A crowd gathered at the Student Union for a short presentation and briefing before walking to the Nature Preserve at Los Medanos College’s Pittsburg campus to plant California native plants. The event took place Nov. 19 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Ricardo Black, the caretaker of the Nature Preserve, ran and instructed the event, with Student Life and Equity providing light refreshments and sponsoring the gardening event. 

Black gave a short presentation on native plants and the environmental crisis in California. He stressed the importance of caring for nature by planting native plants. After the briefing, they went down to the nature preserve to plant native plants. Ocho Young, an LMC student, found the presentation engaging and educational. 

“The presentation is cool. Helping others helps you learn more about the crisis and how we can reverse the damage that’s been done. We know we’re replacing the bad habits with good habits just so we can come together as people,” said Young.

The students started by clearing the topsoil to reveal the dirt beneath. Then they dug a foot deep before planting the seedlings. They planted plants like Monkey flower, Irish mint, Oak trees, white sage and many more . Emalee Aymar enjoyed the event, as she tilled the land and planted native plants.

“I think it’s a great event, I think it’s essential, and I’m glad that we’re out here planting native plants to help the environment. I think it’s super beneficial and needed, and a lot more people should be educated on it,” Aymar said.

Other students raked the pathways and kept them clean from fallen leaves and branches. Everyone lent a helping hand in maintaining the nature preserve and planting native foliage. They used stirrup hoes to clear away the top soil and prep the dirt for the plants. They also raked away leaves and foliage to reveal the dirt path throughout the nature preserve. Young dug a one foot hole to plant a oak tree sapling. 

The garden session with Black provided students with an opportunity to learn more about nature and to participate in keeping their environment. For more information about the nature preserve and to sign up to take care of the preserve, contact Ricardo Black at [email protected].