Botanic Garden Community Outreach

Tours and Activities

The Mills College Botanic Garden aims to share its educational value and beauty with the larger community, through educational tours, activities and workshops. Throughout each year, various Mills College and community groups participate in educational tours and activities. Tours can cover general botanical interests within the Botanic Garden, or can be modified to cover specific interests and concepts. Groups which regularly participate in Botanic Garden tours include the Julia Morgan School for Girls and the Mills College Children's School. Groups from other botanic gardens, educational institutions and community organizations also participate; for example, different elderly care facilities have engaged in "Horticultural Therapy" activities which aim to increase the wellbeing and health of participants. Tours can be of any length, can include hands-on activities and can be arranged for groups of any age and size. To learn more about tour and activity opportunities, contact the Botanic Garden Coordinator at cmcwhort@mills.edu or 510.430.2230.

Community Garden

The Mills College Community Garden is as much an outcome of positive human collaboration as it is a vibrant garden space, reflecting natural design patterns and earth-based sensibilities. Everyone connected to Mills College- students, staff, faculty, alumnae, family members, and broader community members- are welcome to participate. No previous gardening knowledge is necessary, and most medical/physical needs can be met. Campus insects, birds and other creatures also participate. The Community Garden is located within the Mills College Botanic Garden (at the end of Post Road, next to the new Natural Science Building). Check the campus calendar for the initial Garden Gathering each semester, during which previous and new participants connect, share visions and agree on the semester's schedule for garden gatherings (commonly held twice a month on Fridays). If interested, please try to make this gathering.