College/University

A red brick pathway zigzags the rooftop of the Native American Student and Community Center (NASCC), traversing through seven beds of native plants. The fully-accessible path passes through cascading terraces of grasses, shrubs and flowers. Species include elderberry, oregon grape, kinnikinnick, salal, sedum, native roses, lupine and reeds. Just southwest of NASCC, native plants with medicinal and cultural uses  cover the I-405 overpass through a partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

This block-long collection of native plants was restored from an ivy patch in the 1990s by students in the Environmental Studies department and Environmental Club. Over the years, this space has grown to showcase a variety of beneficial plants including Oregon Iris, Salal, Spirea, many types of ferns, Showy Milkweed, and Red-Osier Dogwood. Because these plants are adapted to our local climate, the garden rarely needs watering. Stop by to experience nature in the city.

The Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) is a California-based nonprofit that builds sustainable food and farming systems through local and statewide policy advocacy and on-the-ground programs in an effort to initiate institutionalized change. CAFF’s programs address current problems and challenges in food and farming systems, creating more resilient family farms, communities and ecosystems. CAFF works to support family farmers and serves community members within the state, including consumers, food service directors, school children and low-income populations.

The overall mission of our program is to open the minds of our students with an interactive learning experience that brings them outdoors and connects them with the natural environment. We will use the interaction and involvement of the students to help make their learning impactful. We truly bring the FUN into each learning experience!