like the California Native Plant Society and the College of the Canyons Biodiversity Initiative and many more to come. Elementary schools such as Urbita have also been invited to learn from and enjoy the botanical gardens. These partnerships serve as an important resource for education and research and community engagement and outreach. Through garden tours, workshops, and relaxation events, the gardens invite the broader community to connect with nature and learn about the importance of biodiversity and environmental conservation.
A Tropical Milkweed plant, accompanied by a Monarch butterfly caterpillar
As we continue to celebrate Earth Day 2024, the significance of supporting and visiting the Botanical Gardens is important. Among global environmental challenges, these gardens serve as beacons of hope and remind us that we are all connected with nature. By nurturing these green spaces and promoting a deeper appreciation for biodiversity, we take an important step towards protecting our planet's future. Preserving the Botanical Gardens is essential, not only for its significance but also for the beauty it offers. With Spring in full swing, the curators eagerly anticipate the vibrant array of flowers and plants set to bloom this month, which will attract many species of butterflies and bees alike. We invite you to witness this wonder firsthand and engage in the stunning beauty of nature at San Bernardino Valley College’s Botanical Gardens.
In the words of co-curators Professor Vásquez and Dr. Lechuga, "Nature and biodiversity are active on our campus! Let's nurture our connection to the earth and biodiversity. Our Botanical Gardens are more than just gardens—they're corridors for life and opportunities and if you look carefully you might spot a bird species that you may not have seen before!".
Co-Curator Professor Tatiana Vásquez and Co-Curator Dr. Thomas Lechuga
