Middlebrook Center California Native Garden Foundation

The California Native Garden Foundation (CNGF) is a non-profit organization based in San Jose, California. With eleven members, the foundation is dedicated to promoting the use of native plants in landscaping and gardening. CNGF offers educational programs and resources to the public, aiming to raise awareness about the benefits of native species. CNGF provides a range of education services, including classes, lectures, and workshops on various topics related to native plant gardening. These workshops cover subjects such as water-wise gardening techniques, achieving year-round color in gardens, designing native plant gardens, and cultivating edible native plants. The foundation also operates the Middlebrook Center, a unique educational space that houses both CNGF and the Environmental Laboratory for Sustainability and Ecological Education (ELSEE). ELSEE serves as a model for schools worldwide, demonstrating the potential of using gardens as outdoor classrooms. Students and teachers are welcome to visit the garden, participate in hands-on learning experiences, and enjoy a nutritious lunch prepared using produce grown on-site. For further information on CNGF's programs and initiatives, please visit their website at cngf.org.