CLCA San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

Mission Statement
CLCA serves and protects the interests of its members, promotes professionalism, and advances public awareness of the landscape industry.

Chapter Project: 2009
Bracher Elementary School, Santa Clara

2700 Chromite Dr.
Santa Clara 95051
May 2, 2009 • 8:00 a.m. until we're finished

By James Walker, Chapter Project Chair

This year the CLCA Chapter Project is building a sustainable learning garden for kids at Bracher Elementary School in Santa Clara. The garden, which was designed by Allison Olson of Dreamscapes, will feature a learning low-water use garden and a multipurpose play area. Assisting Allison on the organizing committee are Mike Hertzer of Modern Landscaping Inc. and Barry Cohen of The Celtis Group.

The goal of the project is to provide the kids at Bracher Elementary a place to play, learn, plant, eat and grow in. The sustainable learning garden will be used to teach students about growing natives, succulents, herbs and vegetables in organic soils. The local YMCA, which has a strong after school presence at Bracher Elementary School, has agreed to maintain the garden as part of their ongoing children’s gardening program. There will also be an outdoor play space constructed using sustainable materials including interlocking retaining blocks, recycled wood, drip irrigation and plants.

Everyone at the school is very excited that CLCA has chosen their school for the project. Even the district's custodial supervisor is excited to participate. Excuse me as I preach to the choir, but having them on board is critical because long-term maintenance is so important to keeping a project going.

The space is pretty large, so we need everyone to get their butt-er lettuce moving and come out to Santa Clara. There will be food, friends, and fun to be had for all. So come on down Saturday morning, May 2, at 8 am and give freely of your time and expertise. Over the next 15 years or so, thousands of children will benefit from your generosity and from CLCA's ability to organize its membership and give back to the community, just like those wise and generous retirees. We are also counting on a fine turn out from APLD members and the Foothill Horticulture Club membership.

We are hoping to get a little media attention for our philanthropic efforts. Our message will be "licensed landscape contractors are honest, hardworking, and giving members of the community, even when the economy is offering so little." It feels good to hire a licensed landscape contractor, right? …. The truth always prevails.

Most importantly though, our membership has another chance to come together for an excellent cause, strengthen our bonds and have fun together. So many school kids will benefit if you come out and join the group.

So get your butt-er lettuce moving.
Come on out Saturday, May 2nd
8:00 am until the party is over!
Bracher Elementary School
2700 Chromite Drive
Santa Clara, CA 95051

Questions?
Contact James Walker, Chapter Project Chair at Landsculpt@earthlink.net